These letters, which are effusive and filled with great feeling, are truly touching to read. Tsvetayeva was able to quickly gain Rilke's confidence with just a short introduction from Pasternak, which shows the warmhearted and trusting natures of the protagonists. However, the correspondence presented here has some drawbacks. Tsvetayeva's letters to Pasternak were not released before publication, as per her wishes. Additionally, Pasternak was unable to summon the courage to write more than one salutary letter to Rilke before the latter's death. As a result, what we have is less of a shared conversation and more of an intimate portrait of Tsvetayeva's and Rilke's brief acquaintance through letters in 1926. It is lovely to read, but unfortunately, it is all too fleeting.

I am awarding this chronicle of one Summer a full five stars across the board. This accolade especially goes to the translators who had the arduous task of translating Russian, French, and German into English. There were certain passages in the text that remained untranslated but were accompanied by footnotes in English. I was rather pleased with the footnotes as they allowed me to determine the accuracy of my own partial translations.

The letters in this volume were penned during a tumultuous period within The Soviet Era. A significant number of poets and writers fled the country due to Stalinist persecution and the ever-present fear of being dispatched to Siberia. Marina Tsvetayeva departed with her family into exile. Pasternak, on the other hand, chose to stay and document what he witnessed, despite the fact that he could have been arrested at any given moment.

The correspondence commenced with Pasternak expressing his gratitude to Rilke for the latter's praise of Pasternak's translated poems. Pasternak then requested that Rilke make contact with Tsvetayeva, who was in exile in Europe. This set in motion a passionate cycle of letters that ultimately concluded with Rilke's death from leukemia.

This relationship gave rise to a dynamic situation that served as a catalyst for creativity among all those involved.

Do read the letters and discover what was born during the Summer of 1926.

These letters immerse you in the lives of the three authors at a very intimate level, with their confidences, their doubts, and their daily lives. What caught my attention, above all, was the personality of Marina, so passionate, so determined.

It is a great document to get to know a little more about their lives and their works. Through these letters, we can catch a glimpse of the inner thoughts and emotions of the authors, which adds a new dimension to our understanding of their creative processes.

We can see how they dealt with the challenges and joys of life, and how these experiences influenced their writing. The details and insights provided in these letters make them a valuable resource for anyone interested in the lives and works of these three remarkable authors.

The Crossover of the Century

In this era of rapid development, the concept of "crossover" has become extremely popular. It represents a unique combination and innovation that breaks through traditional boundaries.

The crossover of the century is not just a simple combination of different elements, but a collision and integration of different cultures, industries, and art forms. It creates new possibilities and surprises, attracting the attention and love of countless people.

For example, in the field of fashion, there are often crossovers between famous fashion designers and artists. Their cooperation results in unique and creative fashion works that not only show the charm of fashion but also carry the connotation of art.

In the entertainment industry, the crossover of different types of stars is also very common. Singers may try acting, and actors may show their singing skills. This kind of crossover not only enriches the entertainment content but also brings more opportunities and challenges to the stars.

In short, the crossover of the century is a trend and a revolution. It promotes the development and innovation of various fields and brings more colorful experiences and choices to people.

This is an truly amazing collection of letters that transpired between three poets throughout the course of one summer.

The letters are filled with thought-provoking questions and engaging conversations. They touch upon a wide range of topics, including the essence of poetry, the restrictions imposed by censorship, the profound influence of art, and even the inevitable topic of dying.

It might seem that these are rather heavy and complex themes, but in the hands of these poets, they are presented in a way that makes it a surprisingly engaging and even light read.

As you delve into these letters, you can't help but be drawn into the world of these poets, sharing in their joys, their frustrations, and their deep musings.

It's a literary gem that offers a unique perspective on the creative process and the human experience.

Whether you're a poetry enthusiast or simply someone who enjoys a good read, this collection of letters is sure to captivate and inspire you.

Every single thing that I come across and that has Marina Tsvetaeva's touch in it reveals to me the true essence of how one should experience life. It's not about passively observing or simply going through the motions. Instead, it's about actively reaching out and grabbing life with both hands. Shaking it vigorously, as if to extract every ounce of its energy and vitality. And then, holding on to it with an unwavering grip, even as it takes you on a wild and unpredictable ride. Tsvetaeva's works seem to breathe life into these words, making them not just abstract concepts but palpable emotions. She shows us that life is meant to be lived to the fullest, with all its joys, sorrows, and unexpected twists and turns. Through her writing, we are invited to embrace this wild ride and discover the beauty and meaning that lies within it.

14/45 Pasternak - Rilke - Tsvietáieva.

These letters are indeed charismatic and revealing. They particularly showcase the Russians' fervor for the German poet. Pasternak's devotion to Rilke stands out, as does the genuine friendship and admiration between Rilke and Marina.

The correspondence between these literary giants offers a unique glimpse into their creative worlds and the deep emotional connections they formed. It is a testament to the power of art and the ability of poets to inspire and influence one another across borders and cultures.

