What we’re about
**All readings and discussions in English**
This is a group for anyone who wants to tackle the great works of Russian (and sometimes greater European) literature with a group of other readers. We'll begin with the origins of "modern" Russian lit in the 19th century and move through key works of Russian imperial, Soviet, and contemporary literature (as well as some lesser-known gems) by writers that include: Pushkin, Goncharov, Gogol, Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, Babel, Bulgakov, and Nabokov. Those who can read the works in the original Russian are welcome to do so. No prior experience in the topic is necessary.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- 4 by Gogol: "Nevsky Prospect," "Diary of a Madman," "The Nose," "The Overcoat"Link visible for attendees
We will tackle four of Nikolai Gogol's most famous Petersburg tales: “Nevsky Prospect,” “Diary of a Madman,” “The Nose” and “The Overcoat", which are widely available in different translations, including several in the public domain that can be easily found online.
Nikolai Gogol (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikolai_Gogol) (1809-1852) was a Ukrainian-born dramatist, novelist and short story writer. While his initial works focused on Ukrainian culture and folklore, his later works satirized corruption and bureaucracy in the Russian empire. Gogol is best known for a series of short stories written after his arrival in St. Petersburg that are imbued with elements of the surreal ("The Nose," "The Overcoat," "Nevsky Prospect"); Dostoevsky famously said that all subsequent Russian writers "came out from Gogol's overcoat." Becoming deeply religious in his later life, Gogol adopted an ascetic lifestyle and died of self-imposed starvation at the age of 42.
- Lev Tolstoy - Anna Karenina (parts 1-2) *IN-PERSON EVENTTBD (Washington DC), Washington, DC
Completed in 1877, Anna Karenina tells the story of the fall of a high-society woman after she commits adultery with a dashing young cavalry officer. Above all, the novel explores what it means to be happy, as introduced by its famous opening lines: "All happy families are alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way."
We will be tackling Anna Karenina in a series of in-person meetings - posting them now to give people time to read ahead. Please note we may need to adjust a meeting date by a week or two due to work travel.
