The Collected Short Stories of Maxim Gorky

This is an excellent set of short stories.

It offers a unique experience as it presents a different flavor of non-classical English that is, nevertheless, extremely effective.

The stories within this collection are crafted with great skill and creativity.

The use of language is such that it engages the reader from the very beginning and keeps them hooked till the end.

The non-classical English gives the stories a distinct charm and authenticity, making them stand out from the ordinary.

Each story has its own theme and message, which is conveyed in a powerful and thought-provoking manner.

The characters are well-developed and relatable, adding to the overall appeal of the collection.

Whether you are a lover of English literature or simply looking for an interesting read, this set of short stories is definitely worth checking out.

Reaches to the Depth of Heart and Transforms - Vibhu Ashok

I randomly picked up this book while I was actually looking for something else. It appeared out of the blue. After reading just a few pages, I became completely hooked by the beauty that was expressed within. There is something truly unique about Gorky's style. He is like a poet among writers, with the ability to take us to the inner depth of consciousness. Something emerges from the pages and has the power to transform us. I find myself able to read this book numerous times, each time uncovering new layers of meaning and experiencing a profound connection with the words. It's as if the book has a life of its own, reaching out and touching the very core of our being.

Maxim Gorky, originally named Alexei Maximovich Peshkov, was a prominent Russian author during the realist era. His works were distinct as they predominantly centered around political themes and vehemently opposed the Tsar, a stance that set him apart from many of his contemporaries.

Beyond the political aspect, Gorky's writings had other peculiar traits. They were often regarded as "strange" for the time period. Currently, many authors consider Gorky a Marxist Feminist. This is because a significant portion of his works was based on the idea that for women to achieve true equality with men, they must revolt against the government and completely eradicate capitalism. Only then could they break free from the shackles of social oppression. This concept was evident in his short story "Mother", where he explored the role of women, particularly the elderly, in revolutions.

However, I do not fully concur with the notion that Gorky was a Marxist-Feminist. In many of his stories, such as "Twenty-six Men and A Girl", he seems to convey the idea that women will always be seen as inferior to men, regardless of the world we inhabit. An excerpt from my essay on this topic illustrates this point. Gorky shows that even in a situation where men are working and a girl has the freedom to visit them daily, she will still be objectified and lacks the ability to bring about change. This is demonstrated through his descriptions of the perpetual state of the world in his stories, with phrases suggesting that the world is stagnant and people are inevitably trapped in their professions and social classes. This stands in stark contrast to Marxist-feminism as Gorky appears to accept the reality that women will never be treated as equals to men, rather than inspiring them to reject capitalist ideals as the source of their oppression.

The Gorky stories I read encompassed "Twenty-six Men and A Girl", "Karamora", "Notch", and "The Affair of The Clasps". Additionally, I perused one of his essays titled "Soviet Intellectuals", which delved into the conflict between the bourgeois and the proletariat, the two largest social classes at that time. He also emphasized to the reader the significance of perspective - the difference between a hummock view and a point of view.

In conclusion, Gorky was one of the most extraordinary writers of his era. He fearlessly expressed unpopular opinions and criticized governments and their ideals. Despite facing extensive criticism, some of his ideas undeniably had a profound impact on literary history.

Read "Twenty-Six Men and a Girl", "Red", "Birth of a Man", "Chelkash", "Evildoers", and "Karamora". These works offer a diverse range of themes and perspectives. "Twenty-Six Men and a Girl" might explore the dynamics between a group of men and a single girl, perhaps delving into issues of power, desire, and human nature. "Red" could be a story about passion, revolution, or the color's symbolic meaning in different contexts. "Birth of a Man" might focus on the journey of a person's growth and self-discovery. "Chelkash" might present a complex character and his experiences. "Evildoers" could examine the nature of evil and the actions of those who engage in it. And "Karamora" might have its own unique plot and themes that add to the rich tapestry of these literary works.

I truly wish that people would read more of Gorky. He is an outstanding and superb writer, whose works have the power to touch the hearts and minds of readers.

