Who is the author of Doctor Zhivago?

The author of Doctor Zhivago is Boris Pasternak.

Doctor Zhivago Book Summary - Doctor Zhivago Book explained in key points

Doctor Zhivago summary

Name: Doctor Zhivago
Author: Manya Harari, Boris Pasternak

Brief summary

Doctor Zhivago is a captivating novel by Boris Pasternak that follows the life of Yuri Zhivago during the Russian Revolution. It explores love, loss, and the enduring power of the human spirit against the backdrop of a turbulent historical period.

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Doctor Zhivago
Summary of key ideas

Love and Loss in the Midst of Revolution

In Doctor Zhivago by Boris Pasternak, we are transported to the tumultuous years of the Russian Revolution. The story revolves around Yuri Zhivago, a young doctor and poet, who is caught in the whirlwind of historical events. The novel begins with Yuri's childhood and his early love for Lara Antipova, a girl he meets at his mother's funeral. Their paths diverge when Yuri marries Tonya, a woman he meets during the war, and Lara marries Pasha, a revolutionary.

As the revolution unfolds, Yuri is separated from his family and is forced to flee to the Ural Mountains. There, he meets Lara again, who is now a nurse. Their love is rekindled, but their happiness is short-lived as they are both swept up in the chaos of the civil war. Yuri is conscripted as a doctor in the Red Army, while Lara is forced to flee from the brutal Strelnikov, her husband who has become a ruthless revolutionary leader.

Struggle for Survival and Artistic Expression

Throughout the novel, Yuri struggles to survive the harsh conditions of war and the subsequent Russian Civil War. He witnesses the suffering of the people and the destruction of his country. Despite these hardships, Yuri continues to write poetry, using it as a means to express his innermost thoughts and emotions. His poems serve as a reflection of his personal experiences and his deep love for Lara.

Meanwhile, Lara's life is equally tragic. She becomes a symbol of the suffering endured by women during the revolution. She is repeatedly victimized, first by her abusive husband, then by the Bolsheviks, and later by the White Army. Despite her hardships, Lara remains resilient, embodying the strength and endurance of the Russian people during this tumultuous period.

Return to a Changed World

After the war, Yuri returns to Moscow, only to find a city drastically transformed by the revolution. The once beautiful and cultured city is now a place of fear and suspicion. Yuri is unable to publish his poetry due to the strict censorship imposed by the new regime. He takes up a job as a doctor in a mental hospital, where he continues to write in secret.

Meanwhile, Lara, who is believed to be dead, is living in hiding in a small town. Yuri eventually finds her, but their reunion is short-lived. Lara is killed by a former associate of Strelnikov, leaving Yuri devastated. The novel ends with Yuri's own death, his poetry unpublished and his love unfulfilled.

Legacy of Love and Art

In conclusion, Doctor Zhivago is a powerful exploration of love, loss, and the impact of historical events on individual lives. Through the characters of Yuri and Lara, Pasternak presents a poignant portrayal of the human spirit's resilience in the face of adversity. The novel also serves as a critique of the destructive nature of the Russian Revolution and its aftermath.

Despite the tragic fates of its characters, Doctor Zhivago ends on a note of hope. Yuri's poems, hidden away for years, are discovered by his half-brother and are set to be published. In this way, Yuri's artistic legacy lives on, a testament to the enduring power of love and art in the face of overwhelming historical forces.

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What is Doctor Zhivago about?

Doctor Zhivago is a classic novel by Boris Pasternak that tells the story of Yuri Zhivago, a physician and poet, during the Russian Revolution and its aftermath. Set against the backdrop of political and social upheaval, the book explores themes of love, loss, and the struggle for individual freedom. It is a timeless tale of human resilience and the power of the human spirit.

Doctor Zhivago Review

Doctor Zhivago (1957) by Manya Harari, Boris Pasternak is a compelling tale set during the Russian Revolution, showcasing the complexities of love, loyalty, and resilience. Here's why this book is a must-read:

Explores the human spirit amidst turbulent times, portraying the characters' struggles and triumphs with depth and authenticity.
Offers a sweeping narrative that intertwines personal relationships with historical events, providing a profound understanding of the era.
The poetic prose and poignant storytelling captivate readers, ensuring an emotional and thought-provoking journey throughout the book.

Who should read Doctor Zhivago?

Readers who enjoy historical fiction set during the Russian Revolution
Those with an interest in exploring themes of love, war, and the human spirit
People who appreciate beautifully written and deeply immersive novels

About the Author

Boris Pasternak was a Russian author and poet, known for his novel Doctor Zhivago. Born in 1890, Pasternak came from a family of talented artists and intellectuals. He began writing poetry at a young age and went on to become one of the most significant literary figures of his time. Despite facing censorship and persecution from the Soviet government, Pasternak continued to create powerful and thought-provoking works. His most famous novel, Doctor Zhivago, explores the impact of the Russian Revolution on individuals and remains a timeless classic.

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