Book: Rates of Exchange

"Rates of Exchange" by Malcolm Bradbury is a satirical novel that takes readers on a comical journey into the heart of Eastern Europe during the final decades of the Cold War. The story follows Dr. Angus Petworth, a British linguistics professor, who travels to the fictional communist country of Slaka to attend a cultural conference. As Petworth navigates the peculiar customs and bureaucracy of this mysterious land, he encounters an array of eccentric characters, including zealous officials, eccentric artists, and beguiling translators. Through his eyes, the novel humorously explores themes of miscommunication, cultural misunderstandings, and the absurdities of political systems. Bradbury's sharp wit and keen observational skills illuminate the tangled web of international politics and human interaction, delivering a narrative filled with irony and insight. Delving into the contrasts between East and West, "Rates of Exchange" paints a vivid picture of a world teetering on the brink of change, where language and society are in constant negotiation, making it a poignant reflection on the nature of human connection and the barriers that divide us.