Eastbound

Eastbound is a novella by Maylis de Kerangal that was developed from a radio commission and was inspired by the author's observations on the Trans-Siberian railway. It follows the story of two fugitives on the railway, where a Russian conscript hopes to escape through a chance encounter with a French woman. The novella combines surreal softness with a sense of disempowerment and revives the Russian literary archetype of the rebel soldier.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 120 pages
Publication date: 29 September 2022
Publisher: Les Fugitives

Eastbound, a captivating novella, emerged from a radio commission crafted by the author during their journey on the Trans-Siberian Railway from Novossibirsk to Vladivostok. This literary work was part of the French Ministry of Culture's program of French-Russian events in 2010. Drawing inspiration from the author's firsthand observations on the ground, Eastbound vividly portrays the thrilling escapades of two fugitives navigating the Trans-Siberian railway. Set against a backdrop of desperation and violence, the story revolves around a Russian conscript, Aliocha, who clings to the hope of escaping his tumultuous circumstances through a chance encounter with a French woman.

Maylis de Kerangal skillfully weaves a profound exploration of surreal softness into the narrative, infusing it with a sense of poetic allure. The prose evokes the essence of jazz music, enhancing the vividness and emotional depth of the characters' experiences. Through her writing, de Kerangal sheds light on the filthy and brutal realities of Aliocha's journey, juxtaposing them with the pressing contemporary political questions that resonate throughout the story.

Eastbound revitalizes the Russian literary archetype of the rebel soldier, drawing upon the author's personal observations of disempowerment witnessed at the Soldiers' Mothers' Memorial. The novella serves as a poignant reflection on the human condition, exploring themes of resilience, survival, and the search for meaning in the face of adversity.

In conclusion, Eastbound is a captivating novella that delves into the depths of human resilience and the complexities of political landscapes. Through its vivid storytelling and poetic prose, it offers a profound exploration of the human experience, challenging readers to reflect on the complexities of life and the pursuit of freedom.

Weight: 128g
Dimension: 119 x 180 x 11 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781838490447