I have a review up on Shiny New Books today which I’m really happy to share with you, as it’s from a favourite publisher, author and translator! The book is “An Evening with Claire“, the author is Gaito Gazdanov, the translator Bryan Karetnyk and the publisher Pushkin Press!
Gazdanov is one of my favourite recent discoveries; an émigré Russian author who slipped out of the limelight after a fascinating career and life, he’s been rediscovered thanks to the wonderful translations of his work by Bryan Karetnyk which have been issued in lovely editions by Pushkin Press. I’ve reviewed all of them so far, and the newest one is a real treat as it’s Gazdanov’s first published work. It was a delight to read and cover it, and you can read my post here.
Now I just hope that Bryan and Pushkin will turn their talents in the direction of his novel “Night Roads”, as I would love to read that one soon…. ;D
Kaggsy's Bookish Ramblings 
Aug 12, 2021 @ 11:51:46
Hooray for Pushkin Press! They really are wonderful. I have The Buddha’s Return by this author in the TBR…
Aug 12, 2021 @ 12:10:33
They are – and I do hope they keep on publishing newly translated Gazdanov – he’s a real favourite!
Aug 12, 2021 @ 13:44:08
A name definitely to consider when I eventually and belatedly get back to Russian literature. A fine review on SNB — you clearly enjoy Gazdanov’s writing!
Aug 12, 2021 @ 15:56:43
Thank you! He really is a wonderfully unique writer – I highly recommend him!!
Aug 12, 2021 @ 17:09:41
Pushkin press do make such stylish little volumes. Always good to see important writers coming back into print.
Aug 12, 2021 @ 19:52:59
They do – such beautiful objects in their own right, and always a fascinating read! 😀
Aug 12, 2021 @ 19:41:03
I’ve just read your review over at Shiny – a gorgeous summary of a very elegant book. I read it a few years ago, in a different translation (by Jodi Daynard), and recall it being wonderfully elegiac. As you say in your piece, it’s all about the central character’s experiences and inner life – more so than a traditional plot. How lovely to see it reissued by Pushkin – and in a lovely translation too!
Aug 12, 2021 @ 19:55:20
Thanks Jacqui! Yes, I had also read that earlier translation some years ago, although I was pleased to have one by Bryan Karetnyk as I feel he’s created a consistent voice in translation for Gazdanov. The latter always does go for the internal life in his writing, and this is a particularly memorable book.
Aug 12, 2021 @ 22:04:09
Thanks for sharing! It reminded me that The Spectre of Alexander Wolf has been on my TBR for a while.
Looks like Northwestern University Press republished their 1952 translation of Night Roads in 2009, so maybe they judged it good enough?
Aug 13, 2021 @ 11:27:23
Yes, I saw that there’s an earlier translation of Night Roads available. However, the pedant in me would like to have a version translation by Bryan Karetnyk for consistency if nothing else, and because he’s championed Gazdanov’s work. “Spectre…” is great so I do hope you get to it soon!
Aug 13, 2021 @ 01:22:15
A really wonderful post over at Shiny, I agree wholeheartedly with you about Gazdanov. I read ‘The Spectre of Alexander Wolf’ when it came out and was so struck by that book. Now I need to get to his others.
Aug 13, 2021 @ 11:26:14
Thank you! Gazdanov is such a marvellous author and it’s a joy to have his work available in English!!
Sep 09, 2021 @ 19:05:17
Such an intriguing little collection of different sticky-note; is that coloured one a particular pattern? It looks like some owl ones that I was gifted (but they don’t stick very well for me).
Book Review: An Evening with Claire by Gaito Gazdanov (trans. Bryan Karetnyk) – Literary Potpourri
Dec 21, 2021 @ 03:24:07
Jun 14, 2022 @ 07:01:05