I understand where you coming from, but both Russia classics Soviet and modern authors have decent comedy pieces.
Not to mention works that are just not about suffering but life.
Not to mention works that are just not about suffering but life.
The only widely known fun book outside of Russia is Master and Margarita.
I pretty sure Chekhov (as an example) is widely known outside of Russia and he's master of short fun stories, no?
In fact I'd even say he's somewhat more popular in the West than in Russia.