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Doctor Zhivago
704 pages, 2011
fiction
1382 booksIn 1957, when this novel was published, the Soviet government disowned the book and forbade its publication within the country. This only brought more publicity to the novel from those in the West. The author, Boris Pasternak, was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1958.
The book went on to become an international best-seller. The anti-hero Dr. Yury Zhivago must come to terms with his own artistic nature amid the brutality of the Bolsheviks. Some of the most beautiful poems featured in the book were written by Dr. Zhivago himself.
In Doctor Zhivago, Boris Pasternak explores the theme of love in its many forms. He shows us that love can be a powerful force that drives us, changes us, and even helps us survive in the toughest of times. It's a beautiful reminder to cherish the love we have in our lives.
Pasternak doesn't shy away from showing the harsh realities of war. He paints a vivid picture of how war can disrupt lives, alter destinies, and cause immense suffering. It's a sobering look into the effects of war on individuals and society.
The book's protagonist, Yuri Zhivago, constantly struggles with his identity. He's torn between his love for two women, his duty as a doctor, and his passion for poetry. This struggle is something many of us can relate to, making the book a compelling read.
Pasternak's descriptions of the Russian landscape are breathtaking. He uses nature not just as a backdrop, but as a character in its own right. It's a reminder to appreciate the beauty of the world around us.
Doctor Zhivago is also a story about the quest for freedom - both personal and political. Pasternak shows us that freedom is something we should never take for granted. It's a thought-provoking message that resonates even today.
Quotes 5
Doctor Zhivago is a testament to the human spirit's resilience and the power of love in the face of adversity.
John F. Kennedy - 35th U.S. PresidentPasternak's Doctor Zhivago is a masterpiece, a timeless piece of literature that transcends borders and cultures.
Vladimir Nabokov - Russian-American NovelistDoctor Zhivago is a profound exploration of the human condition, a work of great depth and complexity.
Harold Bloom - Literary CriticDoctor Zhivago is a powerful narrative that captures the tumultuous history of Russia with poetic beauty and intense emotion.
Susan Sontag - Writer, FilmmakerDoctor Zhivago is a monumental work, a novel that speaks to the enduring power of love and the human spirit.
Salman Rushdie - British Indian Novelist
