Books matching: st. petersburg
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- #1
Save:'White Nights' by Fyodor Dostoyevsky is a short story that follows a lonely dreamer who falls in love with a young woman in St. Petersburg. Despite her engagement to another man, the two characters share their deepest emotions over the course of a few nights, leading to a life-changing encounter. The writing style is described as deeply romantic, compelling, and melancholic, with beautiful prose capturing the emotions of the characters.
The plot of 'White Nights' revolves around themes of unrequited love, loneliness, and the longing for connection. The main character's introspective narration and the poignant dialogues with the young woman create a sense of emotional depth and vulnerability. Despite the bittersweet tone of the story, readers find the book to be a heart-touching and relatable exploration of human emotions.
It was a wonderful night, the kind of night, dear reader, which is only possible when we are young. The sky was so starry, it was such a bright sky that looking at it you could not help but ask yourse... - #2
Save:'The Man From St. Petersburg' by Ken Follett is a historical fiction and thriller set in the months leading up to World War I. The plot revolves around a secret treaty negotiation between Britain and Russia, orchestrated by Prince Orlov and the Earl of Walden, while a Russian anarchist assassin, who was once romantically involved with the countess, aims to disrupt the negotiations. The story is filled with deception, lies, and a race against time to prevent a murder, all unfolding against the backdrop of political tensions in England, France, Germany, and Russia in 1914. Despite some two-dimensional characters, the relationships and events in the book manage to bring them to life intermittently.
It was a slow Sunday afternoon, the kind Walden loved. He stood at an open window and looked across the park. The broad, level lawn was dotted with mature trees: a Scotch pine, a pair of mighty oaks, ... - #3
Save:'The Eternal Husband' by Fyodor Dostoyevsky is a novella that explores the complex relationship between two very different men, Trusotsky and Velchaninov. Trusotsky is portrayed as a drunk and feverish character, while Velchaninov is a respected and wealthy man. The story delves into their past connection through Trusotsky's deceased wife, leading to a tense and unsettling interaction between the two men. The novella is described as a dark comedy, blurring the lines between humor and horror as the characters engage in a cat-and-mouse game that escalates to a dramatic confrontation.
The narrative of 'The Eternal Husband' is praised for its psychological depth and exploration of themes such as guilt, fidelity, and the complexities of human relationships. Dostoyevsky's writing style is noted for its ability to delve into the protagonist's psyche, dissecting their inner turmoil and mental torment with intricate detail. The novella is commended for its unpredictability, ironic ending, and the way it delves into the themes of repentance, madness, and the haunting nature of past indiscretions.
- #4
Save:'A History of Future Cities' by Daniel Brook explores the economic and cultural development of four cities - St. Petersburg, Shanghai, Bombay (Mumbai), and Dubai - under various regimes, ranging from colonial rule to autocracy and communist regimes. Brook delves into the clash between East and West, tracing the origins of these cities and their transformation into global financial centers. Through detailed treatment of architecture and historical context, the author highlights the journey of urbanization and globalization, shedding light on the impact of Western influences on these cities and their inhabitants.
Brook's writing style in 'A History of Future Cities' is described as attractive and compelling, making the book a near compulsive read for those with a general interest in history. The author skillfully weaves together the stories of the four cities, showcasing their unique histories and the pivotal role they have played as gateways for global influence. By examining the dynamics of urbanization and globalization, Brook offers readers a glimpse into the intertwined past, present, and future of these evolving metropolises.
In 1697, Peter the Great, traveling incognito, arrived in Amsterdam, the richest city in the world. The cosmopolitan, canal-laced metropolis, with its narrow redbrick townhouses built atop piles in th... - #5
Save:The Same Old Story by Ivan Goncharov is a classic Russian novel set in mid-19th century Russia, following the story of Alexander Aduyev as he moves from his village to St. Petersburg in search of wealth, love, and literary success. The narrative explores themes of societal expectations, unfulfilled dreams, familial pressures, and the struggle between passion and practicality in a time of aristocratic governance and societal norms. Through detailed descriptions of parlor room discussions, chaperoned walks, and angst-ridden work, the novel paints a vivid picture of the challenges faced by the characters in navigating their desires and despair within a rigid social structure.
