People person: the greatness of Andrey Platonov
Andrey Platonov, a celebrated Russian writer born in 1899, is known for his diverse characters and deep exploration of human emotions. Despite challenges, his enduring narratives reflect love, endurance, and societal struggles.
Read original articleAndrey Platonov, a renowned Russian writer, is celebrated for his creation of diverse and compelling characters. Born in 1899, he grappled with the complexities of Soviet society, facing challenges due to his refusal to conform to state expectations in his writing. Platonov's work, including novels like Chevengur and The Foundation Pit, showcases his unique style and deep exploration of human emotions. Despite facing criticism and limited publication during his lifetime, his stories have endured and continue to resonate with readers. Platonov's narratives often depict themes of love, endurance, and the search for wholeness in a troubled world. Critics praise his ability to capture the essence of Russian society, portraying individuals as collective orphans struggling in a changing landscape. Through his poignant storytelling, Platonov invites readers to reflect on the human condition and the power of connection amidst adversity.
Related
Stalin, Eisenstein, Walt Disney and Ivan the Terrible (1992)
Stalin disapproved Eisenstein's Ivan the Terrible film due to its portrayal of a tyrant, facing suppression until after Stalin's death. Eisenstein admired Disney's animation despite ideological differences, highlighting artistic challenges under Soviet censorship.
Story of USSR's First Surfer
Nikolai Petrovich Popov, the first Russian surfer, defied Soviet restrictions in the 1960s to surf. Inspired by Jack London, he surfed in Crimea, California, and explored new breaks in Russia.
Pranksters reveal odes to Putin were Russian translations of Nazi verse
Pranksters in Russia exposed patriotic poems praising Putin as Nazi verses. The fictitious poet, Rakitin, revealed the similarities between Russian propaganda and fascist ideologies. The creators disclosed the hoax to unveil the dark side of Putin's supporters and the war.
Ismail Kadare Obituary
Ismail Kadare, a renowned Albanian writer, died at 88. His vast literary contributions critiqued authoritarian regimes, delving into Albanian history and identity. Kadare's unique style intertwined history with allegory, earning international acclaim.
The Joy of Reading Books You Don't Understand
The article explores the joy of reading complex books despite not fully understanding them. It encourages embracing uncertainty, exploring diverse genres, and appreciating narratives for their unique perspectives and storytelling styles.
> Expurgation. An expurgation of a work, also known as a bowdlerization or fig-leaf edition, is a form of censorship that involves purging anything deemed noxious or offensive from an artistic work or other type of writing or media
It wasn't clear if original version existed? I think of the bukowski mess
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/arts/poetry/bukowksis-poems-wer...
Vladimir Sorokin wrote that he was fascinated by Platonov but soon discovered that it's too easy to imitate Platonov style.
Platonov chapter in "Blue Lard" is even more Platonov than Platonov himself.
Disregard what I said I encourage to read "Chevengur" - it's super.
However, he was not the only one, and in the end there were no others at all.
In any translation, his texts lose their meaning; now he is interesting only as another example of the work of the totalitarian selection of the “new useful people”.
And there's a cosmic scale from “The Motherland of Electricity” and “The Fierce and Beautiful World” to “The Seventh Man” and “Rubbish Wind”.
Related
Stalin, Eisenstein, Walt Disney and Ivan the Terrible (1992)
Stalin disapproved Eisenstein's Ivan the Terrible film due to its portrayal of a tyrant, facing suppression until after Stalin's death. Eisenstein admired Disney's animation despite ideological differences, highlighting artistic challenges under Soviet censorship.
Story of USSR's First Surfer
Nikolai Petrovich Popov, the first Russian surfer, defied Soviet restrictions in the 1960s to surf. Inspired by Jack London, he surfed in Crimea, California, and explored new breaks in Russia.
Pranksters reveal odes to Putin were Russian translations of Nazi verse
Pranksters in Russia exposed patriotic poems praising Putin as Nazi verses. The fictitious poet, Rakitin, revealed the similarities between Russian propaganda and fascist ideologies. The creators disclosed the hoax to unveil the dark side of Putin's supporters and the war.
Ismail Kadare Obituary
Ismail Kadare, a renowned Albanian writer, died at 88. His vast literary contributions critiqued authoritarian regimes, delving into Albanian history and identity. Kadare's unique style intertwined history with allegory, earning international acclaim.
The Joy of Reading Books You Don't Understand
The article explores the joy of reading complex books despite not fully understanding them. It encourages embracing uncertainty, exploring diverse genres, and appreciating narratives for their unique perspectives and storytelling styles.