One of his remarkable works that I highly recommend is "Three Friends". This story is not only engaging but also offers deep insights into human nature and the struggles of life.

Reading Gorky's works allows us to step into a different world, a world filled with vivid characters and complex emotions. His writing style is both beautiful and powerful, making it a joy to read.

By exploring his works, we can gain a better understanding of the social and historical context in which he lived, as well as the universal themes that still resonate with us today.

So, I encourage everyone to pick up a book by Gorky and discover the magic of his writing for themselves. You won't be disappointed.

In our society, there are people who are truly remarkable. They are like living repositories of knowledge, carrying within them the essence of the national library. These individuals have an insatiable thirst for learning and an unwavering dedication to expanding their intellectual horizons. They understand that knowledge is power and that by constantly seeking new information, they can make a positive impact on the world around them.

However, it is also important to note that humans do not live by thought alone. Desire plays a crucial role in our lives. We are driven by our wants and needs, often without fully understanding the reasons behind them. Sometimes, our desires lead us astray, but at other times, they can inspire us to achieve great things. It is the balance between thought and desire that allows us to lead fulfilling lives.

Ima ljudi koji umesto duše u sebi nose narodnu biblioteku.

Čovek ne živi od misli, nego od želja do kojih dolazi bez misli.

The content is attractive, but the published translation is full of typing and editing errors and...

This situation is quite concerning. A good translation is crucial for accurately conveying the meaning and essence of the original text. When there are numerous errors in the translation, it can lead to misunderstandings and a loss of the intended message.

It is essential to ensure that the translation process is carried out with care and attention to detail. This includes proper proofreading and editing to eliminate any typing mistakes, grammar errors, or incorrect interpretations.

Perhaps a more thorough review and quality control mechanism should be implemented to avoid such issues in the future. By doing so, the integrity of the translated content can be maintained, and the readers can have a better understanding and appreciation of the original work.

Ένας άνθρωπος που καταγίνεται να εξετάζει τη συνείδησή του μοιάζει λίγο από τη μια μεριά με τον Νάρκισσο κι από την άλλη με μύγα μέσα σ' έναν χείμαρρο. Αυτό είναι γιατί όταν εξετάζει τη συνείδησή του, μπορεί να επικεντρωθεί εξ ολοκλήρου στον εαυτό του, σαν ο Νάρκισσος που εθαύμαζε το εικόνα του στο νερό. Ωστόσο, ταυτόχρονα, μπορεί να νιώθει σαν να είναι σε μια συνεχή πολεμική με τις σκέψεις του και τις συνειδητοποιήσεις του, όπως ένας μύγας μέσα σε ένα χείμαρρο που προσπαθεί να επιβιώσει.

Νομίζω πως καμία άλλη αρρώστια δεν κατακουρελιάζει έτσι τον άνθρωπο όσο η πλήξη. Η πλήξη μπορεί να κάνει κάποιον να νιώθει φυλακισμένο, αιχμαλωτισμένο από κάποια σκοτεινή δύναμη. Είναι σαν να βαριούνται αλυσίδες πάνω του, εμποδίζοντάς του να συνυπάρξει ούτε με τον ίδιο του τον εαυτό. Μόλις πληγεί, αρχίζει να αναρωτιέται ποια είναι η πραγματικότητα, τι σημαίνει η ζωή και πως θα πρέπει να προχωρήσει.

- Και μήπως ποιος άνθρωπος ξέρει τι είναι πραγματικά;...Καλύτερα είναι να ρωτάμε ποιος νομίζει ότι είναι... Η αλητεία, λοιπόν έχει μια γοητεία ακατανίκητη. Να νιώθεις πως λευτερώθηκες από κάθε υποχρέωση, από κάθε θηλιά που σου πνίγει τη ζωή. Η αλητεία μας δίνει τη δυνατότητα να ξεφύγουμε από τις περιοριστικές δομές και τις απαιτήσεις της κοινωνίας και να ανακαλύψουμε το πραγματικό μας εαυτό. Είναι σαν να βγούμε από τη σκοτεινή φωλιά και να εισέλθουμε σε ένα νέο, φωτεινό κόσμο.