Written in 1964 by two Russian brothers, Monday is an atmospheric young adult novel. It features three linked short stories translated by Andrew Bromfield, and the original delightful illustrations by Evgeny Migunov.

Set in northern Russia, the first story explains how programmer Sashka Privalov picks up two hitchhikers who work for NITWITT (National Institute for the Technology of Witchcraft and Thaumaturgy). After Sashka stays overnight at the Institute's museum, his adventures lead to his recruitment to the magical organisation. Full of strange shenanigans with few explanations, this surreal opening raises more questions than it answers.

The next story sees Privalov given caretaker duty overnight on New Year's Eve; he ends up in terrible trouble when one of the experiments hatches. The final story is an investigation into the mysterious Institute director - an individual man who exists as two copies. NITWITT's magical research programme is gradually revealed; there's also a satire of the Soviet Scientific Research Institutes, including inept administration and numerous equipment failures - which is amazingly similar to Western corporate business values of the 21st century...

Given that it was written over forty years ago in Russia, Monday's a lot more accessible than you might expect, although it is full of people drinking aerated water with syrup and officials asking to see everyone's papers. It lacks the deep characterisation required by today's sophisticated audience but its light entertainment approach is smoothly written and brimming with relevant moral lessons.

Sandy Auden