Inga Kuznetsova

Iznanka

Inside Out Novel. AST. Moscow 2020. 130 pages

A novel written from the perspective of a SARS-CoV-2 virus – self-aware, curious about the world, and genuinely fond of human beings.

«Inside Out» retraces how the coronavirus spreads across the world, drawing on conspiracy theories as well as the official facts. Soon after waking up inside the body of a bat, the virus is genetically enhanced in a scientific lab from which it accidentally escapes, soon to infect humans. As it passes from host to host, readers share its unusual perspective on our own biology and psychology: we’re on the inside looking out, with a tiny invader who genuinely loves humans – while destroying them.

On its travels, the virus meets ordinary people with their personal problems, dramas and love stories, and even a homicidal maniac. Step by step deciphering the thoughts, memories, emotions and motivations stored in the cells of its hosts the virus also gets to know itself better. And understands that all living beings on earth seem to share a common fate.

This radical book is turning our worldview upside down and inside out. A hyperrealistic parable about the current state of our planet, offering questions about a new ethic which applies not just to humans, but to all living beings.

• A newspaper interview with the author about her novel INSIDE OUT (in English translation) - READ HERE