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Doctor Zhivago
Pasternak, Boris Leonidovich
Adult Fiction PASTERNAK
From Library Journal:
The dramatic changes wrought by the Russian Revolution and witnessed by the author firsthand inform the style and temper of this celebrated novel, a panorama of unforgettable scenes that encompass themes of death and war, the kingdom of God, passion, creativity, freedom, and destiny. The radiant presence of Mother Russia is forever "singing in eternal memory" as physician-poet Yuri Zhivago is torn by conflicts between the old and new, embodied in his wife, Tania (the past), his mistress, Lara (the future), and his union with Marina (the present). Those who enjoyed the OscarR-winning film will discover subtleties missing from Robert Bolt's screenplay, but the complexities of plot are not easy to follow, and the Dickensian coincidences are not easy to accept. Despite its fame, the novel is not equal to those of the best Russian masters, and it is legitimate to ask whether political factors, such as the Soviet refusal of publication in 1956 and Soviet pressure for Pasternak to refuse the Nobel prize, added to its appeal. Nevertheless, Dr. Zhivago is an engrossing modern classic, and narrated brilliantly by British actor Philip Madoc (whose only lapse is an in appropriate Cockney for Russian peasants), it shines forth as an exaltation of hope and a promise of tomorrow. Recommended for all collections.Barbara Mann, Adelphi Univ., Garden City, N.Y.(c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Pasternak, Boris Leonidovich
Adult Fiction PASTERNAK
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From Library Journal:
The dramatic changes wrought by the Russian Revolution and witnessed by the author firsthand inform the style and temper of this celebrated novel, a panorama of unforgettable scenes that encompass themes of death and war, the kingdom of God, passion, creativity, freedom, and destiny. The radiant presence of Mother Russia is forever "singing in eternal memory" as physician-poet Yuri Zhivago is torn by conflicts between the old and new, embodied in his wife, Tania (the past), his mistress, Lara (the future), and his union with Marina (the present). Those who enjoyed the OscarR-winning film will discover subtleties missing from Robert Bolt's screenplay, but the complexities of plot are not easy to follow, and the Dickensian coincidences are not easy to accept. Despite its fame, the novel is not equal to those of the best Russian masters, and it is legitimate to ask whether political factors, such as the Soviet refusal of publication in 1956 and Soviet pressure for Pasternak to refuse the Nobel prize, added to its appeal. Nevertheless, Dr. Zhivago is an engrossing modern classic, and narrated brilliantly by British actor Philip Madoc (whose only lapse is an in appropriate Cockney for Russian peasants), it shines forth as an exaltation of hope and a promise of tomorrow. Recommended for all collections.Barbara Mann, Adelphi Univ., Garden City, N.Y.(c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
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