Csardas by Diane Pearson
First published in 1975, Csardas explores the changing shape of Hungary and its transformation from the throes of the demise of the Austro-Hungarian Empire to the establishment the communist state and Russian dominance in the 1940s.
Pearson reminds us of the varied perspectives from which we can view this period in history, thrusting us immediately into the aristocratic social life of the two Ferenc sisters: Amalie and Eva, and their cousin Eva’s “delirium of ecstasy”. Rich descriptive language depicts the seemingly mundane and pointless “country picnics up at the farm”. Parties where “girl’s skirts mingled, brushing against each other like flower bells” are the norm.
Glimpses of the opulence bestowed upon characters found in Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton novels abound. But Csardas, written 25 years before, is much darker. And belies the somewhat fluffy and cosy front cover in the current Head of Zeus publication.
Questions of the controlling aspect of power and how it can be exercised for good or evil lead to some surprising twists. The emerging class struggle between peasants and the ruling class produces scenes of horror and chilling aggression, and contrast with those of intense and tender emotion.
The unlikely relationship between the endearing Terez, who possessed some “magic alchemy”, and Janos Marton, the son of a violent and callous peasant farmer, convincingly illustrate how the 1920s power vacuum with the rise of the Communists transformed the prospects of the poor and oppressed.
Pearson deftly conjures a world where archaic values and constraints vie with evolving norms, adding a new and ‘modern’ twist which makes for remarkably addictive reading. The impossibility of love between Jew and Gentile, and exploration of Jewishness in contemporary society makes this novel seem remarkably fresh and urgent. As a previous reviewer remarked, you cannot fail to be moved.
Csardas by Diane Pearson (Head of Zeus | £11.95)
I purchased the book because the title reminded me of the famous violin concert piece – Monti’s Czardas. This epic saga, does not disappoint.
The Long Song of Tchaikovsky Street | A Russian Adventure by Pieter Waterdrinker
An autobiographical novel written the prolific Dutch author and former Russia correspondent for De Telegraaf, Pieter Waterdrinker.
Chronicling life from his early twenties, Waterdrinker blends the personal with present day reality of life in a turbulent and ever-changing post 1990s Russia. After successfully smuggling 7,000 Dutch bibles into Leningrad, he found work as a travel guide for rich and culturally greedy Europeans. He was eager to take full advantage oft he varied opportunities available for all in the increasingly open and economically savvy motherland under Mikhail Gorbachev and Boris Yeltsin.
With so much of our gaze today focused on Putin’s Russia, this insight into the staggering level of economic cooperation between private Dutch and Russian individuals is illuminating. Hugely entertaining anecdotes help us better understand the enormity of the task in untangling this web of intrigue post the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
This is for those interested in the mundane insignificancies of Russian life. For those who desire a historical commentary on the Russian revolutions at the beginning of the twentieth century with life under Lenin and Stalin. Or those who are just interested in the exploits of a Dutch expat living abroad!
Spoiler alert! This book is not about Tchaikovsky, the Russian composer of Swan Lake and Sleeping Beauty. Instead, Tchaikovsky Street is a very famous street in Moscow, with a very rich past.
The Long Song of Tchaikovsky Street | A Russian Adventure by Pieter Waterdrinker (Scribe, £7.99)
Fun fact!
Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake as you never before! This animated version starring Mattel creation, Barbie, was a favourite in my house when my children were small. A great way for little ones to learn proper serious orchestral repertoire. The sound track is performed by the London Symphony Orchestra and dancing is choreographed by the New York City Ballet master-in-chief Peter Martins.
Further reading if love contemporary Russian literature
A Short History of Russia by Mark Galeotti
Stalingrad by Antony Beever
The Motion of the Body Through Space by Lionel Shriver
Bought on a whim, The Motion of the Body Through Space is an unexpected and joyful read.
It is a much lighter read than Shriver’s earlier novel We Need to Talk About Kevin. And probably has more in common with The Mandibles (which I love) or Big Brother (which I also love). It’s strong emphasis on relatable characters and compelling narrative makes it a compelling read.
As we follow the lives of aging couple, Remington and his wife Serenata, Shriver explores the themes of love, loneliness, loss and how to grow old gracefully. Remington believes MettleMan triathlon competitions to be the answer to all that is worthy in his life. Characters find themselves driven to extreme lengths in a quest to prove their worth and to make-up for past failures while constantly needing to prove one’s relevance. All issues at the fore of today’s increasingly narcissistic and individualistic society.
This sounds heavy, but nothing could be further from the truth. Although a little slow to start, this is a quick read and one which I happily devoured late at night when really I should have been asleep.
The Motion of the Body Through Space by Lionel Shriver (The Borough Press | £8.99)
Read more from Clare
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie – most definitely an author for our time
An exploration of war by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Follow Clare Varney on Facebook or Instagram to read more about Music, Food and Culture
