S.N.U.F.F.

Summary

The novel «S.N.U.F.F.» is set in a dystopian future where the world is divided into two societies: the elite mega-city of Big Byz and the impoverished lands of Urkaina. The protagonist, Demyan-Landulf Damilola Karpov, works as a drone operator, creating S.N.U.F.F. — videos capturing scenes of violence and war, used to manipulate public opinion. Through his story, Pelevin explores themes of media, power, morality, and human nature, illustrating how technology and information can be used to control and suppress the masses.

Main Ideas

• A future world divided into two societies: the elite, high-tech 'Big Byz' and the primitive, barbaric 'Urk'.
• Manipulation of mass consciousness through media and technology, creating artificial conflicts to control society.
• The concept of 'S.N.U.F.F.' as a tool for generating and spreading violence and fear, used to maintain power.
• Critique of modern society, consumerism, and the degradation of human values.
• Exploration of the nature of love and human relationships under conditions of total control and manipulation.

Historical Context and Significance

Victor Pelevin's novel «S.N.U.F.F.» is a satirical work that delves into themes of media manipulation, social injustice, and the degradation of human values in a post-apocalyptic world. The book has a significant impact on contemporary Russian literature as it raises important questions about the role of media in shaping public opinion and moral norms. Pelevin uses elements of dystopia and science fiction to create a dark yet metaphorically rich vision of the future, making the novel relevant and significant for understanding modern social and cultural processes.

Main Characters and Their Development

• Damilola Karpov - the main character of the book, a drone operator filming S.N.U.F.F. (Special Newsreel Universal Feature Film). He works for a corporation that creates and distributes video content about wars and conflicts. Damilola gradually becomes aware of the immorality of his work and begins to question the righteousness of his actions.
• Kaya - a girl from Urkaina with whom Damilola develops a romantic relationship. She represents the opposite of Damilola, living in a world of poverty and violence. Kaya helps Damilola see the world from a different perspective and rethink his values.
• Bigger - a colleague and friend of Damilola, also a drone operator. He is more cynical and pragmatic than Damilola and does not experience moral qualms about his work. His character serves as a contrast to the protagonist, highlighting his internal conflicts.
• Victoria - Damilola's boss, a representative of the corporation he works for. She embodies the soulless bureaucratic system, interested only in profit and control over information. Victoria plays a crucial role in the plot, pushing Damilola to undertake increasingly immoral tasks.

Style and Technique

Victor Pelevin's novel «S.N.U.F.F.» is characterized by a satirical and postmodern style. The author uses complex metaphors and allegories to critique modern society and political systems. The language of the work is rich with neologisms, jargon, and technical terms, emphasizing the book's futuristic atmosphere. Pelevin actively employs ironic and sarcastic techniques, creating multilayered meanings and prompting the reader to reflect on the reality of the events. The structure of the novel is nonlinear, including inserted novellas and fragments that mimic various media formats such as blogs, news, and video recordings. This underscores the theme of an information society and the manipulation of consciousness.

Interesting Facts

• The book is a dystopia depicting a future world divided into two classes: the elite living in high-tech cities and the impoverished population residing in devastated lands.
• The title of the book is an acronym for «Special Newsreel/Universal Feature Film».
• The book explores themes of mind manipulation and information warfare, where media play a key role in controlling society.
• The main character, Demyan-Landulf Durnovo, works as a drone operator filming staged military conflicts for the entertainment of the elite.
• The plot of the book touches on issues of morality, ethics, and human nature under conditions of total control and lack of personal freedom.
• The book contains numerous references to contemporary culture and politics, making it a satirical work.

Book Review

Victor Pelevin's «S.N.U.F.F.» is a satirical dystopian novel that explores themes of media manipulation, war, and human nature. Critics note that Pelevin masterfully creates a future world where information technology and virtual reality play a key role in governing society. At the center of the plot is drone operator Damilola Karpov, who films and sells scenes of violence for the entertainment of the elite. The book raises questions about morality, ethics, and the limits of human cruelty. Pelevin employs his signature style, blending philosophical reflections with dark humor and irony, making the novel deep and multilayered. Some critics believe that the author has succeeded in creating a powerful allegory of modern society, where media and power are closely intertwined, and human life is devalued. However, there are those who criticize Pelevin for excessive cynicism and darkness, which may deter some readers. Overall, «S.N.U.F.F.» is a provocative and intellectually rich book that prompts reflection on the future of humanity and the role of technology in our lives.