I loved this satirical little tale. There was both a well researched account of the vicissitudes of Empirical Russian provincial political life and a little window into the heart of man. I found it both highly amusing and historically interesting. Apparently Akunin has said that the problems that Russia faces now closely resemble or at least can take lessons from 19th century Russia. I am looking forward to reading more of Akunin's work. His less satirical and more historical works; Turkish Gambit and The State Councillor, I have heard, have been made into excellent movies.