Voice Over: Poems and Essays

Maria Stepanova is a prominent poet and prose writer in Russia's first post-Soviet literary generation. She has founded a significant platform for independent journalism and uses her writing to address the persistence of violence in her country's past and present, particularly in relation to the conflict in Ukraine and the debasement of language that accompanies war. The Voice Over, a collection of her work spanning two decades, showcases her range, virtuosity, and creative evolution, exploring new bodies to inhabit and transposing established forms and styles into unexpected and strange contexts.

Format: Hardback
Length: 360 pages
Publication date: 18 May 2021
Publisher: Columbia University Press

Maria Stepanova is a remarkable figure in the world of Russian literature, emerging as one of the most powerful and distinctive voices of the first post-Soviet generation. An accomplished poet and prose writer, she has also established a significant platform for independent journalism, showcasing her commitment to social justice and free expression. Stepanova's verse is a testament to her formal mastery, seamlessly blending intricate language structures with a keen ear for the evolution of spoken language. In the face of growing political repression in Russia, Stepanova has responded with powerful and engaged writing that delves into the enduring legacy of violence in her country's past and present. Her most recent work, both as a poet and essayist, explores the conflict in Ukraine and the debasement of language that has always accompanied war.

The Voice Over is a comprehensive collection of Maria Stepanova's work, spanning two decades of her artistic journey. It showcases her remarkable range, virtuosity, and creative evolution. Stepanova's poetic voice is a constant explorer, seeking new bodies to inhabit and transforming established forms and styles into unexpected and strange manifestations. Within her poetry, recognizable patterns of ballads, elegies, and war songs are transposed into new keys, infused with foreign strains and juxtaposed with unlikely neighbors. As an essayist, Stepanova engages deeply with writers who have borne witness to devastation and dramatic social change, such as W. G. Sebald, Marina Tsvetaeva, and Susan Sontag. The book includes contributions from ten talented translators, providing English-speaking readers with a glimpse into why Stepanova is considered one of Russia's most acclaimed contemporary writers.

In conclusion, Maria Stepanova's literary prowess and social activism make her a truly inspiring figure in contemporary Russian literature. Through her verse and essays, she has explored the complexities of history, politics, and human experience, challenging readers to think critically and engage with the world around them. The Voice Over is a testament to her talent and dedication, showcasing her ability to create powerful and enduring works that resonate with audiences worldwide.

Weight: 618g
Dimension: 149 x 226 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231196161