Doctor Zhivago Book Summary

Doctor Zhivago is one of the most renowned novels of the 20th century written by Boris Pasternak, which was first published in 1957. The book narrates the story of Yuri Zhivago, who is a medical doctor in Moscow, and a poet by passion. The story takes place during the times of the Russian Revolution and Civil War.

Yuri Zhivago’s life undergoes a significant change when he falls in love with Lara Antipova. The romantic relationship between the two main characters is the central theme of the novel. Despite the odds against them, their love manages to birth and survive throughout such a horrific time in Russian history.

Doctor Zhivago is a novel that speaks of the human condition and the complexities of life. It is an exploration of the themes of love, war, passion, and the pursuit of happiness. Through Yuri Zhivago’s eyes, the reader can see the multifaceted social, economical, and cultural changes that occurred during the Russian Revolution and Civil War.

Boris Pasternak’s writing style is lyrical, and he provides rich descriptions of the characters’ thoughts, feelings, and actions. His prose enlightens the reader when speaking of the characters’ struggles to cope with the societal changes that were happening around them.

The novel’s central characters, Yuri and Lara, are both complex, multi-dimensional characters who struggle with their beliefs, passions, and the harsh reality of the time. The secondary characters, including Victor Komarovsky and Pasha Antipov, further complicate the plot, creating tension and foreshadowing unforeseeable events.

Doctor Zhivago’s story resonates with the reader long after it has been read. The story ends in a powerful and emotional climax and provides a profound and intricate analysis of human nature. Boris Pasternak’s book is a literary masterpiece that continues to inspire love, passion, and hope in its readers today.

Character Analysis

The protagonist of Doctor Zhivago, Yuri Zhivago, is a multifaceted character who embodies the complex contradictions and conflicts of the time in which the novel is set. As a medical doctor and poet, he is intelligent and introspective, striving to make sense of the sweeping societal changes and political turmoil of the Russian Revolution and Civil War. He is torn between his love for two women, his wife, Tonya, and the enigmatic Lara Antipova.

Lara Antipova, another major character, is a mesmerizing and enigmatic figure who draws Yuri into a deep and intense love affair. A survivor of trauma and suffering, Lara is complex and conflicted, torn between her desire for passion and love and her duty to her husband, Pasha Antipov, a revolutionary who goes by the nickname “Strelnikov”.

Victor Komarovsky is another crucial character in the novel, serving as a catalyst for much of the story’s action. A sinister and manipulative character, Komarovsky is also deeply flawed and even somewhat sympathetic at times, especially in his relationship with Lara and his own sense of disillusionment with the revolution’s impact on his own life.

Pasha Antipov, or “Strelnikov”, is a complex figure as well, embodying the fervor and passion of the revolutionary movement even as he becomes more and more disillusioned with the Soviet government’s ascent to power. His relationship with Lara and his ultimate fate provide a fascinating and tragic subplot to the larger narrative of Yuri’s love affair.

The characters in Doctor Zhivago are all richly drawn and complex, struggling with the shifting tides of history and their own personal desires and motivations. The novel explores themes of love, loyalty, duty, and individualism amidst the sweeping backdrop of the Russian Revolution.

Reviews

Doctor Zhivago was met with mixed reviews upon its publication in 1957. Some literary critics praised the novel, calling it a masterpiece of lyrical beauty and emotional depth. They believed that the book captured the essence of human experience and explored the themes of love and redemption in a profound way. They appreciated the way Boris Pasternak intertwined history and personal relationships to create a powerful story.

On the other hand, other critics criticized the novel for its political stance and perceived glorification of the individual over the state. They believed that Pasternak’s portrayal of the Russian Revolution and the Communist Party was overly sympathetic and failed to acknowledge the horrors and atrocities of the regime. They felt that the novel celebrated individualism and bourgeois lifestyle, which were in direct opposition to Communist ideology.

Despite the mixed reviews, Doctor Zhivago gained immense popularity among readers globally and is now considered one of the most significant literary works of the 20th century. The novel continues to captivate people with its evocative descriptions of war and love, and its powerful criticism of the Soviet government’s suppression of individual freedom.

Details

Doctor Zhivago is a masterpiece that will transport you to one of the most critical moments of Russian history. The characters, the plot, and the setting are all crucial to understanding the novel’s themes and message. Boris Pasternak paints a vivid portrait of Russia during the Revolution and Civil War, providing readers with a detailed account of the historical events and societal changes taking place during that tumultuous period.

