“My Talisman: The Poetry & Life of Alexander Pushkin” (Julian Henry Lowenfeld)
Posted on Tuesday, July 20th, 2010
For the past couple of weeks, Alexander Pushkin (the great Russian poet) has traveled with me. Braving the itch of hot sand, he’s nestled beside me on the beach. He’s kept me company on a car ride to Rochester, NY. He’s stared motivation into my limbs as I labored on a treadmill. Pushkin makes an exceptional companion.
Thanks to Julian Henry Lowenfeld, I have been touched by the poetry of Alexander Pushkin. Lowenfeld translated Pushkin’s work from Russian to English and shares his poetic genius in “My Talisman: The Poetry & Life of Alexander Pushkin.”
Reading “My Talisman” is a voyeuristic journey into the life of a man tormented by the loves of his life (poetry and his “Natalie”). The bilingual book offers an introduction, brief biography, and selected poetry presented in both Russian and English. Pushkin’s own sketches and other drawings serve as illustrations throughout the book. The addition of his artwork intensifies the connection you make with the poet. I enjoyed the overall layout of “‘My Talisman.”
I also found it quite interesting to learn about the intricacies of translating poetry from one language to another. Liberties are often taken and slight variations will exist from one translator to the next. This not only shows in the spelling of some words, but also in their meaning.
What I Learned
Pushkin was both loved and feared in Russia – depending on whom you spoke to. For example, the government went through periods of watching his every move and subjecting his work to intense literary scrutiny and censorship. Letters to his wife were even read by the tsar of Russia before they reached her eyes. With his poems, Pushkin could incite political action just as much as he could passion and declarations of love. “My Talisman” offers an intriguing biography and effectively presents an increasingly fascinating picture of the poet, such as:
- Pushkin had African roots that shown through in some of his physical characteristics. He embraced this heritage while others mocked it. I found this very interesting.
- I learned that after Pushkin finally married the woman he had pursued for years, her coldness and inconsiderate nature contributed to an absence of romantic lyrics.
- Pushkin longed to visit Europe and requested to leave Russia, but was refused permission by the tsar. This was heartbreaking to learn, as Pushkin’s talents could have reached unimaginable heights if he had been exposed to European culture and scenery.
- Pushkin managed to survive many “duals” – choosing to intentionally miss his opponent or surrender to a distraction. However, one dual would prove fatal and most tragic in its meaning.
- Pushkin was lovesick over the women in his life, as well as for his craft.
My Favorite Poems
I have yet to complete “My Talisman: The Poetry & Life of Alexander Pushkin” – it’s a treasure to savor so I’m taking my time. Why would I want to lose my companion so soon?
So far, my favorite poem is ‘The Flower.’ I also feel that almost anyone can relate to how Pushkin referred to “his near and dear ones,” which appears in the biography.
“What does that mean, our near and dear ones?
Our near and dear ones are just these ones:
The ones we are obliged to kiss,
Caress, and love, and warmly miss,
Also, by custom and good cheer,
On Christmas we should pay them calls,
At least by mail should send them cards,
So all the rest of all the year
They’ll never even think of us!
And so, God grant them health, I trust!”
How very interesting……….
My Name is Yona Williams and I Write » Blog Archive » Books I Am Reading says: August 3rd, 2010 at 9:58 am
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