Mikhail Bulgakovâ s novel The Master and Margarita, set in Stalinâ s Moscow, is an intriguing work with a complex structure, wonderful comic episodes and moments of great beauty. Readers are often left tantalized but uncertain how to understand its rich meanings. To what extent is it political? Or religious? And how should we interpret the Satanic Woland? This readerâ s companion offers readers a biographical introduction, and analyses of the structure and the main themes of the novel. More curious readers will also enjoy the accounts of the novelâ s writing and publication history, alongside analyses of the workâ s astonishing linguistic complexity and a review of available English translations.