Nina Nikolajewna Berberowa Book order

The first English translation of celebrated Russian writer Nina Berberova's debut novel: an intense story of family conflict.

The collection features a variety of human emotions, blending humor and sadness in its narratives. Berberova's storytelling is highlighted for its grace and subtlety, drawing comparisons to the renowned Chekhov. Each story showcases her literary prowess, offering readers a deep and poignant exploration of the human experience.

Baroness Maria Ignatievna Zakrevskaya Benckendorff Budberg hailed from the Russian aristocracy and lived in the lap of luxury-until the Bolshevik Revolution forced her to live by her wits. Thereafter her existence was a story of connivance and stratagem, a succession of unlikely twists and turns. Intimately involved in the mysterious Lockhart affair, a conspiracy which almost brought down the fledgling Soviet state, mistress to Maxim Gorky and then to H.G. Wells, Moura was a woman of enormous energy, intelligence, and charm whose deepest passion was undoubtedly the mythologization of her own life

Set against the backdrop of post-revolutionary Russia, the novel follows Vera, a young woman grappling with her life in exile in Paris. The narrative begins with the suicide of her childhood friend, Sam Adler, prompting Vera to reflect on her past and the choices that led her to her current existence with a demanding husband. Through Vera's poignant memories and struggles, the author explores themes of loss, belonging, and the enduring nature of happiness, showcasing the raw realities of life in exile with a touch of unsentimental beauty.

Set against the backdrop of post-Revolution Russia and the vibrant life in Paris, the story follows three sisters—Dasha, Sonia, and Zai—each navigating their unique paths shaped by their father's influence and their personal aspirations. Dasha seeks a bourgeois life in Africa, Zai dreams of the arts, while Sonia faces a tragic turn after her academic pursuits. Opening with a harrowing scene of violence, the narrative shifts in mood and perspective, culminating in the impending threat of war, showcasing Berberova's literary prowess and emotional depth.

The biography explores the life of Aleksandr Blok, a prominent figure in the Symbolist Movement and a significant modern Russian poet. It highlights his transition from a detached aristocrat to an ardent supporter of the Russian Revolution, reflecting a profound shift in his poetry from mysticism to historical engagement. Written by Nina Berberova, the account captures the tumultuous experiences of the Russian intelligentsia during revolutionary upheaval, offering insights into Blok's emotional complexities, artistic passion, and public persona with clarity and depth.

Records Nina Berberova's life in St Petersburg before and during the Russian Revolution, then her life in Paris, where she was central to the influential literary Russian emigre circle which included Akhmatova, Gorky, Nabokov, Pasternak and Svetaeva.