To the Stars and Other Stories

Fyodor Sologub's collection of short stories explores the extraordinary lengths people go to transcend the mundane, featuring a boy who longs for the stars, a seamstress who finds liberation in "becoming" a dog, and young girls who masquerade as grieving fiancées. Sologub's masterful command of realist and fantastic storytelling, coupled with his belief in the power of language to access other worlds, offers an insightful exploration of late imperial Russian society and unconventional sexuality. Susanne Fussos elegant translation brings these artful tales to an English-speaking audience.

Format: Hardback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 28 February 2023
Publisher: Columbia University Press

Fyodor Sologub, a renowned Russian Symbolist, delves into the depths of human imagination in his collection of short stories. These captivating tales explore the boundaries of ordinary life, yearning to transcend the mundane and reach the majestic realm of the stars. In "Becoming a Dog and Howling at the Moon," a seamstress finds solace in embodying a canine and unleashing her primal instincts, howling at the moon. Meanwhile, a group of young girls, disguised as the grieving fiancées of strange men, engage in a mysterious masquerade. These extraordinary stories, along with others, are brought together in this book, showcasing the extraordinary lengths people will go to escape the monotony of everyday existence.

Sologub, known for his exceptional literary skills, seamlessly blends realism and fantasy, creating a unique narrative style. His mastery of language is evident in his ability to evoke other worlds and profound meanings. Many of his stories revolve around children, whose imaginative spirit allows them to forge an alternative reality amidst the complexities of adult society. At the same time, Sologub unflinchingly confronts the darker aspects of late imperial Russian society, presenting unconventional sexual themes and societal norms.

In addition to his captivating stories, Sologub offers "little fairy tales" that are ingeniously crafted in childlike language. These enigmatic parables anticipate the miniature narratives and "incidents" of Daniil Kharms, another renowned Symbolist. Susanne Fussos elegant translation brings these artful tales to an English-speaking audience, allowing them to be appreciated by a broader audience.

Through his profound exploration of the human condition, Fyodor Sologub invites readers to embark on a journey beyond the ordinary, exploring the depths of imagination and the complexities of the human soul. His stories serve as a testament to the power of literature to transport us to new realms, challenge our perceptions, and ignite our curiosity.

Weight: 514g
Dimension: 223 x 147 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231200042