TL;DR
Doctor Zhivago is a tale of love and survival amidst the chaos of the Russian Revolution, following the life of poet/physician Yury Zhivago.
What is Doctor Zhivago about
Doctor Zhivago, authored by Boris Pasternak, is a literary masterpiece set against the backdrop of the Russian Revolution and subsequent civil war. The narrative revolves around Yury Zhivago, a poet and physician, who struggles to maintain his humanity and love amidst the violent upheaval. His life is marked by his deep affection for two women, his wife Tonya and the passionate Lara. The novel delves into the personal and political turmoil of early 20th-century Russia and is renowned for its profound exploration of love, loss, and disillusionment.
Doctor Zhivago 7 Key Takeaways
Yury's Early Life
Yury Zhivago loses his mother at a young age and is raised by his uncle Kolya. He later enrolls at a university in Moscow, studying medicine.
The Russian Revolution
Yury and his family move from Moscow to the Ural Mountains hoping for safety, but they become embroiled in the civil war between the Whites and the Reds.
Meeting Lara
Yury meets Lara, a beautiful and tender woman who symbolizes the chaos of the times. Their love story becomes central to his life amid the turmoil.
Yury's Family
Yury's relationship with his wife Tonya and their children is strained by the war and his growing affection for Lara.
Captivity and Escape
Yury is captured by partisans but eventually escapes, further complicating his path as he struggles to reunite with his family and love.
Disillusionment with Communism
The novel portrays Yury's growing disillusionment with the Communist regime, reflecting Pasternak's critical view of Soviet society.
Yury's Death
Yury dies in poverty, reflecting the harsh realities of the era. Lara disappears, adding to the sense of unresolved love and loss.
Top Doctor Zhivago Quotes
- 'I think that if the beast who sleeps in man could be held down by threats—any kind of threat, whether of jail or retribution—then the highest emblem of humanity would be the lion tamer and not the prophet.'
- 'In an age when the highest feat of the human mind consisted in an ability to say 'yes' to any question, the spirit of free inquiry had been driven into the desert.'
Who should read Doctor Zhivago?
Doctor Zhivago is ideal for readers interested in historical fiction, particularly those who want to delve into the personal and societal impacts of the Russian Revolution. It is also suited for literature enthusiasts who appreciate complex characters and poetic storytelling.
Doctor Zhivago Best Reviews
- 'Doctor Zhivago is one of the great events in man’s literary and moral history.' - Edmund Wilson, The New Yorker
- 'Pasternak’s finest work, a literary masterpiece that captures the essence of human struggle and resilience.' - The Guardian
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Doctor Zhivago FAQs
What is the book Doctor Zhivago about?
Doctor Zhivago tells the story of Yury Zhivago, a man torn between his love for two women while caught in the tumultuous course of 20th-century Russian history.
What is the message of the novel Doctor Zhivago?
The novel explores themes of loneliness, fate, and disillusionment, highlighting the gap between revolutionary ideals and the harsh realities of Communist Russia.
Is Doctor Zhivago a true story?
No, Doctor Zhivago is not based on a true story. However, it accurately depicts the historical context of early 20th-century Russia.