Homeward from Heaven

Homeward from Heaven is a novel by Boris Poplavsky, set in Paris and the French Riviera, that follows the escapades, malaise, and love affairs of a bohemian group of Russian expatriates. The protagonist, Oleg, is a Russian expatriate who experiences spiritual transformation due to his love for two women. The novel is considered semi-autobiographical and explores themes of sexuality, deprivation, and the émigré condition. It is a work of daring literary modernism and an immersive meditation on the émigré experience.

Format: Hardback
Length: 296 pages
Publication date: 07 February 2023
Publisher: Columbia University Press

Homeward from Heaven, a masterpiece penned by Boris Poplavsky just before his untimely demise at the age of thirty-two, is a testament to his unparalleled literary prowess. Set in the enchanting cities of Paris and the French Riviera, this final novel by the literary enfant terrible of the interwar Russian diaspora in France unfolds the captivating escapades, existential malaise, and passionate love affairs of a bohemian group of Russian expatriates.

The protagonist and occasional narrator of this extraordinary tale is Oleg, a character whose profound love for two women sets him on a transformative spiritual journey. He embarks on a quest to pursue Tania to a seaside resort, only to be heartbroken after a passionate encounter. In the cafés of Montparnasse, Oleg crosses paths with Katia, a woman who offers him physical intimacy and emotional candor, yet he cannot shake off a lingering sense of existential disquiet and destitution. When fate brings him face-to-face with Tania once again in the city of Paris, Oleg embarks on a new quest to unravel the intricate laws of spiritual and physical love, leading him to confront both profound revelations and tragic consequences.

Homeward from Heaven, regarded by Poplavskys contemporaries as semi-autobiographical, stands out for its unflinching portrayal of sexuality and deprivation. Rich with allusions and symbolism, the novel blends psychological confession, philosophical reflection, and social critique in prose that oscillates between poetic, mystical, and erotic. It is a remarkable work of daring literary modernism, offering an immersive exploration of the émigré condition.

Through the vivid and intricate narratives of Oleg and his fellow expatriates, Homeward from Heaven sheds light on the complexities of exile, identity, and the search for meaning in a foreign land. It explores the themes of love, loss, longing, and the human condition, inviting readers to contemplate the profound impact of displacement and the enduring power of the human spirit.

In conclusion, Homeward from Heaven is a literary masterpiece that transcends time and borders. It is a testament to Boris Poplavskys exceptional talent and his unwavering commitment to the art of storytelling. Through its vivid portrayal of the lives of Russian expatriates in Paris and the French Riviera, the novel offers a profound exploration of the human experience, leaving a lasting impression on readers and scholars alike.

Dimension: 216 x 140 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231199308