Igor Sakhnovsky Насущные нужды умерших - Nasushchnye nuzhdy umershikh The Inner Needs of the Dead Novel. Novy Mir, 9/1999, ca. 110 pages Shortlist National Bestseller 2006 Reclam, Leipzig Germany; Gallimard France Rosa has been there for as far back as Sidelnikow can remember. The headstrong spinster offers him refuge in her tiny room when his parents argue. She opens his eyes to the many wonders, big and small, in the world around him. When he falls in love at the end of his school career and discovers the world of passion with the adult Lora, he detaches himself from Rosa. However, the relationship brings disaster: Lora’s influential ex-lover is insanely jealous; he threatens to ruin Sidelnikow’s career prospects. When Lora realises this she ends their relationship abruptly and reluctantly. Sidelnikow is devastated. As if that were not enough, he then has to deal with Rosa’s sudden death. Dejected, he moves to a new town to study. His studies do not really interest him and he is lead astray by dubious acquaintances before Rosa suddenly puts her foot down. From then on she remains with him in his dreams – as enigmatic and headstrong as ever and incredibly lively for a dead person. Igor Sachnowski is a gifted story teller. His language is light, original and poetic; the story as touching as it is hilarious.