Reading these letters, one can sense the passion and intensity with which they wrote, the shared love for language and the pursuit of artistic excellence. They are not just letters but a valuable historical and literary document that enriches our understanding of these remarkable poets and their times.

Overall, the Pasternak - Rilke - Tsvietáieva letters are a treasure trove of inspiration and insight for anyone interested in literature, poetry, and the human spirit.

"Neither the letter nor the dreams are entrusted: one dreams and writes not when we want, but when they want: the letter to be written, and the dream to be dreamed." (M. Ts)

There is an unprecedented immersion in the universe of one of the most interesting minds in Russian/German literature. A very complete reconstruction of different aspects of the relationship among the three (and among each one), despite the fact that many data are, intentionally, ignored, since the attention is directed towards the summer of '26. However, the explanatory comments are very accurate.

This text seems to explore the mysterious and perhaps involuntary nature of creation, whether it be through writing letters or experiencing dreams. It delves into the complex web of relationships, hinting at a depth that is only partially revealed. The focus on a specific summer adds a sense of temporal significance, as if something crucial occurred during that time. The omission of certain details may leave room for the reader's imagination to fill in the gaps, making the exploration even more engaging and thought-provoking.

The article seems to be about a specific topic related to Pasternak's letters from the summer of 1926 and art. However, the provided text is rather brief and lacks detailed content. To expand it, we could explore more about the context of those letters. For example, we might discuss the historical and cultural background of 1926, which could have influenced Pasternak's thoughts and the art of that time. We could also analyze some of the specific themes or ideas that might be present in his letters. Additionally, we could look at how his views on art might have evolved over the years. By delving deeper into these aspects, we can provide a more comprehensive and engaging article.

https://www.brainpickings.org/2016/11...

This is an extraordinary collection that is written in the most beautiful way.

Each piece within it is filled with an abundance of soul and passion.

The words seem to dance off the page, captivating the reader from the very first line.

The author has a unique ability to convey deep emotions and thoughts, making the collection truly a work of art.

It is a must-read for anyone who appreciates fine literature and wants to be transported to a world of beauty and inspiration.

The collection will leave you feeling uplifted and touched, with a newfound appreciation for the power of words.

Whether you are a seasoned reader or just starting out, this extraordinary collection is sure to leave a lasting impression on you.

So, don't miss out on the opportunity to experience this beautiful and soulful work.

Pick up a copy today and let the words work their magic on you.

“Letters: Summer 26” is an incredibly tantalising read. In December 1925, Leonid Pasternak reached out and wrote to his old friend Rilke. Rilke promptly replied, expressing that Leonid had awakened all his vivid memories of his youth in Russia. This exchange eventually led to a connection between Rilke and Boris Pasternak. Then, at Rilke's request, he wrote to Maria Tsvetayeva. And thus began the remarkable triumvirate in these letters: Rilke, Pasternak, and Tsvetayeva (along with a few other minor correspondents).

These are the letters of three exiles. One is in Russia, one in France, and one in Switzerland. All of them feel as if they are emigres from normal life. The letters seem insubstantial as they float between the minds of the correspondents, constructing a beautiful world of poetry. They are so otherworldly that reality seems to slip through one's fingers. Pasternak is grappling with the state's attack on writers and the increase in censorship. Tsvetayeva is bravely battling tuberculosis. And Rilke is facing leukemia and imminent death.

The tone of the letters is powerfully struck by Tsvetayeva in a letter of July 6, 1926, when she challenges the very notion of a mother language. For her, there is only language - poetry. To talk of Russian or French or German poetry or the mother tongue is, in her view, to commit heresy. These complex letters are not just about writing letters but also about the art of writing poetry. At times, a reader feels as if they are sealed inside an hermetic bottle with the three of them, breathing the rarified air of their poetic world. The three poets exist as a Trinity, with Rilke as the Father, Pasternak as the Son, and Tsvetayeva as the Shekinah/Holy Spirit. Of course, Creation falls apart with the death of Rilke - a profound silence that filters out slowly and transmutes into a moving elegy. It is truly a deeply moving series of letters.

Letters: Summer 26

When a writer manages to pique my interest and take me on an unexpected journey, my eagerness to know every single detail about that writer often becomes a little excessive. And thus, a new journey commences. It's not just about reading all of his or her major works, but also delving into anything and everything they have ever written. This includes poetry, short stories, essays, but most significantly, letters.

My home library has expanded tremendously through these quests, reaching a bursting point with the weighty tomes that make up "The Complete Letters of...." You can fill in the blank with names like Samuel Beckett, James Joyce, and many others. However, this particular set of letters is truly unique because we already know that the remarkable poet Rainer Maria Rilke was on the verge of dying during the time these letters were written.

Here, three distinct poetic voices are captured in their correspondence with each other: Marina Tsvetayeva, living in exile in France, Boris Pasternak in Moscow, and Rainer Maria Rilke in Switzerland. You might wonder if one needs to be familiar with their works for these letters to hold meaning. Well, the answer is no! These intense and passionate letters serve as a unique commentary on their wonderful and diverse talents, speaking volumes on their own.