- #6
Save:'The Idiot' by Fyodor Dostoyevsky follows the story of Prince Myshkin, a character described as kind and good-hearted, who struggles to navigate the cynicism and complexities of the world around him. The book delves into themes of innocence, altruism, and the clash between purity and the selfishness of society. The plot is characterized by intricate storylines, philosophical dialogues, and intense character development, set against the backdrop of Russian high society in the 19th century. The writing style is praised for its elegance, character descriptions, and the ability to evoke strong emotions in readers.
Towards the end of November, during a thaw, at nine o'clock one morning, a train on the Warsaw and Petersburg railway was approaching the latter city at full speed. The morning was so damp and misty t... - #7
Save:'Poor Folk' by Fyodor Dostoyevsky is an epistolary novel that follows the correspondence between two distant cousins, Makar, an impoverished old clerk, and Varvara, a young orphaned girl living in squalid conditions in St. Petersburg. Through a series of letters, the novel delves into themes of destitution, extreme poverty, unrequited love, and the struggles of the underclass in mid-19th century Russia. The characters are portrayed with deep sensitivity and vulnerability, exposing their desperate pleas for help, their fragile emotional states, and their attempts to find dignity and hope amidst their dire circumstances.
The writing style of 'Poor Folk' is characterized by its poignant exploration of poverty, social injustices, and the inner lives of the marginalized. Dostoyevsky vividly portrays the despair and resilience of the characters through humor, irony, and wit, providing a thought-provoking and intense narrative that delves into the depths of human suffering and the complexities of relationships in a society marked by inequity and hardship.
MY DEAREST BARBARA ALEXIEVNA,—How happy I was last night—how immeasurably, how impossibly happy! That was because for once in your life you had relented so far as to obey my wishes. At about eight o'c... - #8
Save:'Tsarina' by J. Nelle Patrick is a historical fiction novel set in Russia during the early 1900s, revolving around the fall of the Russian Royal family and the impact of the Russian Revolution. The story follows Natalya, a young aristocrat, who embarks on a mission to save a Faberge egg called the Constellation, believed to hold the key to restoring the world she once knew. The writing style of the book is vivid, detailed, and descriptive, transporting readers to the cities of St Petersburg and Moscow during the tumultuous times of the 1917 communist revolution. The plot is a mix of historical facts intertwined with elements of Russian mythology, offering a unique blend of fantasy and reality that captivates the reader throughout the journey.
The musicians played a mazurka, a bright, full number, while couples danced along in the grand ballroom. It wasn’t my favorite dance—too much hopping—but at least a waltz would come next. I positioned... - #9
Save:'Notes from Underground' by Fyodor Dostoyevsky is a novella that delves into the existential crisis of the unnamed protagonist, referred to as the Underground Man. The story is presented in a diary form, exploring the protagonist's self-loathing, bitterness, and feelings of insignificance. The narrative is a mix of philosophical musings, societal critique, and introspective reflections, showcasing the protagonist's struggles with alienation and his disdain for societal norms. Dostoyevsky's writing style is described as beautiful yet painful, capturing the essence of a man living a life of terrible insignificance.
The novella is divided into two parts, with the first part focusing on the Underground Man's philosophical ramblings and the second part providing a narrative that sheds light on the protagonist's background and descent into the underground. Dostoyevsky weaves themes of free will, existentialism, and the human condition throughout the narrative, presenting a character who grapples with his own sense of identity and purpose. The book is praised for its smooth writing style, compelling storytelling, and the profound insights it offers into the complexities of human nature and societal conventions.
I am a sick person . . . A spiteful one. An unattractive person, too. I think my liver is diseased. But I don’t give a damn about my disease and in fact I don’t even know what’s wrong with me. I do no... - #10
Save:'The Double' by Fyodor Dostoyevsky revolves around the protagonist, Mr. Golyadkin, who starts seeing his doppelganger, his double, slowly taking over his life, job, and friends. As the story progresses, Mr. Golyadkin descends into madness and is eventually institutionalized. The narrative explores themes of paranoia, obsession, societal anxieties, and the blurred lines between reality and delusion. Dostoyevsky's writing style in this novella is described as chaotic, fractured, and purposely choppy, creating a sense of unease and disorientation for the reader.
It was a little before eight o'clock in the morning when Yakov Petrovitch Golyadkin, a titular councillor, woke up from a long sleep. He yawned, stretched, and at last opened his eyes completely. For ...
