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- Lev Tolstoy - Anna Karenina (parts 1-2) *IN-PERSON EVENTLaw offices of Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman Llp, 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.
- Victor Pelevin: Blue Lantern (short stories)Link visible for attendees
We have received multiple suggestions to read something by Victor Pelevin, so we will meet online to discuss the short story collection "Blue Lantern":
"For Victor Pelevin's short prose the main cycle-forming principle is the subjective mystical-philosophical orientation common to all the stories. The title of Pelevin's first collection was given by the story of the same name "Blue Lantern", where the image of the blue lantern acts as a symbol of the netherworld, or rather the illusory border between the two worlds. The image of the blue lantern is found in most of the stories in the cycle.
Victor Pelevin became very well known in Russia and then outside of Russia in the 90s for satirical and absurdist post-modern prose. Here is some background on Pelevin.
- Lev Tolstoy - Anna Karenina (parts 3-4) *IN-PERSON EVENTLaw offices of Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman Llp, 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.
