I know nothing about Russian literature, history, Judaism, doves or the word "pogrom", but it doesn't matter at all. This is great, important, heart-wrenching but accessible writing. And a bit funny at that. As Englander points out, Babel was the Woody Allen of his time and place.It's rare to find myself talking back to podcasts of short stories, but I kept finding myself saying out loud, "Oh NO!" during this story. It has a way of drawing you in. The narrator Nathan Englander's enthusiasm for the piece is also contagious, and his discussion at the end really inspiring. Don't be intimidated if you're new to Russian lit. Just google the word "pogrom" and you'll be fine.