Other Worlds: Peasants, Pilgrims, Spirits, Saints

Teffi's stories are a blend of psychology, occult spirituality, and domestic conflict, exploring human desires, fears, and failings in a vanished Russia.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 26 August 2021
Publisher: Pushkin Press

These captivating tales transport us to a bygone Russia, where the harmonious coexistence of Orthodox Christianity and the enigmatic spirits of ancient folk belief creates a rich tapestry of tradition and superstition. Renowned for her exquisite wit and graceful prose, Teffi delves into the darker depths of human psychology, infusing her stories with the occult spirituality that thrived in the country of her youth. In the tale of a young girl haunted by the eerie resonance of a church bell, she embarks on a transformative journey, from a brigand to a revered saint. A reluctant participant in a pilgrimage to the Solovetsky Islands, she undergoes a shatteringly profound experience that forever alters her perspective. Meanwhile, a newlywed couple's relationship is strained as they each harbor secret fears that their maid is possessed by witchcraft, testing the boundaries of their trust and loyalty. With a playful and profound spirit, these tales of other worlds illuminate the intricacies of human desires, fears, and shortcomings, offering a mesmerizing glimpse into the enigmatic and mysterious world of Russian folklore.

Weight: 254g
Dimension: 129 x 197 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781782275619