The novel opens with a description of the setting, which is Moscow in the years leading up to World War I. It is here that we first meet Yuri Zhivago, a young medical student and poet who is deeply committed to his craft. The story then follows Yuri’s life as he is swept up in the chaos of the Russian Revolution, with the tsarist government falling and the Bolsheviks rising to power.

Throughout the novel, Pasternak provides readers with a front-row seat to some of the most significant events of the time. From the fall of the tsarist government to the Red Terror, every significant historical event is captured in detail. The novel’s setting is not limited to Moscow but also extends to the rural countryside, where we see firsthand how the peasants and lower classes are impacted by the Revolution and Civil War.

For readers who are unfamiliar with Russian history, Doctor Zhivago provides an excellent overview of the events that shaped the country and its people during the early 20th century. The novel highlights the different factions that emerged during the Revolution and the challenges they faced as they tried to build a new society based on their ideals. The reader can see the effects of war, famine, and deprivation on the people and how they struggled to overcome these challenges.

Doctor Zhivago is a novel that provides a vivid and detailed account of the Russian Revolution and Civil War, with Pasternak expertly weaving in the personal stories of Yuri and others that make the reader feel invested in the struggle. If you are interested in history or literature, this is a novel that should not be missed.

News about Doctor Zhivago

Doctor Zhivago, written by Boris Pasternak, faced many challenges upon its publication. The novel, set against the backdrop of the Russian Revolution and Civil War, was banned in the Soviet Union until 1988. The government deemed it anti-Soviet and believed it glorified individuals over the state.

Furthermore, the book’s author was forced to decline the prestigious Nobel Prize for Literature in 1958 after being pressured by the Soviet government. The decision caused outrage and controversy in the literary world, with many feeling that it was a blatant attempt to stifle free artistic expression.

The ban on the novel did not deter its popularity outside the Soviet Union. Doctor Zhivago was translated into several languages and became a global bestseller, striking a chord with readers around the world.

The ban on the book was lifted during the Gorbachev era, and it was finally published in its home country in 1988. Today, the novel continues to be celebrated and remains a literary classic that captures the tumultuous and complex history of Russia during the early 20th century.

Ratings

Doctor Zhivago is an acclaimed novel that has received high ratings from readers on both Goodreads and Amazon. On Goodreads, the book has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5, with many readers praising its beautiful prose and emotional impact. On Amazon, the book has an even higher rating of 4.5 out of 5, with many readers citing the book’s gripping story and memorable characters.

One of the reasons why Doctor Zhivago has received such high ratings is due to its lyrical writing style. Boris Pasternak’s beautiful prose captures the emotions and struggles of the characters during a turbulent time in Russian history. Readers have also been touched by the novel’s exploration of themes such as love, war, and political upheaval.

In addition to its compelling story and writing style, Doctor Zhivago has also been praised for its historical accuracy. Pasternak’s detailed descriptions of the Russian Revolution and Civil War provide readers with a deep understanding of the period’s societal changes and political tensions.

Doctor Zhivago is a highly rated novel that has captured the hearts of readers for generations. Its powerful storytelling, memorable characters, and beautiful prose make it a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the human experience during times of political and social change.

Book Notes

Doctor Zhivago, the novel by Boris Pasternak, has not only been a critically acclaimed novel but also a successful movie. The film adaptation was made in 1965 and starred legendary actors Omar Sharif and Julie Christie. The movie was directed by David Lean and it went on to win five Academy Awards, including Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Original Score.

The film adaptation of Doctor Zhivago was praised for its stunning cinematography, haunting score, and the incredible on-screen chemistry between Sharif and Christie. The film perfectly captured the novel’s intense and complex plot, painting a picture of the time in which it was written and set.

The adaptation is seen by many as a masterpiece in its own right, with Lean’s vision and direction bringing the story to life in a way that has touched the hearts of millions of people for over five decades. The film was a box office success, making over $111 million and attracting audiences from all over the world.

While there have been other adaptations of Doctor Zhivago for television and theatre, none have achieved the same level of success as the 1965 movie. The film has stood the test of time, with audiences still moved by its powerful storytelling and beautiful imagery.

If you’re a fan of the novel, it’s highly recommended to watch the movie adaptation. The movie offers a new perspective on the story, and can provide an even deeper emotional connection to the characters and themes.

the movie adaptation of Doctor Zhivago is a beautiful tribute to the novel and Pasternak’s legacy, and it continues to be celebrated by audiences and critics alike as one of the greatest films in cinematic history.