Back in 2015, when I was on the hunt for every bit of Bulgakov writing in translation that I could find, I stumbled across (and was presented with as Christmas gift!) the marvellous collection of short stories, “Red Spectres”. Translated from the Russian by Muireann Maguire, it’s a wonderful anthology which I loved to bits; so when I found out that she had a new collection out, entitled “White Magic”, I was, needless to say, very interested. Muireann very kindly arranged for a review copy for me, which was absolutely lovely of her, and I’m pleased to report that the new book is just as great as her first anthology!
“Red Spectres” focused on ‘Russian Gothic Tales from the Twentieth Century’, as the subtitle stated; however, “White Magic” takes as its basis writing by émigré authors, and the consistent thread running through the stories is that of ‘mystery and terror’. That term can encompass a fascinatingly wide range of writing, and the tales featured here really are are wonderfully varied.
You were shown a phantom future, and by striving towards it you crush in your heart all desires and passions for your present reality as well as any memory of your past. In this ill-defined, wistful striving, you will seize on things instinctively, without knowing why; but your ignorance of your final aim will not stop you, only spur you on all the more, set you on fire and ultimately, little by little, rip you away from your life, in stubborn pursuit of the dream. (‘He’)
“White Magic” contains, appropriately enough, thirteen stories, and they’re arranged alphabetically by author. If I remember correctly, only four of these are names I already know, and so that’s an additional bonus – it’s always a treat to discover new authors! As I said earlier, the stories are very diverse: some, like “He” and “The Cimmerian Disease” by Alexander Amfiteatrov, are frankly supernatural; and that kind of element sneaks into others, like “Hermann’s Card” and “The Bells” by Ivan Lukash, which both have a very vivid St. Petersburg setting and heritage, as well as “The Venetian Mirror” and “The Companion” by Pavel Muratov. Others, like Irina Odoyevtseva‘s “By The Sea” and Teffi‘s “The Mother” deal with more human passions. And Zamyatin‘s “The Watch” and “The Encounter” have mysteries and twists in them, but set against a very satirised Soviet background.
Then there’s “Kum” by Georgy Peskov (who was actually Yelena Deisha); this is a very dark tale of vengeance which leaves shivers running down the spine; and revenge is at the root of Pyotr Krasnov‘s bloody story “The Eightieth”, which doesn’t shy away from the real horrors of the Revolution and Civil War. And last, but certainly not least, is the marvellous Gaito Gazdanov; his story, “An Adventurer”, is just wonderful and perhaps different from most the other work of his I’ve read. Set in 19th century St. Petersburg, it features a glamorous society woman who is bored with her lot encountering a freezing foreigner on her way home. Taking him in she discovers he’s actually Edgar Allan Poe – although his presence in Russia does seem somewhat chimerical…
On white nights Petersburg quietly shimmers from within, like a pale icon lamp. On white nights, everything is smoke and mirrors, half-heard, half-phantom, silver visions and sorrows. On white nights, everything quivers gently, everything floats lightly and dimly along in a pale current of houses, palaces, colonnades, avenues, and railings vanishing into obscurity. In this silvery, glimmering gloom, Petersburg slips its moorings. Petersburg stirs silently. On white nights, Petersburg dies – quietly and tenderly, without noise or palpitations, like a pale icon lamp burning all the way down. (Hermann’s Card)
As you can see, the book is a real box of delights! The scary stories really *are* scary, whether vampiric tales or hauntings or possessions. However, the tales which step away from that form are equally chilling; Teffi’s portrayal of the blindness of mother-love, for example, is unforgettable and disturbing. “The Companion”, which is a kind of morality tale really, has a very unsettling title character who I wouldn’t want by my side.. The Zamyatin stories are a particular treat, too, as they’re set firmly in the Soviet period yet hearken back to earlier times, as well as bringing a welcome twist of humour. And the Gazdanov is as mesmerising as ever. Making the acquaintance of the new authors was a joy too, and I shall have to dig through all of my Russian short story collections to see if I have any more by these writers. Having reshuffled the Russian shelves recently, I’m painfully aware of how many unread short story anthologies I have from that country…
So I’m pleased to report that “White Magic” more than lives up to its predecessor! The writing in these stories is often stunning, as you can see from the quotes above – wonderfully poetic and atmospheric, and very evocative. Maguire provides an erudite introduction as well as textual notes throughout the book, and it has some lovely black and white illustrations, one for each tale, by Asya Lisina (who also provides the cover illustration, a colour version of one of the inner ones). As Muireann points out, although these stories are all written from a place of exile, there’s so much variety; trying to pin down émigré writing to just one type or with one theme is pointless, as these wonderful stories demonstrate. What is clear, however, is the sheer quality of work which was produced by Russian émigré authors and hopefully this is a seam which translators will continue to mine deeply. Needless to say, I can’t recommend this collection highly enough; whether you’re a fan of the short story form, or love translated literature, like to be spooked, or simply want to read brilliant and thought-provoking writing, “White Magic” is the book for you!
