Irene Nemirovsky's Russian Influences: Tolstoy, Dostoevsky and Chekhov

This book explores the influence of Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, and Chekhov on Russian-born French language writer Irène Némirovsky, demonstrating how she engaged with Russian literature through reading and writing, reception, and creation. It assesses the degree of influence and its effects on her work through detailed analysis of novels, short stories, and archival sources.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 213 pages
Publication date: 02 December 2021
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This captivating book delves into the profound influence of three renowned Russian writers, Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, and Chekhov, on the French language writer Irène Némirovsky. It examines the intricate complexities of these relationships and explores the diverse modes in which they manifest. By skillfully blending reading, writing, reception, and creation, Némirovsky engaged with Russian literature in her own unique way. Through a meticulous analysis of the interconnections between novels, short stories, and archival sources, the book assesses the extent to which Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, and Chekhov influenced Némirovsky, the impact this influence had on her work, and the resulting effects.

In pursuit of this objective, the book articulates the concept of creative influence, a methodology that engages with theories of influence, intertextuality, and reception aesthetics. It seeks to capture a "meeting of artistic minds," encompassing emotional, ethical, and creative encounters between writers, readers, and researchers.

Within its pages, the book unravels the intricate tapestry of influences that shaped Némirovsky's literary journey. It delves into how Tolstoy's profound insights into human nature and his exploration of moral dilemmas resonated with Némirovsky's own writings, infusing her novels with a depth of emotional complexity and moral dilemmas. Dostoevsky's psychological depth and his ability to delve into the darkest recesses of the human psyche left a lasting impression on Némirovsky, evident in her portrayal of characters driven by passion, obsession, and moral ambiguity.

Chekhov's mastery of storytelling and his ability to evoke empathy and compassion through his characters also played a significant role in Némirovsky's work. She incorporated Chekhov's techniques of subtlety, irony, and realism into her own writing, creating vivid and relatable portrayals of human experiences.

Through its comprehensive analysis, the book sheds light on the ways in which Némirovsky's engagement with Russian literature influenced her own creative process. It explores how she drew upon the themes, characters, and narrative structures of Russian literature to craft her own distinctive voice and style. Némirovsky's ability to blend her own experiences and perspectives with the rich tapestry of Russian literature resulted in works that are both deeply personal and universally resonant.

This book serves as a valuable contribution to the study of literary influence and offers a rich exploration of the complex interplay between writers, readers, and the literary canon. It provides readers with a deeper understanding of Némirovsky's literary achievements and her profound connection to Russian literature. By examining the influence of Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, and Chekhov on Némirovsky, this book offers insights into the enduring power of great literature and its ability to transcend boundaries and inspire generations of writers and readers.

Weight: 315g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030442057
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021