Double Life

Karolina Pavlova's A Double Life is a nineteenth-century Russian literature classic that combines prose and poetry to depict Russian aristocratic society and the protagonist's dreams of escaping its strictures. It tells the story of Cecily, who is trapped into marriage by her well-meaning mother, her best friend, Olga, and Olga's mother. Pavlova subtly speaks against the limitations placed on women and women writers and is worthy of a central place in the Russian canon.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 06 August 2019
Publisher: Columbia University Press

A Double Life, an unsung classic of nineteenth-century Russian literature, weaves a wry portrayal of Russian aristocratic society and vivid dreams of escape from its strictures. Through a seamless blend of prose and poetry, author Karolina Pavlova offers a captivating insight into the lives of her characters. Rich narrative prose, detailing balls, tea parties, and horseback rides, coexists with poetic interludes that delve into the inner world of the protagonist, Cecily. Intertwined with this is a biting irony that pervades a seemingly romantic description of a young woman who seemingly has everything.

The story revolves around Cecily, who finds herself trapped in an arranged marriage orchestrated by her well-intentioned mother, her best friend Olga, and Olga's mother, who aims to secure a wealthier suitor for her own daughter by marrying off Cecily first. Cecily's privileged upbringing blinds her to the turmoil unfolding around her. However, in the sanctuary of her bedroom, her imagination is set free, and each day of deception is followed by a night of dreams expressed in soaring verse. Pavlova subtly critiques the limitations imposed on women, particularly women writers, a theme that is highlighted in the critical introduction by translator Barbara Heldt.

A Double Life stands as one of the greatest works of literature by a Russian woman writer, deserving of a prominent place in the Russian canon. Its intricate narrative, vivid imagery, and thought-provoking themes continue to resonate with readers, making it a timeless masterpiece that has left an indelible mark on the literary landscape.

Weight: 246g
Dimension: 139 x 214 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231190794