Petersburg
Petersburg
Book Brief
Beta384
Novel • Fiction
•
Historical Fiction•
Magical RealismSaint Petersburg, Russia • 1900s
1979
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Petersburg by Andrei Bely explores the life of Nikolai Apollonovich, the son of a high-ranking government official, set against the backdrop of political turmoil in early 20th-century Russia. The novel delves into themes of identity, existential crisis, and the complexity of familial and political relationships, all within the vibrant and chaotic city of St. Petersburg.
Mysterious
Dark
Contemplative
Melancholic
Unnerving
Reviews & Readership
5,643 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Petersburg by Andrei Bely is heralded as a pinnacle of Russian modernism, noted for its intricate narrative and symbolism. Critics praise its vivid depiction of St. Petersburg and innovative style. However, some find its complex structure challenging. The blend of historical context and philosophical depth is both lauded and critiqued for its density.
Who Should Read Petersburg?
A reader who enjoys Petersburg by Andrei Bely would likely appreciate complex narratives and symbolism reminiscent of Dostoevsky's The Brothers Karamazov and Joyce's Ulysses. This reader values explorations of identity and sociopolitical themes set in richly textured urban landscapes.
5,643 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Petersburg by Andrei Bely is often hailed as one of the finest examples of Symbolist fiction, capturing the chaotic and mystical atmosphere of early 20th-century Russia.
The novel employs a unique narrative technique called "spatial form," where traditional linear storytelling is replaced by a structure that mirrors the fragmented and multi-layered reality of the city.
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Andrei Bely's Petersburg was highly regarded by influential writers such as James Joyce and Vladimir Nabokov, with Nabokov including it in his list of the greatest novels of the 20th century.
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384
Novel • Fiction
•
Historical Fiction•
Magical RealismSaint Petersburg, Russia • 1900s
1979
Adult
18+ years
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