Andrei Kaplan

Andrei is the novel’s protagonist and narrator. He was born in Russia, but his family moved to the United States when he was six years old. At the time of the story, he is almost 30 years old. He has completed a PhD in Russian literature, but he has not substantive job prospects. At the request of his older brother Dima, Andrei goes to Russia to help take care of their 89-year-old grandmother, Seva. Andrei struggles to adapt to life in Moscow. He feels isolated, and he struggles to make social connections. However, he eventually befriends members of a group called October, which is dedicated to studying socialism and protesting the Russian government.

While not working or socializing, Andrei spends time with Seva and tends to her needs. Despite Andrei’s distractedness and Seva’s dementia, they gradually form a close bond. However, when Andrei is offered...