Let's Put the Future Behind Us

Let's Put the Future Behind Us follows Max Borodin, a former Soviet bureaucrat turned entrepreneur navigating the chaos of 1990s post-Soviet Russia. Set against a backdrop of economic upheaval and social transformation, the story tracks Max's dealings with Moscow's new power players - oligarchs, gangsters, and political extremists. The novel emerged from Jack Womack's 1992 visit to Russia during the immediate aftermath of the Soviet Union's collapse. Originally connected to a film project involving William Gibson and director Rashid Nugmanov, Womack's week-long trip provided the raw material for this work of speculative fiction, which he completed in 1995. Through dark humor and sharp observation, the narrative captures the wild transition from communist control to unfettered capitalism. The story depicts a society where former party officials become business tycoons, criminal enterprises operate openly, and ultra-nationalist groups vie for influence. The book stands as a commentary on power, corruption, and the human capacity to adapt to radical social change. It examines how individuals reshape their identities when long-standing systems collapse and new orders emerge.

Readers describe the book as a dark satire of post-Soviet Russia in the 1990s, noting its blend of crime fiction and social commentary. Reviews emphasize the cynical humor and absurdist elements. Readers appreciated: - The authenticity of depicting Moscow's chaotic transition period - Dark humor and satirical observations - Complex cast of morally ambiguous characters Common criticisms: - Confusing plot that's hard to follow - Too many characters to keep track of - Russian names and references can be difficult for English readers - Pacing issues in the middle sections Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (189 ratings) Amazon: 3.5/5 (12 ratings) Several readers compared the style to William Gibson and Martin Cruz Smith. One reviewer noted it "captures the wild west atmosphere of post-Soviet capitalism." Multiple readers mentioned struggling with the dense writing style but finding the cultural observations worthwhile.

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🔹 The novel's title comes from a Russian saying that mockingly refers to the post-Soviet tendency to completely discard the past while rushing headlong into an uncertain future. 🔹 Jack Womack visited Russia in 1991 on a cultural exchange program, just months before the collapse of the Soviet Union, giving him rare firsthand insights into this pivotal historical moment. 🔹 The book's portrayal of former Communist officials becoming capitalists mirrors real events like the "loans for shares" scheme of 1995-96, which created several Russian oligarchs overnight. 🔹 During the period depicted in the novel (early 1990s), Russia's GDP fell by roughly 40%, creating precisely the kind of chaotic economic environment the book describes. 🔹 The novel belongs to Womack's "Dryco series" - a collection of loosely connected books set in alternate histories, though this particular installment stands alone and is his most grounded in real historical events.