New Persian translation of “Doctor Zhivago” comes to Iranian bookstores

April 15, 2024 - 22:31

TEHRAN-A new Persian translation of Russian poet and novelist Boris Pasternak’s 1957 novel “Doctor Zhivago” has come to Iranian bookstores.

Now Publication is the publisher of the book, which has been translated into Persian by Parvaneh Fakhamzadeh from its original Russian version. 

"Doctor Zhivago" is a sweeping epic that delves into the life of Yuri Zhivago, a Russian doctor and poet, as he navigates through love, loss, and political turmoil during the early 20th century. The novel opens with Yuri's childhood and follows his journey as he becomes a respected doctor, marries, and finds himself torn between two women - his wife Tonya, and Lara Antipova, the enigmatic woman with whom he falls deeply in love. Set against the backdrop of the Russian Revolution and World War I, Zhivago's personal struggles mirror the larger societal upheaval and political unrest in Russia.

As Zhivago's life unfolds, he is forced to confront the harsh realities of war, political persecution, and the challenging choices he must make to survive in a rapidly changing world. Throughout the novel, Pasternak masterfully weaves together themes of love, art, and the quest for individual freedom, offering a deeply introspective exploration of the human condition. The story is not just about Yuri Zhivago's personal experiences, but also reflects the broader social and political transformations that were taking place in Russia during this turbulent period.

"Doctor Zhivago" is not just a love story or a historical novel; it is a powerful meditation on the complexities of human relationships and the enduring impact of historical events on individual lives. Pasternak's lyrical prose and profound insights into the human soul elevate the novel to a timeless masterpiece that continues to resonate with readers around the world. 

"Doctor Zhivago" is one of the important and influential works of the Communist era in the Soviet Union, which ultimately was transferred and published outside of Russia through the interventions of American organizations and figures from Western countries. 

Pasternak, who was known as a poet before this book, began writing the novel in 1946 and completed it in 1956, which according to Soviet policies, was clearly not allowed for publication in Russia. The book was published in 1957 by an Italian publisher, and then its translations were printed in various countries. As a result, Pasternak was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature and later won, but due to pressure from the Communist Party, he declined the award. It was ultimately in 1988 that the Russian version of "Doctor Zhivago" was released in Russia.

One of the most renowned adaptations of "Doctor Zhivago" is the 1965 film directed by David Lean, which starred Omar Sharif as Zhivago, Julie Christie as Lara, Geraldine Chaplin as Tonya, and Alec Guinness as Yevgraf. The movie was a commercial success, winning five Oscars and remains a classic in cinematic history. Maurice Jarre's score, particularly the romantic "Lara's Theme," is also remembered as a standout element of the film.

SAB/

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