Author
A. I. (Aleksandr Ivanovich) Kuprin
1870-1938
A. I. (Aleksandr Ivanovich) Kuprin (1870-1938) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by A. I. (Aleksandr Ivanovich) Kuprin
Yama [The Pit], a Novel in Three Parts
"Yama [The Pit]" by A. I. Kuprin is a novel written in the early 20th century, prominently showcasing the themes of prostitution and the grim realities of life on the fringes of society. The narrative immerses the reader into the sordid world of a Russian brothel, focusing on the lives of the women involved and their interactions with a range of clientele, from the desperate to the depraved. It explores the psychological and social implications of their existence, hinting at deeper moral questions about human nature, dignity, and compassion. At the start of "Yama [The Pit]," the setting is introduced as a once vibrant area now teeming with brothels and representing a blend of decay and reckless abandon. The opening describes the establishments along Great and Little Yamskaya, depicting the stark contrasts between luxury and squalor. We meet various characters in and around these brothels, including women who exhibit bitter resignation, youthful dreams, and coping mechanisms in their harsh realities. The atmosphere is thick with the smell of cheap alcohol, desperation, and moments of fleeting joy amidst the degradation. As the narrative unfolds, we are invited to witness the complexity of their lives and the societal indifference that traps them in such a pitiful existence.
The duel
"The duel" by A. I. Kuprin is a novel published in 1905. An intelligent young officer stationed at a dreary Russian military garrison struggles against the brutality and stupidity surrounding him. When he falls for Shurochka, a fellow officer's wife, he mistakes her compassion for genuine feeling. She harbors darker ambitions. Their affair sets in motion a fatal confrontation that exposes both personal betrayal and the moral decay of military society. Published after Russia's defeat in the Russo-Japanese War, the novel earned Kuprin widespread acclaim.
A Slav Soul, and Other Stories
"A Slav Soul" by Alexander Kuprin is a collection of short stories written in the early 20th century. The book encapsulates a vivid portrayal of Russian life through various character sketches and narratives that explore the complexities of human nature and emotions. Among the notable characters introduced is Yasha, an enigmatic servant who reflects the idiosyncrasies of the Slav soul, embodying both pride and vulnerability in his interactions with those around him. The opening of "A Slav Soul" draws the reader into a nostalgic recollection of childhood memories, focusing on the protagonist's reflections concerning his family and their servant Yasha, an emotionally intricate figure. Yasha is depicted as a proud, melancholy man who serves as a pillar of support for the family's honor, despite his shortcomings, such as alcoholism and eccentricity. The narrative intricately weaves together Yasha's unique personality traits, relationships with animals like Matsko the horse and Bouton the dog, and his interactions with the protagonist's family, encapsulating the deep-seated emotions and cultural nuances that define his character, setting the stage for the poignant tales that follow.
Sulamith: A Romance of Antiquity
"Sulamith: A Romance of Antiquity" by A.I. Kuprin is a historical romance written in the early 20th century. The narrative likely explores the legendary love story between King Solomon, a figure renowned for his wisdom and wealth, and a humble maiden named Sulamith. The book is set against the backdrop of ancient Israel, detailing the opulence of Solomon's court while embodying themes of love, desire, and the contrast between power and simplicity. The opening portion of the narrative introduces King Solomon at the height of his rule, illustrating his splendor and the immense construction efforts directed toward the temple and his palace. It highlights Solomon’s relationships with numerous women, yet focuses on his deep affection for Sulamith, a vineyard maiden who captivates his heart. As Solomon first encounters Sulamith, there is a palpable tension of attraction mixed with innocence, as the king is entranced by her beauty and charm. The vivid descriptions of the characters and their surroundings set the stage for a tale that intertwines love, longing, and the complexities of human desire against an ancient historical setting.
The River of Life, and Other Stories
"The River of Life and Other Stories" by Alexander Kuprin is a collection of short stories written in the early 20th century. The opening story, titled "The River of Life," introduces readers to the dreary setting of a third-rate hotel called the ‘Serbia’, populated by misfits, lodgers, and a landlady, Anna Friedrichovna, who juggles the chaos of her life with care, navigating her relationships with her children and a downfallen lieutenant, Tchijhevich. The narrative dives deep into themes of survival, loss, and the human condition, exploring the lives of those who inhabit the margins of society. The opening portion of the collection sets a vivid scene in the cluttered and rundown hotel where Anna Friedrichovna runs her household with a mix of toughness and vulnerability. With the smells of cooking permeating the air, the landlady deals with her children’s antics and the errant behavior of Lieutenant Tchijhevich, who lives under her roof, highlighting a blend of love, conflict, and financial strife. As tensions rise, culminating in a personal conflict between the lieutenant and Anna, the story unfolds to reveal their complex relationships against a backdrop of a war-torn society and the crumbling remnants of once respectable lives. This rich tapestry of human interactions invites readers to reflect on the deeper themes of desperation and resilience within the margins of existence.
Le duel : $b roman
"Le duel : roman" by A. I. Kuprin is a novel published in 1905. Set in a provincial Russian infantry regiment, it follows young Sub-Lieutenant Romashov as his romantic, idealized worldview collides with the crude reality of military life. The story centers on a conflict between Romashov and a superior officer, exploring themes of honor, disillusionment, and the gap between cultivated ideals and harsh institutional truths. Considered Kuprin's most important work, the novel sparked intense controversy upon its release during the Russo-Japanese War.
Valkoinen villakoira y.m. kertomuksia
"Valkoinen villakoira y.m. kertomuksia" by A. I. Kuprin is a collection of stories written in the early 20th century. The book features whimsical narratives that explore the lives of both humans and animals, showcasing themes of companionship, longing, and the artistry of everyday life. Central to the opening tale is a white poodle named Arto, who embarks on an adventure accompanied by an old man named Martyn Lodyzhkin and a young boy named Sergei. The opening of the book introduces the small group as they travel along the southern coast of Crimea, with Arto leading the way. The elderly Lodyzhkin carries a decrepit music box, and Sergei has a small cage with a trained bird. Their journey is filled with humorous and tender moments that reveal the deep bond between them, as well as Lodyzhkin's affection for music and his companions. As they move from villa to villa, their attempts to entertain for a few coins lead to a mix of both disappointment and enjoyment, setting the tone for the enchanting stories to follow.
Kadulta
"Kadulta" by A. I. Kuprin is a novel written in the early 20th century. The book appears to focus on the confessions and reflections of a man who has fallen from a once-promising life into poverty and vice. Likely semi-autobiographical, the narrative centers on the main character's journey through degraded circumstances, touching on themes of weakness, addiction, and social decline. The protagonist serves both as a narrator and subject, sharing his story with a mixture of regret, self-awareness, and irony. The opening of the book introduces the protagonist addressing an unseen interlocutor, admitting to his own life's downfall due to his character's weakness, reinforcing what society and experts have told him. He describes a life marked by squandered opportunities, vice, and repeated expulsions from educational institutions, tracing his experiences from a troubled childhood in a dysfunctional family, through misadventure in school and the military, to a chaotic existence of odd jobs, failed relationships, and bouts of poverty. The narrative is candid and self-deprecating, blending humor with sadness as the protagonist recounts his time in prisons, flophouses, and various lowly occupations, including his stints as a journalist, a "professional beggar," and ultimately a waiter. This confessional opening sets a tone of raw honesty and highlights both the colorful characters of the underclass and the harsh realities of marginalization.