Andrei Sinyavsky (1925–97,) born Andrey Donatovich Sinyavsky, was a Russian writer, literary critic, and Soviet dissident known for satirical, surrealist works challenging Soviet censorship. Writing under the pseudonym Abram Tertz, he defied Socialist Realism, shaping post-Stalin Russian literature.
Born in Moscow, Sinyavsky studied philology at Moscow State University, graduating in 1949. He worked as a literary critic for Novy Mir, a leading Soviet magazine, and taught at the Gorky Institute of World Literature. Initially conforming to Soviet literary norms, he later embraced allegorical storytelling, publishing abroad to evade censorship.
His major works include O sotsialisticheskom realizme (1959, On Socialist Realism,) critiquing Soviet artistic doctrine; Sud idet (1960, The Trial Begins,) exposing political repression; Fantasticheskie rasskazy (1961, Fantastic Stories😉 and Lyubimov (1965, The Makepeace Experiment.) His secret publications led to his 1965 arrest, alongside fellow writer Yuli Daniel, in the Sinyavsky-Daniel trial. Convicted of anti-Soviet agitation, he received a six-year labor camp sentence.
After his release, Sinyavsky emigrated to France (1973,) where he taught Russian literature and continued writing. His later works include Dobroy nochi! (1984, Goodnight!,) an autobiographical novel, and Golos iz khora (1973, A Voice from the Chorus,) reflecting on his prison experiences.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Andrei Sinyavsky
What is the most precious, the most exciting smell awaiting you in the house when you return to it after a dozen years or so? The smell of roses, you think? No, moldering books.
—Andrei Sinyavsky
Topics: Books, Reading
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