Review copy kindly provided by the author and publisher, for which many thanks! 🙂 As there are some translated works by women in the collection, I shall count this as a read for #WITMonth!
MarinaSofia
Aug 17, 2021 @ 07:38:32
Curses and damnation, Karen, you’ve tempted me yet again! 😜
kaggsysbookishramblings
Aug 17, 2021 @ 11:05:44
Ooopsie…… ;D
Tony
Aug 17, 2021 @ 09:10:35
Always good to find collection like this (I have many such books dealing with Japanese literature…).
kaggsysbookishramblings
Aug 17, 2021 @ 11:05:34
It is – so many treats and so many new authors!
Janakay | YouMightAsWellRead
Aug 17, 2021 @ 11:30:00
I think I might as well just quote MarinaSofia (“Curses and damnation, Karen you’ve done it again”) and call it a comment! The TBR Mountain is screaming “no more additions” but this just sounds sooooo good it will have to scream and get ready for another addition.
I love the white nights quote. I’ve never been in St Petersburg but many years ago I was very, very far north (somewhere in Norway) during that time of year. My most vivid memory is looking out at the harbor during a “white night” and thinking the scene was quite unearthly. Aside from being very beautiful, Gazdanov’s description so accurately conveys the uncanny, almost supernatural beauty of the light.
kaggsysbookishramblings
Aug 17, 2021 @ 12:23:28
Sorry about that…. I recommend Red Spectres too, which makes things worse… I would love to visit St. P one day – the white nights sound quite dazzling. The quote is amazing, though I probably wasn’t clear enough that it was from Lukash – definitely a writer I’d like to read more of!
Janakay | YouMightAsWellRead
Aug 17, 2021 @ 12:34:08
Opps! My bad about the quote — that’s what I get so reading so fast. Regardless of authorship, it’s lovely.
I add my dream to yours — I would so love to visit St Petersburg during the White Nights (or any nights at all, really). Oh well, fortunately there are wonderful things to read while I’m waiting . . .
kaggsysbookishramblings
Aug 17, 2021 @ 16:46:09
Lol, no worries – and it *is* a great quote. Let’s keep everything crossed for one day a world where there’s the ability to travel – and thank goodness for books!
Margot Kinberg
Aug 17, 2021 @ 12:09:21
What a great-sounding collection! I’ve often found that collections and anthologies can be a bit uneven in quality, so it’s a real treat to find one that’s consistently good. And so nice that this one’s been translated (and translated well, too). Lucky you!
kaggsysbookishramblings
Aug 17, 2021 @ 12:21:46
I know what you mean about anthologies, so this was a particular joy as there wasn’t a dud there. Lucky me indeed! 😀
Cathy746books
Aug 17, 2021 @ 12:34:33
Oh this sounds intriguing Karen, the theme is fabulous and it’s good to hear that the stories are consistently strong.
kaggsysbookishramblings
Aug 17, 2021 @ 16:46:32
It *is* really good – loved it, and discovered some wonderful new authors and stories!
heavenali
Aug 17, 2021 @ 18:03:07
A collection of mystery and terror stories from Russia certainly sounds right up your street. It’s so good when we discover volumes like this, and especially good when you can discover new authors.
kaggsysbookishramblings
Aug 18, 2021 @ 15:26:06
It certainly is the perfect read for me – and coming across new authors was a real bonus!
madamebibilophile
Aug 17, 2021 @ 21:23:48
This sounds wonderful! I’m very drawn to short stories at the moment. These sound perfect for when the autumnal nights start to draw in…
kaggsysbookishramblings
Aug 18, 2021 @ 15:25:37
Definitely! These would be perfect reading for this time of the year, as the mornings and evening become a little chillier and the seasons start to change. It’s a great book!
