Penguin Lost - Andrey Kurkov

Another book by the Ukranian writer, Kurkov - a sequel to Death and the Penguin.  Quite a subtle writer.  He manages sharp social criticism while at the same time having his characters hover between being despicable and being buffoons.   The politicians are all totally corrupt, venal, (any "democratic" country that has a law protecting sitting politicians from criminal prosecution is just a kleptocracy is disguise) yet at the same time they can do things that benefit some people almost by accident.  Most of the characters seem lost at sea without any kind of compass - except perhaps vodka and cognac....