At one point in Grushin’s disappointing follow-up to The Dream Life of Sukhanov
, it is observed that standing on a line is “a very efficient way of disposing of people’s time.” But however efficient, it’s never entirely enjoyable. The story, inspired by Igor Stravinsky’s 1962 return to Russia, begins in winter and follows Anna, a teacher, her musician husband, Sergei, and their son, Alexander, as the three take turns waiting on—and having their lives changed by—a line. While Anna theorizes that she is waiting for “something... to make her and her family happier,” she eventually discovers the line is for tickets to see the grand return concert of conductor Igor Selinsky, who had escaped Russia before the “Change” 37 years earlier. During the wait for the ticket kiosk to open, each family member is greatly affected by what happens on the line—romance, job loss, and arson all pop up—though, despite Grushin’s lovely writing and imagery, the narrative is hard to stick with. The twists are less than surprising, and despite the havoc that ensues, it turns out that people standing around in a queue isn’t the most exciting material. (Apr.)
