48 pages • 1 hour read
Sofia Petrovna
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Book Brief
120
Novella • Fiction
Soviet Union • 1930s
1965
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Sofia Petrovna by Lydia Chukovskaya follows a widow, Sofia Petrovna, and her son Kolya in Leningrad during the Great Terror. Sofia's life unravels when Kolya is arrested without explanation, and she faces increasing hostility from her community. Sofia's struggle to discover Kolya's fate amidst a repressive regime highlights the personal toll of Stalinist purges. The book contains descriptions of suicide and antisemitism.
Melancholic
Dark
Mysterious
Unnerving
Reviews & Readership
2,581 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Chukovskaya's Sofia Petrovna is widely praised for its poignant depiction of the Great Purge's impact on ordinary Soviet citizens. Reviewers commend its emotional depth and stark realism. However, some critiques note the narrative's bleak tone may be disheartening for certain readers. Overall, it offers a compelling and humanizing portrayal of historical events.
Who Should Read Sofia Petrovna?
Readers who would enjoy Sofia Petrovna by Lydia Chukovskaya are those interested in Soviet history, particularly the Stalinist purges, and fans of character-driven narratives. Similar readers may appreciate One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich by Alexander Solzhenitsyn or 1984 by George Orwell for their exploration of totalitarian regimes.
2,581 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Kolya Lipatov
Kolya Lipatov
Sofia’s son, an idealistic and selfless engineer, whose dedication to Soviet values plays a central role in his character and life decisions.
Natasha Frolenko
Natasha Frolenko
A 24-year-old typist at Sofia's workplace, who has a modest and pale appearance and faces constant challenges due to her family’s history with the Bolsheviks.
Alik Finkelstein
Alik Finkelstein
Kolya's best friend and classmate from a humble background, known for his loyalty and contrasting physical appearance and disposition to Kolya.
120
Novella • Fiction
Soviet Union • 1930s
1965
Adult
18+ years
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