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THE MAN WHO KNEW EVERYTHING (Chelovek, kotoryi znal vsio) Novel An unexpected solution to the trite dilemma of a common man up against to the big world—from Igor Sakhnovsky, prize-winning author of The Happy and the Mad. Written in the tradition of A Hero of Our Time and set in a puzzling modern world, this brilliant new novel is destined to become a Russian classic. Alexander Bezukladnikov is trapped in total misery: he can hardly make ends meet; his beloved wife, sick and tired of poverty, dumps him for a prosperous ex- sportsman; and there is no chance for Bezukladnikov to get a better job because he is unable to keep up with the fast-changing social reality. There is nothing left to do but reach for an exposed electrical wire, hoping for a quick death. Instead, he gets a new life. After being discharged from a hospital, his scorched palms still in bandages, Bezukladnikov soon realises that he possesses a unique gift: he knows everything. The only thing he has to do to get an answer to any question, be it «how many eggs are there in the fridge?» or «where can I get half a million dollars?», is to ask himself a question. Bezukladnikov can now see anything that is happening, has happened or is yet to happen to anyone. He is supposed to be almighty—but instead, torpid and inoffensive, he becomes the prey of thugs, politicians, women, and international intelligence. Everybody pursues their own interests. Some want to use Bezukladnikov, others to kill him. But Bezukladnikov doesn't play either their game or his own. Although comparisons with Superman are there for the taking, Bezukladnikov remains a Russian Forrest Gump, unintentionally betraying the hopes of the crowd. Paradoxically, all he uses his gift for is to protect himself from those who are after him. Employing the plot of a blockbuster action thriller, the author masterfully creates a classic psychological story of an ordinary, touching, yet by no means pathetic person, who tries to assert his right to a private life. • Film rights for THE MAN WHO KNEW EVERYTHING have been sold prior to the publication. • TRANS: Italy (Il Saggiatore), France (Gallimard), Serbia (Laguna), Bulgaria • Shortlisted for the Big Book Award 2007 • Shortlisted for the Russian Booker Prize 2007 Praise for the novel:
«Sakhnovski has an innate keen eye, absolute pitch and tact, and – especially so – a deep feeling of truth».
«This «euronovel» in a strange way reminds at once of Kurkov, Benacquista and Auster… The wording, secret thoughts, literary allusions, ironic implications have been worked out exceptionally well».
«Passion and tact. Precision and perfect style. The vision that enables him to catch the subtlest nuances of feelings. Melancholy and irony. Access to the inside of being».
«Bright, detailed, vivid, tangible prose, exquisite and at the same time na?ve».
«This is a parable – yet a thriller, a thriller – yet an intellectual one».
«A masterly written intellectual thriller – and at the same time a poignant love story».
«This enveloping story drifts through us, teasing all receptors and dragging a train of your own recollections».
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