Doctor Zhivago by Boris Pasternak

Description

“Doctor Zhivago” is a novel written by Russian author Boris Pasternak. It was first published in Italy in 1957 and later translated into numerous languages. The novel is set against the backdrop of the Russian Revolution and the subsequent Russian Civil War, which occurred from 1917 to the early 1920s. The story spans several decades, beginning before World War I and ending in the 1940s.

The novel tells the story of Yuri Zhivago, a Russian physician and poet, and his experiences during a period of great political and social upheaval in Russia. Zhivago’s life and personal relationships, particularly his love affair with Lara Antipova, are interwoven with the historical events of the time.

“Doctor Zhivago” is known for its poetic and lyrical prose, as well as its exploration of themes such as love, art, and the individual’s struggle to maintain his identity and integrity in the face of the collective forces of history and revolution.

The novel faced significant controversy in the Soviet Union, where it was banned due to its critical view of the Russian Revolution and the portrayal of the government. Despite this, Boris Pasternak was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1958 for his work, which he declined under pressure from the Soviet government.

The novel’s adaptation into a film, directed by David Lean in 1965, brought it to a global audience and further cemented its place in world literature. “Doctor Zhivago” remains a classic of 20th-century literature, appreciated for its rich and poignant portrayal of human experiences during a tumultuous period in Russian history.