Author
Ivan Alekseevich Bunin
1870-1953
Ivan Alekseevich Bunin (1870-1953) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by Ivan Alekseevich Bunin
The Gentleman from San Francisco, and Other Stories
"The Gentleman from San Francisco, and Other Stories" by Ivan Alekseevich Bunin is a collection of short stories written in the early 20th century. The titular story revolves around a wealthy American man from San Francisco who embarks on a luxurious European holiday with his wife and daughter, filled with high expectations and material comforts. The narrative captures the contrasts between the gentleman's affluent life and the realities of the world around him, hinting at themes of existential reflection and the transient nature of pleasure. The opening of the collection sets the stage for "The Gentleman from San Francisco," detailing the protagonist's journey as he and his family prepare for an extravagant European tour. As they set sail on the luxurious liner "Atlantis", the atmosphere is vibrant and filled with opulence, yet the harsh, stormy weather foreshadows the underlying struggles and discontent of his life. The narrative unfolds to illustrate the gentleman's preparation for leisure, while subtly contrasting his self-importance with the indifference of the world, ultimately suggesting that the journey may not lead to the fulfillment he anticipates. As they arrive in Naples, the complications of travel and a sudden shift in mood introduce a sense of foreboding that unfolds over the course of the story.
The Village
"The Village" by Ivan Alekseevich Bunin is a short novel written in 1909 and first published in 1910. Set during the 1905 Revolution in rural Russia, it follows two peasant brothers—one a brutal drunk, the other more gentle and sympathetic. Bunin's unflinching portrayal of country life sparked immediate controversy by challenging the idealized image of Russian peasants common in literature of the time. Maxim Gorky praised it highly, calling it a work that would force Russian society to think seriously about the nation's future.