Love Like Water, Love Like Fire

Mikhail Iossels' stories of Soviet childhood and adulthood, dissent, and subsequent immigration are filled with wit and humor, describing the daily absurdities of a fickle and often perilous reality.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 304 pages
\n Publication date: 20 May 2021
\n Publisher: Bellevue Literary Press
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Comedy and tragedy intertwine in the narratives of family life in Soviet Russia, showcasing the intricate complexities of the immigrant experience. The Soviet Union, a nation that elicited both revulsion and admiration, was characterized by its dichotomous nature, oscillating between demonization and idealization. For many Jews, particularly those who had endured the hardships of shtetl life, the Russian Revolution presented a beacon of hope, offering a salvation from the deprivations and deadly pogroms they had faced. However, Soviet Russia was also plagued by rampant antisemitism, and a Jewish boy growing up in Leningrad, like many others, had to navigate a treacherous path.

Mikhail Iossels' collection of twenty stories, spanning Soviet childhood and adulthood, dissidence, and subsequent immigration, offers a raw and poignant portrayal of this complex era. Despite the gravity of the circumstances, these narratives are infused with a remarkable wit and humor, reflecting the indomitable spirit of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Through his vivid descriptions, Iossels captures the daily absurdities and hardships that characterized life in the Soviet Union, highlighting the fickle nature of a system that promised prosperity but often delivered disappointment.

The stories in this collection are a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of humor to transcend circumstances. They remind us of the complexities of the immigrant experience, where individuals navigate a new world filled with uncertainty, discrimination, and the constant struggle to adapt and thrive. Iossels' writing is masterful, evoking a sense of empathy and understanding for his characters as they navigate the treacherous waters of Soviet society.

In conclusion, Mikhail Iossels' collection of stories offers a captivating glimpse into the lives of immigrants in Soviet Russia, showcasing the interplay between comedy and tragedy, resilience, and the human spirit. These narratives provide a valuable lens through which to explore the complexities of the immigrant experience and shed light on the enduring legacy of the Soviet Union. As readers, we are left with a profound sense of empathy and admiration for the individuals who faced adversity and emerged stronger on the other side.

\n Weight: 294g\n
Dimension: 189 x 127 x 21 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781942658566\n \n