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The Story of a Life

Volumes 1–3
4.45 goodreads logo

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( 694 ratings, 105 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Story of a Life by Konstantin Paustovsky is a rich autobiographical account of the author's early years, capturing his formative experiences amidst the cultural and political changes in Russia. It reflects Paustovsky's deep appreciation for nature, art, and literature, offering a vivid depiction of the tumultuous world in which he lived. This memoir beautifully interweaves personal anecdotes with historical events, providing a nuanced glimpse into Russian life during the early 20th century.
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you appreciate vividly descriptive memoirs that bring historical periods to life through a personal lens. It may appeal to you if you're intrigued by personal stories that explore the intersection of individual experience with broader historical events. The author's rich narrative style offers an engaging glimpse into the cultural and political landscapes of his time.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

A remarkable new translation of Russia's most lauded lost classics, now in paperback.

Discover one of Twentieth-Century Russia's most lauded lost classics, now in a remarkable new translation.

Outstanding... A sparkling, supremely precious literary achievement Telegraph

One of the great Russian autobiographies, as fresh now as the day it was written - and the day it was lived Julian Barnes

In 1943, Konstantin Paustovsky, the Soviet Union's most revered author, started out on his masterwork - The Story of a Life; a grand, novelistic memoir of a life lived on the fast-unfurling frontiers of Russian history. Eventually published over six volumes, it would cement Paustovsky's reputation as the voice of Russia around the world, and see him nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature.

Taking its reader from Paustovsky's Ukrainian youth, struggling with a family on the verge of collapse and the first flourishes of creative ambition, to his experiences working as a paramedic on Russia's frontlines and then as a journalist covering the country's violent spiral into revolution, The Story of a Life offers a portrait of an artistic journey like no other.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Reviews praise The Story of a Life as a masterpiece of Russian autobiography, celebrated for its freshness and life-affirming qualities. It's lauded as a uniquely rich and moving account, beautifully translated, providing insight with integrity. The book stands out for its literary achievement, with a vibrant thirst for experience, making it a highly recommended read.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781784873097

Publisher: Vintage Publishing

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 02 March 2023

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Vintage Classics

Contributors:

  • Translated by Douglas Smith
  • Introduction by Douglas Smith

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 47.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 545g

Pages: 816

About the Author

Konstantin Paustovsky was born in Moscow in 1892, but spent his childhood in Ukraine, being schooled at Kiev's First Gymnasium. After serving as a paramedic in World War I Paustovsky worked as a journalist until he began to write the novels, short story collections and critical essays that would earn him his place as the most admired and respected figure among Russia's contemporary writers. Paustovsky began work on his autobiography, The Story of a Life, in 1943, parts of which first appeared in English translation in 1964-four years before he died.

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