Sergei Dovlatov
Sergei Dovlatov: A Life of Uncompromising Artistry
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#### Full Name and Common Aliases
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Sergei Dovlatov was born as Abram Efros, but he later adopted the pen name Sergei Dovlatov. His full name is also sometimes listed as Abram Abramovich Efros.
#### Birth and Death Dates
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Born: 17 September 1941, in Voronezh, Russia
Died: 24 August 1990, in New York City, USA
#### Nationality and Profession(s)
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Russian-American writer, journalist, and critic. Dovlatov's work defies categorization as a single genre, instead blending elements of fiction, nonfiction, satire, and memoir.
#### Early Life and Background
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Born to a Jewish family in Voronezh during World War II, Abram Efros grew up amidst the turmoil and uncertainty that characterized post-war Soviet Russia. His early life was marked by poverty and hardship, which would later become a recurring theme in his writing.
In 1966, Dovlatov was arrested and imprisoned for "anti-Soviet propaganda" due to his involvement with an underground literary magazine. The experience had a profound impact on him, shaping his worldview and artistic vision.
#### Major Accomplishments
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Dovlatov's literary career spanned over two decades, during which he produced an impressive body of work that showcased his unique voice and perspective. Some notable achievements include:
Publishing his first collection of short stories, "The Rouble, the Dollar, and the Frenzied Poets," in 1969.
Writing a series of influential essays for the Moscow magazine _Literary Moscow_, which helped establish him as a prominent literary critic and journalist.
#### Notable Works or Actions
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Some of Dovlatov's most celebrated works include:
"The Zone" (1971) - a novella that explores the lives of Soviet citizens living in the shadow of the Chernobyl disaster.
"The Home Audit" (1980) - a collection of stories that critiques the social and cultural norms of late Soviet society.
#### Impact and Legacy
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Dovlatov's writing has had a profound impact on Russian literature, influencing generations of writers and thinkers. His fearless critique of Soviet society, combined with his unflinching portrayal of human struggle, continues to resonate with readers around the world.
In 1978, Dovlatov defected from the Soviet Union, settling in New York City where he continued to write and publish until his untimely death in 1990. His legacy extends far beyond his own work, inspiring writers and artists to challenge authority and push the boundaries of creative expression.
#### Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Sergei Dovlatov's unyielding commitment to artistic integrity, combined with his unwavering critique of oppressive systems, has cemented his place in literary history. His writing continues to inspire readers and writers alike, offering a powerful reminder that art can be both a reflection of the world around us and a force for change.
In an age where conformity often seems more appealing than resistance, Dovlatov's life and work serve as a testament to the transformative power of uncompromising artistry. His legacy serves as a beacon, reminding us that even in the darkest times, there is always room for hope, courage, and the unwavering pursuit of truth.
Quotes by Sergei Dovlatov
The university campus was in the old part of town. The combination of water and stone creates a special, majestic atmosphere there. It’s hard to be a sluggard under those circumstances, but I managed.
The world in which I found myself was horrifying. In that world, people fought with sharpened rasp files, ate dogs, covered their faces with tattoos and sodomized goats. In that world, people killed for a package of tea.
I decided to “find myself” in monumental sculpture. Alas, monumental sculpture is a very conservative genre. The cause is the monumentality itself. You can secretly write novels and symphonies. You can secretly experiment on canvas. But just try to hide a twelve-foot-high sculpture!
The world was horrible. But life continued. What is more, life’s usual proportions stayed the same. The ratio of good and evil, grief and happiness, remained unchanged.
I had three long conversations with Marusya over a cup of coffee. She told me her whole rather silly story. To some degree we became friends. I like people like that – doomed, dying, helpless, and brazen. I always say, if you’re in trouble, you’re not sinning.
Leger died a Communist, having fallen once and for all for the greatest charlatanism of all times. It may be that, like many artists, he was stupid.
Looking around, do you see ruins? That was to be expected. He who lives in the world of words does not get along with things.
I looked at the empty suitcase. On the bottom was Karl Marx. On the lid was Brodsky. And between them, my lost, precious, only life.
Sales were lukewarm. Back home there was no freedom, but there were readers. Here there was freedom enough, but readers were missing.
Stop thinking. I’ve stopped some 15 years ago. Otherwise, if you will be thinking you won’t want to live. Everyone who thinks is unhappy.