A Stranger’s Welcome to Keshnev

The Confessions of Gabriel Ash takes place during the height of the Cold War. UN Ambassador Gabriel Ash represents Keshnev, a fictional East European Communist nation (“Like Albania, but without a sense of humor”). Recalled to his adopted homeland and imprisoned in a medieval castle, Gabriel comes across a tattered guidebook, A Stranger’s Welcome to Keshnev.

Here are excerpts:

“Every house in Keshnev has a roof. Some even more than one door! Alcohol is not always a problem.”

“Goats on our farms do not complain. Like people, they are happy. It is the law to smile.”

“Everywhere in Keshnev there is total freedom to speak. OK, old joke says, but not too loud!”

“Air in Keshnev is legal and clean. Some citizens read and maybe a few can write. In this country there are many more shoe-sizes than one.”

“For centuries this city is nest to thieves and ladies from night. Babies are for sale in the Third District. Cats and dogs make yaki-yaki. Even women get allowed physical pleasure.”

“Keshnev greets visitors with our hands wide open. Look! No dagger inside coat. We smile a lot and so will you!”

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