The Life of Insects

novel by Pelevin

Also known as: “Zhizn nasekomykh”

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July 23, 2026

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Viktor Pelevin's novel The Life of Insects (Zhizn nasekomykh) is set in a dilapidated resort on the Black Sea. The narrative features two Russians and an American who experience alternating existences as humans and insects, such as dung beetles, learning valuable life lessons through this transformation. Pelevin's works often blend elements of fantasy and science fiction to explore the absurdities of contemporary Russian life. His writing is influenced by Russian authors like Nikolay Gogol and Mikhail Bulgakov, as well as international writers such as Franz Kafka.1

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Viktor Pelevin
Zhizn nasekomykh (1993; The Life of Insects) was set in a decaying resort on the Black Sea. In the novel two Russians and an American live alternately as humans and insects—for example, as dung beetles—and thereby learn valuable lessons about how to manage in life. Among Pelevin’s other…
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Zhizn nasekomykh (1993; The Life of Insects) was set in a decaying resort on the Black Sea. In the novel two Russians and an American live alternately as humans and insects—for example, as dung beetles—and thereby learn valuable lessons about how to manage in life. Among Pelevin’s other…
Read More