Subject
Short stories, Russian -- Translations into Finnish Books
Best books
Lev Lvovich Tolstoy
Mistä ihmiset elävät : $b ynnä muita kertomuksia
"Mistä ihmiset elävät : ynnä muita kertomuksia" by Lev Lvovich Tolstoy is a collection of short stories written in the early 20th century. The main narrative features a shoemaker named Semjon, who, amid his struggles for survival, encounters a mysterious naked man one cold day, leading to themes of compassion, poverty, and the essence of human connection. The book explores profound moral questions through its characters' experiences, emphasizing the importance of love and community. The opening of the book introduces Semjon, a struggling shoemaker, who is out of luck while trying to gather money to buy new sheepskins for a coat. After facing numerous disappointments while attempting to collect debts, he finds a naked man by a chapel, initially fearing the worst. However, the shoemaker's conscience compels him to help the man, which leads to a series of reflections on the nature of humanity and divine love. Through this encounter, the story sets the stage for profound revelations about the interconnectedness of human beings and the idea that people do not merely live for themselves but for one another through acts of love and kindness.
A. I. (Aleksandr Ivanovich) Kuprin
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.
Leo Tolstoy
Jumalallista ja inhimillistä eli vielä kolme kuolemaa
"Jumalallista ja inhimillistä eli vielä kolme kuolemaa" by Leo Tolstoy is a narrative work written in the late 19th century. This book delves into themes of morality, revolution, and the human condition during a turbulent period in Russian history, particularly focusing on the character Anatolii Svjetlogub as he grapples with his fate in a world filled with systemic injustice and revolutionary fervor. At the start of the narrative, we witness the somber setting of a general's office in southern Russia during the 1870s, a time marked by revolutionary struggles against the government. The general grapples with the weight of his decisions, particularly regarding the death sentence for Svjetlogub, a brilliant candidate implicated in a conspiracy. This tension continues as the story shifts, revealing Svjetlogub's mother in despair over her son's fate, juxtaposed against Svjetlogub's own reflections on his life's choices while imprisoned. Themes of sacrifice, love, and the search for truth and meaning permeate this opening, setting the stage for a profound exploration of life, death, and the complexities of moral righteousness amid societal chaos.
Maksim Gorky
Kertomuksia II
"Kertomuksia II" by Maksim Gorky is a collection of short stories written in the early 20th century. This literary work captures the struggles and experiences of characters often on the margins of society, exploring themes of poverty, human connection, and the pursuit of hope amidst despair. Gorky's ability to create vivid portrayals of these characters establishes a deep connection between the reader and the often harsh realities they face. The opening of the collection introduces us to three weary travelers who have set off from Perekop, hungry and dispirited. As they journey through the desolate steppe, the group—consisting of a soldier, a university dropout, and a humble narrator—shares their mutual experiences of hunger and alienation while maintaining a sense of camaraderie amid their dire circumstances. The narrative evokes a poignant imagery of their march, filled with existential musings and raw human emotion, culminating in a tense encounter with a stranger that tests their morals and survival instincts. This opening sets the tone for a reflective examination of human nature, social structures, and the resilience required to endure the trials of life.
Anton Pavlovich Chekhov
Venäläistä rakkautta
"Venäläistä rakkautta" by Anton Pavlovich Chekhov is a collection of short stories written in the early 20th century. The work delves into complex human emotions and relationships, often illustrating the intricate dynamics of love and societal expectations within Russian culture. Through various characters who grapple with their desires, regrets, and moral dilemmas, Chekhov paints a rich tapestry of personal experiences and existential queries. The opening of this collection introduces a captivating scene aboard a train, where a lovely woman engages in an intimate conversation with a young writer. She expresses her troubled past, marked by unfulfilled dreams and emotional turbulence, soliciting the writer to capture her essence in words. As the narrative unfolds, themes of unrequited love and the pursuit of happiness emerge, particularly when the woman reflects on the constraints posed by her relationships, contrasting with the freedom she yearns for. The dialogue reveals both characters' deep introspections, setting the stage for a series of explorations into the nature of love, suffering, and the human condition that will unfold throughout the stories.
Anton Pavlovich Chekhov
Avioliittoja: Kokoelma aviotarinoita
"Avioliittoja: Kokoelma aviotarinoita" by Anton Pavlovich Chekhov is a collection of stories written in the early 20th century. The book explores various aspects of marriage and relationships, depicting the complexities and challenges that couples face. Through a series of vignettes and character studies, Chekhov delves into themes of love, fidelity, and marital discord. The opening of the collection introduces us to the characters of Nadeshda Filippovna and her mother, who are caught in a dreary rainy day, waiting for the return of Nadeshda’s husband, Aleksei Stepanitsh. As they engage in conversation, their longing for Aleksei surfaces, revealing their worries and anxieties about his well-being and dedication. Eventually, Nadeshda resolves to visit him, but her excitement is soon overshadowed by devastating news that Aleksei has betrayed their trust, setting off a passionate and emotional reaction from both women and establishing the collection's tone of intimacy and emotional depth.
