The Soviet Union in 1983: If you want to get ahead, don't succeed too much. Made in Yaroslavl follows two shameless fraudsters, forerunners of the present day Russian gangsters, as they scour the Soviet Union in 1983 in search of the essential ingredients of the renowned Yaroslavl pickled cucumber. The book shows how, under a repressive system of government, it is very hard for the average human to remain honest. It is even harder for our two heroes, who must face down the triple threat of jealous rivals, the mysterious Guild of Master Picklers and the humble pickle worm. Throughout these escapades, they keep up their spirits by inventing new ways to insult the intelligence of each other and of anyone else who will listen. Made in Yaroslavl is a brilliant satire that takes you on a rip-roaring adventure through the heart of the Soviet Empire and back to Yaroslavl. It introduces us to the debonair Sergei Rekunkov, a factory boss and a soviet anti-hero who beats the system. AUTHOR: Regarding his own background, Jeremy Weingard says, ?In the past, my kin have fought Cossacks, serially deserted from the Russian army, and even turned Communist on occasion, usually once safely located somewhere like Leeds. My own contribution to the fate of the Russian people will be revealed in my memoirs'.
