Moscow in the 1930s is a symbol of Soviet paradise; a fairy-tale capital where, in Stalin's words, 'life has become better, life has become merrier". Beautiful, passionate, Moscow Chestnova bears her captial's name, and seeks the happiness it promises. She flits from man to man, fascinated by the brave new world supposedly taking shape around her, on a quest for the better life.

This anarchic satire is accompanied by related works - short stories, an essay and a screenplay - and in Robert Chandler's acclaimed new translations, Platonov's extraordinary prose and original vision can at last be experienced.