Nikolai Vasilevich Gogol
Viitta: Kertomus
"Viitta: Kertomus" by Nikolai Vasilevich Gogol is a short story written in the early 19th century. The narrative centers on the life of a minor bureaucrat named Akaaki Akaakievitsch, who is portrayed as an unremarkable and modest government clerk. Through Satirical elements, the work explores themes of social class, human suffering, and the mundane yet cruel reality of bureaucratic life. The opening of the story introduces Akaaki Akaakievitsch, detailing his background and current position as a copyist in an unspecified government office. It describes his physical appearance and character traits, which include shyness and a strong commitment to his job, as he diligently works in a world that largely ignores him. The story presents a glimpse into his life, showcasing the cruelty and apathy he faces from his colleagues who mock him for his old and worn outer garment, a "viitta" (overcoat). As his struggles unfold, a deep sense of pity for his character is evoked, setting the stage for the larger narrative on his quest for dignity and respect amidst an indifferent bureaucratic system.
Maksim Gorky
Kertomuksia I
"Kertomuksia I" by Maksim Gorky is a collection of short stories written in the early 20th century. The work delves into the lives and struggles of marginalized characters, exploring themes of love, freedom, and the human condition. Through vivid storytelling and rich characterizations, Gorky illuminates the complexities of life among the dispossessed and disenfranchised. The opening of the collection introduces the story of Makár Tshudrá, an old Romani man, who reflects on life by a campfire. As he engages in conversation, he shares profound insights about freedom, existence, and the futility of human endeavors. The scene is set against a backdrop of harsh natural elements, symbolizing the struggles of the characters. Makár’s stories intertwine personal anecdotes with larger existential questions, leading to a captivating portrayal of relationships, especially a romantic one between a young Romani girl, Radda, and a young man, Loiko Zobár. Their complex interactions foreshadow deeper themes of love and sacrifice that echo throughout the collection.
Anton Pavlovich Chekhov
Naisia
"Naisia" by Anton Pavlovich Chekhov is a collection of short stories written during the early 20th century. The stories delve into the complexities of human relationships, exploring themes of love, loyalty, and deception through various characters' interactions. With a cast that features a range of individuals including teachers, officials, and everyday citizens, Chekhov presents the intricacies of life from a distinctly human perspective. The opening of "Naisia" introduces readers to Fjodor Petrovitsh, a school inspector, as he meets with a struggling teacher, Vremenski. After revealing the unfortunate circumstance of Vremenski losing his job due to illness, Fjodor suggests a potential new position, showcasing the nuances of kindness and procedure in bureaucratic settings. However, as the narrative progresses, familial and societal pressures complicate Fjodor's intentions, particularly when a recommendation from his wife disrupts his decision-making. This establishes a narrative thread of moral conflict and human frailty that sets the stage for the stories to come, highlighting Chekhov's keen observation of the human condition.
Anton Pavlovich Chekhov
Kaksikymmentä: novellikokoelma
"Kaksikymmentä: novellikokoelma" by Anton Pavlovich Chekhov is a collection of short stories written in the late 19th century. The book explores various aspects of life in a small Russian town, highlighting the absurdities and complexities of human behavior through a diverse cast of characters. Chekhov's keen observations and wit provide an insight into societal norms and relationships during this period, often illuminating deeper truths about the human condition. The opening of the collection introduces a scene set under the midday sun as members of a health committee, including a city doctor and a police chief, move sluggishly through their quiet town, discussing sanitation issues. They engage in a humorous dialogue as they inspect a local shop, revealing their foibles and the bureaucratic absurdities of their mission. The tone is light yet satirical, showcasing Chekhov’s skill in blending critique with comedy, as the characters' discussions veer into trivial matters amidst their serious duty to combat potential health threats. This interplay of humor and social commentary sets the stage for Chekhov's exploration of human nature throughout the rest of the collection.
Anton Pavlovich Chekhov
Kolme kertomusta: Koteloitunut ihminen. Karviaismarjat. Rakkaudesta.
"Kolme kertomusta: Koteloitunut ihminen. Karviaismarjat. Rakkaudesta." by Anton Chekhov is a collection of short stories written in the late 19th century. This work captures the complexities of human nature, social dynamics, and personal dilemmas through Chekhov's keen observations and masterful storytelling. Each tale delves into the lives of various characters, exploring themes of love, isolation, and societal constraints. At the start of "Koteloitunut ihminen," we are introduced to two men, animal doctor Ivan Ivanitsh and schoolteacher Burkin, who find themselves sharing a hut near a village boundary, discussing the peculiarities of human behavior as they wait for morning. Their conversation revolves around the eccentricities of a man named Belikov, an overly cautious Greek teacher whose life is marked by a fear of the outside world and a desperate need for control. He isolates himself from society, which leads to an exploration of themes such as fear of change and the human tendency to withdraw into comfort—setting the stage for the examination of personal and societal conflicts that Chekhov adeptly magnifies throughout his collection.
Leo Tolstoy
Leo Tolstoin kertomuksia
"Leo Tolstoin kertomuksia" by graf Leo Tolstoy is a collection of short stories likely written in the late 19th century. The book delves into moral and philosophical themes, presenting characters from various walks of life who grapple with issues related to love, duty, and the human condition. In particular, the opening story introduces us to a shoemaker named Simo, who embodies the struggle of the poor and the importance of compassion. At the start of the book, we are introduced to Simo, a shoemaker living in poverty with his wife and children. The narrative unfolds as Simo, after a failed attempt to buy a new coat, encounters a naked and cold man behind a chapel. Initially fearful and hesitant, Simo's conscience compels him to help the stranger, demonstrating his deeply ingrained sense of empathy. This opening sets the tone for the philosophical exploration of love, selflessness, and humanity that continues throughout the collection, as both Simo and the man he helps navigate the complexities of life and divine providence.
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