“An enjoyable, exciting, and gratifying novel.” —New York Times
“A thoroughly good book . . . robust, imaginative, satisfying.” - Ursula K. Le Guin
“Don Rumata has been sent from Earth to the medieval kingdom of Arkanar with instructions to observe and to save what he can. Masquerading as an arrogant nobleman, a dueler, and a brawler, he is never defeated, but yet he can never kill. With his doubt and compassion, and his deep love for a local girl named Kira, Rumata wants to save the kingdom from the machinations of Don Reba, the first minister to the king. But given his orders, what role can he play? This long overdue translation will reintroduce one of the most profound Soviet-era novels to an eager audience. ”
Note: This translation by Olena Bormashenko is the one we recommend. Other versions are English translations of a bad German translation.