The first time I read this helter-skelter of a novel I remember secretly crossing myself just in case….for Bulgakov’s masterpiece takes the reader to meet a very human Jesus in the midst of Soviet Russia with a retinue of cats and clowns all owned by Satan. And Satan takes a bow and offers up a witnessed acccount of Christ to a disabelieving rationalist who promptly loses his head and has to endure the end he has always believed in: nothingness for all time. Any attempt to paraphrase the novel reduces its energy and light. It races along provoking and delighting…and scaring as the pranks become wilder and only the secular love of Margarita for her beloved ‘lost’ master can save anyone….
Makes most novels appear unimaginative and dull. This challeges all comfort zones!!!
‘Jesus did exist, you know. ‘
…It’s not a question of having an attitude,’ replied the strange professor.’ He existed, that’s all there is to it.’
…There’s no need for any proof,’ answeed the professor. In a low voice, his foreign accent vanishing altogether, he began: ‘It’s very simple- ealry in the morning on the fourteenth of the spring month of Nisan the Procurator of Judaea, Pontius Pilate, in a white cloak lined with blood -red…’