Nadezhda Mandelstam was a Russian author and poet who lived from 1899 to 1980. She was a prominent figure in the Russian literary scene during the early 20th century and is best known for her memoir “Hope Against Hope” and “Hope Abandoned.” Mandelstam’s writing style is characterized by its lyrical quality and introspective nature, often exploring themes of love, loss, and the human condition.
Her works were heavily influenced by her experiences living through the tumultuous period of the Russian Revolution and the Stalinist regime. Mandelstam’s courageous and unyielding spirit in the face of political oppression and her commitment to preserving the legacy of her husband, the poet Osip Mandelstam, have made her an important figure in Russian literature.
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1980 Hope Against Hope: A Memoir, by Nadezhda Mandelstam, Atheneum, New York
Hope Against Hope: A Memoir is a powerful and moving account of life in Stalinist Russia. Written by Nadezhda Mandelstam, the wife of the famous poet Osip Mandelstam, the book chronicles the couple’s struggle to survive under the brutal regime of Joseph Stalin. Mandelstam’s memoir is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of oppression and persecution. It is a deeply personal and emotional account of one woman’s fight for survival, and a vivid portrayal of life in one of the darkest periods of Russian history.
The book is a must-read for anyone interested in Russian history, as well as for those who are interested in the human experience of living under a totalitarian regime. Mandelstam’s writing is powerful and evocative, and her memoir is a testament to the enduring power of hope in the face of adversity. This book is a classic of Russian literature, and a powerful reminder of the importance of freedom and human dignity.