How Americans Perceive Russian Literature: A Personal Insight

My wife, originally from Minsk, has given me a wholly different perspective on Russian literature. Her insights are distinctly different from my personal experience and that of the average American. Let's delve into the nuances of how Russian literature is perceived in the United States.

The Gold Standard: Alexander Pushkin

On the one hand, there is Pushkin, who serves as a gold standard for Russian literature. His works, when read in English, proved quite enjoyable to me. However, when it comes to other pre-Revolution authors such as Gogol, Tolstoy, and the others, my wife dismisses them as the type of material that students are often forced to read in high school. The attitude towards these authors can be compared to the approach taken by Americans towards classic authors like Herman Melville, Henry James, or Shakespeare. The majority of people, especially those who read for enjoyment, represent a tiny fraction of this group.

Recent Russian Authors and Modern Tastes

My wife recommends more recent Russian authors such as Mikhail Bulgakov and Vladimir Voinovich. These authors, when read in English, are deemed highly enjoyable. Additionally, her favored modern Russian authors include Darya Dontsova, Elena Mikhalkova, and Tatyana Polyakova. These authors are the ones Russians read for pleasure.

The American Perspective: A Different Reality

As an American, I have a deep love for Russian literature. I have read a significant amount of it. However, when it comes to fellow Americans, the picture is quite different. Few people read books in general, and even fewer are well-versed in any particular subject, including Russian literature. If an American has heard of any Russian author, it's likely because of War and Peace, which has become a colloquial term for a "real long book" or "a lot of writing." When I ask someone to provide a short description, they often respond with reference to a lengthy Russian novel.

My friends and acquaintances, for the most part, are fairly literate and lovers of books and literature. Yet, outside of the Russian literature classes I took, I haven't come across many people who are specifically into Russian literature. Nevertheless, many Americans have read at least something by Leo Tolstoy and Fyodor Dostoevsky. Some Americans have even read works by Vladimir Nabokov, such as The Master and Margarita. However, there are fewer people familiar with lesser-known authors like Andrei Bely or Nikolai Gogol. Pushkin is less celebrated here, possibly due to the notorious difficulty of translating poetry. While he is recognized in Russia, his status in the United States is somewhat lesser.

Theater and Movie Adaptations

Despite the general lack of familiarity with Russian literature, theater and movie adaptations have introduced some of these works to a broader audience. Anton Chekhov's plays, particularly The Cherry Orchard, are produced fairly regularly. War and Peace and Anna Karenina have been adapted into films, which have helped to raise awareness, albeit not to the extent of the original works. Similarly, the 1965 film adaptation of Doctor Zhivago by Boris Pasternak made the book more accessible to the general public, though few are likely to have read the book since then.

Reputation and Philistinism

There is a general perception that Russians are more literate and well-read compared to Americans. However, in the post-Soviet era, this reputation may have changed. Nabokov, in particular, often criticized American culture for its philistinism, providing a sharp contrast to the love for literature displayed in his homeland. His point is valid, and his criticism of the literary culture in America is both poignant and relevant.

In conclusion, while Russian literature is a subject of fascination and delight for some Americans, the broader understanding and appreciation of this incredible body of work remains limited. The stories and characters of Russian literature continue to captivate, even if the avenues to access and appreciate them are less common in the United States.