Descrizione
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(as of Feb 09, 2025 08:57:35 UTC – Details)
In the Ukrainian capital Kiev (‘the City’), life has become frightening and fragile. Bulgakov’s first full-length novel is set in the harsh and chaotic winter of 1918-19, as power struggles start to play out with brutal consequences. Echoing Tolstoy’s approach in War and Peace, Bulgakov contrasts the concerns of domestic life with the wide-ranging and destructive historical events; but where Tolstoy’s structure is clear, Bulgakov interweaves narrative, details of military action, snatches of songs, dreams, dialogue and fragments of thought to capture this swirl of confusion on every level, as those caught in the middle of circumstances beyond their control try to ground themselves. Suffering, tragedy and savagery are set out unflinchingly, but the bleakness is offset by a recognition of the resilience of the human spirit, and of the qualities of loyalty and principle–all embodied by the Turbin family. The novel begins and ends with a view of the night sky: beyond the chaos, beauty is still there to see.
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M. A. Seifter –
This early novel written by Mikhail Bulgakov is a tremendous, suggestive read, and before the reader undertakes to dive into his more famous literary landmark, “The Master and Margarita”, he should sample the waters with “The White Guard”. Depicting the travails of the Turbin family in Kiev, “the City”, in precariously independent Ukraine the year following the Russian Revolution, this novel counterposes an eloquent picture of one family’s serene and privileged comforts chez eux with, outside their little household, the descending storm of impending Bolshevik invasion, political chaos ( Russian Bolsheviks vs. “White Guardist supporters of the tsarist autocracy vs. German soldiers aligned with the temporarily ruling Cossack Hetman vs. Ukrainian partisans led by Simon Petlyura), military devastation of Kiev (How familiar this sounds to today!) and general economic disaster. The translator has presented a suggestive, eloquent translation of this work, which operates on a narrative basis of realism crossed with impressionistic flashes. What is more, he includes a biographical summary of Bulgakov’s life and career, along with a summary treatment of his major works, in prose and drama. Well worth a purchase; this book will provide a splendid entree into this important writer’s literature and life.
Chaddie –
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Good story and excellent translation
Kindle Customer –
Fiction but true to life. Story of a Russian/Ukranian family caught between the retreating German Army, the feared arrival of the Red Army and the Ukrainian peasants who would support the reds. As middle-class people they supported the Tsar.. The action takes place in 1917 when the Germans were involved in WW1. This is a moving depiction of ordinary citizens caught in the chaos of civil war. Of course the Ukraine was won by the Reds The action takes place in Ukraine. . The author Bulgakov also wrote A Young Doctor’s Notebook, a heart-rending, heart warming book.And a very funny TV series.
Richard Armin –
Bulgakov describes the horror of this war 100 years ago to achieve independence from Moscow. My own father escaped and came to Canada in 1921.
Gwizmo –
The ideals expressed and inspired, but after the tsarist government is removed, what fills the void … and how long would they have to wait for it to be established?First who will establish it? The idealistic Bolscheviks (Trotsky) seem to be busy elsewhere while the White Guard, including the Turbin family, and mixed WWI veterans and student cadets, simply trying to preserve their homes against Petlyura, the perceived demon tyrant, Cossacks, and Hetman waves trying to establish dominance and cleansing ahead of new government.Bulgakov brings all this to life with dissident artistry, fear, and an unknown future.