Malinovka Heights: New Translation

Boris Pavlovich Raisky is a thirty-something artist who visits his country estate of Malinovka to rediscover the joys of a simpler and more authentic life. He becomes emotionally involved with his beautiful cousin Vera and meets the dangerous freethinker Mark Volokhov, leading to disappointment, confrontation, and tragedy. Malinovka Heights is Goncharov's crowning achievement as a novelist and a triumph of psychological insight.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 800 pages
Publication date: 19 November 2020
Publisher: Alma Books Ltd

Thirty-something Boris Pavlovich Raisky, after completing his university studies and a brief period of service in the army and civil service, embarks on a life of artistic pursuits. He frequents the elegant circles of St. Petersburg, indulges in his paintings, plays a bit of music, and nurtures his aspirations of writing a novel. However, for a man who has achieved little so far and openly admits that he is "not born to work," the bustling capital proves overwhelming, leading him to seek solace in his country estate of Malinovka. There, he hopes to rediscover the joys of a simpler and more authentic existence. However, his journey takes an unexpected turn when he becomes emotionally entangled with his beautiful cousin Vera and encounters the enigmatic freethinker Mark Volokhov. These encounters set the stage for a series of events that culminate in disappointment, confrontation, and ultimately, tragedy.

Malinovka Heights, conceived twenty years before its initial publication in 1869, is widely regarded as Goncharov's magnum opus and a testament to his profound psychological insight. Presented here for the first time in its unabridged form, courtesy of a sparkling new translation by Stephen Pearl, this final novel by Goncharov deserves a reassessment as one of the most significant classics of nineteenth-century Russian literature.

The novel delves into the complexities of human relationships, exploring the themes of love, loyalty, and the clash between different ideologies. Through the character of Boris Raisky, Goncharov offers a poignant portrayal of a man struggling to find his place in the world and navigating the treacherous waters of societal expectations and personal desires.

Malinovka Heights is a masterfully crafted work that showcases Goncharov's exceptional writing skills. His vivid descriptions and intricate characterizations bring the story to life, immersing readers in the world of Malinovka and its inhabitants. The novel's pacing is carefully orchestrated, building tension and suspense as the plot unfolds, leading to a dramatic and emotionally charged conclusion.

In conclusion, Malinovka Heights is a masterpiece of nineteenth-century Russian literature that deserves to be rediscovered and celebrated by readers worldwide. Through its exploration of human emotions, societal pressures, and the complexities of the human condition, the novel offers a timeless reflection on the human experience. Goncharov's exceptional writing and psychological depth make it a must-read for anyone interested in the literature of this period.

Weight: 810g
Dimension: 131 x 197 x 58 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781847498380