In a sense, the entire recent history of Russia resembles one continuous stand-up (it’s good that it’s not a sitdown yet). This is precisely the thought that comes to mind when meeting the adventures of the residents of the city of K. Reasons for laughter are scattered throughout all pages of the story without exception. There are different ways to laugh: sometimes mischievously, sometimes bitterly. For some, the fictional place above the great Russian river will remind one of a very specific settlement, for others, they will see in it the features of many provincial cities. Both will be right. The author is convinced that serious things can and should be written in different ways, including as in “The History of the City of K.” What do you think?..