Peltse and Pentameron

In the tradition of Soviet social realism, these two stories focus on the unexceptional lives of ordinary workers and an occasional Party hero. Dibrova's outlook, however, is as antipathetic to that of the social realists as possible, turning the Socialist vision on its head. Building on a deeply cynical subtext of compromised desires and illicit hopes and fears, he unleashes his considerable talents in dazzling fantasy and humor. ""Pentameron"" is an excellent example of his style, relating a day's worth of events and thoughts engulfing the five-member translation department of a scientific institute. Dibrova layers details as thick as a de Kooning painting, and as startlingly juxtaposed. Fragments from each person's stream of consciousness, commentary and memories interject themselves into an unending telephone conversation and the plodding work of the office and its intrusive visitors. The shorter story, ""Peltse,"" encapsulates the life of a petty Party cadre. In fast-forwards, flashbacks and through very quick cuts, Peltse's childhood, rise to abusive power, disgrace and ignominious death unravel like a high-camp spaghetti western. Dibrova should not be missed, not just because he inhabits the vanguard of Ukrainian writing, but because his observations, creativity and wit are exhilarating fun. (Dec.) FYI: Dibrova was featured in From Three Worlds: New Writing from the Ukraine (Zephyr), edited by Ed Hogan (Forecasts, Sept. 16).