It was begun all that I heard somewhere about this novel as an obligatory program for reading in France and that this "Picnic on ice" was recognized as the best book of year in Switzerland. I read 252 pages of this novel for two days. As usually, the events by Kurkov are happened very promptly and certainly, Kiev is again clearly.

Shortly about plot... The journalist, Victor Zolotaryov gets to circulation of unpleasant events without wishing. The editor-in-chief of one Kiev's newspaper lets have to the hero of novel to write the obituaries for live people.These people are rather appreciable: politicians, general directors of large factories, etc. The journalist is not absolutely from this world, therefore he can't to understand to the end what such activity may lead. There is one more touching hero of the novel - a royal penguin Misha. Victor Zolotaryov took care of him when the Kiev zoo gave out hungry animals for all who can support them. I liked the description of the picnics on ice: the penguin was took out to the frozen Dnepr, the holes were searched left after fishermen in order Misha could gambol in ice water which is so necessary for it.

Generally, the main hero is always under someone's pressure. Sometimes it is sincerely a pity, but such personages are enough in our world. In my opinion, Kurkov has more stronger things.