Yury Olesha
Yury Olesha, born Yury Karlovich Olesha (March 3, 1899 – May 10, 1960), was a Russian Soviet novelist, playwright, and poet. He is best known for his novel 'Envy' which was published in 1927. The novel is considered one of the finest examples of Soviet satire and Olesha's masterpiece. His works often explore themes of individuality, creativity, and the struggle of the human spirit against the mechanization of life and the collectivist ethos of the Soviet era.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
-
1. Envy
The novel is a satirical exploration of the conflict between the old, pre-revolutionary generation and the new Soviet order. It centers on Nikolai Kavalerov, a man who finds himself homeless and disillusioned with the socialist society around him. He is taken in by Andrei Babichev, an ardent supporter of the new regime and the creator of the perfect Soviet food, the "Olympian sausage." Kavalerov becomes envious of Babichev's success and his revolutionary brother Ivan, leading to a psychological struggle that reflects the larger societal tensions of the time. The narrative delves into themes of identity, purpose, and the nature of envy, as characters grapple with their roles in a rapidly changing world.
The 2360th Greatest Book of All Time
