By Way of Mutual Correspondence

Anyone who served in the Soviet Army — if not received, then at least heard about such letters — a “happy soldier.” They are written by girls from the provinces hoping to catch a fiancé while he feels irresistible and independent. But not always the photograph in the letter matches the original in age and beauty. And sometimes there’s an “adult child” attached. About one such case, when the “lucky one” failed to avoid a personal-life catastrophe, and writes Voynovich. Very funny, very real, and in the end — very sad for the main character. Such are women — merciless!