The Diminutive of Franzia is "The Franz"

It was a confluence of names and history at the home of little Chrinivyet and Charitizi, a manor on the outskirts of old Sugarhood. Chrystovok and Banya brought their fine company, Carringya made a dip of black beans and the fires of revolution. Andrenichka brought a box of the Franz, a delicate vintage, chilled by the snows of the winter night, and Kellikov sat on a stool like a proper gentleman--I'm sorry, I continually forget they are 'Comrades" now. And the heady assemblage had gathered to discuss the life and times of on Yuri Andreyevich Zhivago, Yura in his youth, but Doctor Zhivago to history.

As everyone was brought up to speed on the historical background of Zhivago's Russia, talks blossomed in many directions. After the party clarified certain relationships within the novel, they went on to discuss the ominousness of the history pressing in on the characters, the way they seem swept up by events, yet do not notice. The way the novel straddles two eras was discussed, with it's Victorian characters unaware that their Victorian concerns were rapidly become outdated, and the way the novel seemed both modern and old at once. And, of course, politics, as inseparable from an intelligent gathering now as then, came up, Zhivago's in particular.

But the story of little Yura is not yet done, and neither is the gathering of the Fanzisheviks (sometimes drinking Reds, at other times Whites). What dip will Carrikevshika bring next, and will Babushiknenyev actually help? What will be in Chritinikvolga's cookie box? Can Kelnyavi order his rooms in time, and will Andrinevsha simply leave the wine behind next time? Can Chriznikov and Charitchinyalkina navigate the treacherous path up 21st South¹? Such uncertain times to live in.


¹21st South: Sadovaya 21st South