Mikhail Bulgakov: "A dog's heart/Heart of a dog".

From reviews:

"Set in 1920's Moscow, "A dog's heart/ Heart of a dog" (depending on which translation you read), is a sharp, funny, and thought-provoking novella about science, society, and what it means to be human. Bulgakov uses wit and satire to explore how idealism and experimentation can go unexpectedly awry. Blending humor with social insight, the story offers a glimpse into life in early Soviet Russia while raising timeless questions about human nature and progress".

"At just over a hundred pages, this one is a quick, lively read that manages to be both entertaining and surprisingly relevant today". That should sound re-assuring for those members who (tried to) read and discuss his "The Master and Margarita"....