The novel follows the life of a writer, Viktor Alekseyevich Zolotaryov, in a struggling post-Soviet society.

Back in Ukraine and needing a job, he starts work on the election campaign for a Mafia boss.

In return he is given information as to the whereabouts of Misha, his pet penguin, which is said to be in a zoo in Chechnya.

The Complete Review said of the novel:[1]Told in a laconic, almost off-hand way, cleverly observed, with a few neat inventions, and surprisingly solid characterization despite so little space devoted to fleshing out characters, Penguin Lost is frequently surprising and affecting.

Both comic and dark, its success stems from the fact that there's no cynicism at work here -- and little manipulation of feelings -- and it is a worthy complement to Death and the Penguin.