Julé Cunningham
Aug 18, 2021 @ 00:37:56
Though not usually much of a reader of terror or horror kinds of stories (though the selection here is broader than that), but this collection does sound excellent and I love seeing more work by Russian émigré writers being published.
kaggsysbookishramblings
Aug 18, 2021 @ 15:24:42
I’m not a fan of out and out horror, but this is a wonderfully varied collection – because it ranges from darker subject matter to lighter fare like Zamyatin’s satires it really has something for everyone. Truly, the choice of wonderful émigré writers is wide!
Yelena Furman
Aug 18, 2021 @ 04:33:04
Reblogged this on Punctured Lines.
Constance Martin
Aug 18, 2021 @ 12:45:58
I can’t help thinking how your pleasure in this collection has made Muireann Maguire happy! An author/editor/translator of such a niche area labors alone so much of the time and many writers have worried that the pandemic has prevented all but bestsellers from reaching their true audience. You almost tempt me and I don’t even like short stories!
kaggsysbookishramblings
Aug 18, 2021 @ 15:23:02
Thank you! The book was a real joy for me to read, and I think Muireann’s choices of story were just wonderful. I hope the book gets noticed widely, because it really is an excellent collection!
Jane
Aug 18, 2021 @ 15:31:32
Both of these collections are on my list, I like the thought of a bit of terror and spookiness at the moment (no idea why!)
kaggsysbookishramblings
Aug 18, 2021 @ 15:32:36
They’re a wonderful pairing – I really recommend both of them, and there’s lots of variety too which makes the reading of them even more of a pleasure! 😀
floralia889
Aug 18, 2021 @ 16:22:00
These books sounds absolutely amazing. One question I’ve been meaning to ask you for a while – do you write fiction yourself? You have such a broad knowledge base, at your fingertips so to speak. Apologies if this is an obvious question. Your recommendations are always without fail fantastic!
kaggsysbookishramblings
Aug 18, 2021 @ 17:56:19
Thank you – that’s so kind! Both of these boks really are excellent reads! As for fiction, I don’t know if I’ve got the right kind of mind for it, particularly with modern trends – but my main stumbling block would be finding the time, alas…
Calmgrove
Aug 18, 2021 @ 16:43:05
Russian fiction, whether by emigrés or those who remain(ed) in Russia, is still a wide open tundra for me, and as for WIT month I haven’t even got off the ground. I’m always chuffed though to see potential titles reviewed favourably (as here by you) since at least I’ll be informed next time I’ve a few bob to spare in a bookshop!
kaggsysbookishramblings
Aug 18, 2021 @ 17:52:57
LOL, Russian fiction is a vast, varied and wonderful steppe waiting to be explored! This was a particularly good collection, and I do love to be introduced to new authors!
JacquiWine
Aug 19, 2021 @ 11:54:30
This sounds absolutely ideal for you, Karen, and how wonderful that the translator was able to arrange for you to receive a copy. Lovely to hear that it’s introduced you to some new authors too, especially as you’re so widely read in the Russians! It just shows how much fascinating stuff there is out there, just waiting to be rediscovered…
kaggsysbookishramblings
Aug 19, 2021 @ 12:15:28
it *was* indeed perfect for me, and it was such a treat to meet the new authors. There is definitely a huge amount of untranslated Russian lit out there, and thank goodness for wonderful translators!
Liz Dexter
Aug 19, 2021 @ 21:51:11
Too scary for me, although at least I have experienced White Nights in Iceland!
kaggsysbookishramblings
Aug 20, 2021 @ 17:31:32
Ah, well I’m jealous – that must have been very spectacular!
cirtnecce
Aug 24, 2021 @ 05:36:02
How you tempt me 😦 Now I am off to hunt cof this book as well …sigh! Lol
kaggsysbookishramblings
Aug 24, 2021 @ 11:31:29
Sorry to be such a bad influence! But this is such a good read! 😀
buriedinprint
Sep 09, 2021 @ 19:08:02
oOOooooOO, I love it and I hate it when scary stories really ARE scary.
Looking back on highlights of 2021’s reading… | Kaggsy's Bookish Ramblings
Dec 31, 2021 @ 07:01:55