NÉTOCHKA NEZVÁNOVA

A sensitive girl experiences a life of upheaval and emotional suffering in this early effort from a Russian master, translated by Anna Kondratova and her daughter, Yelena Kondratova.

Dostoyevsky intended this novel to be his first substantial work, and he planned to publish it all in a literary magazine. Three parts were, in fact, published in 1849, but the project was interrupted by the author’s imprisonment for involvement in a progressive intellectual group; later, he reworked the material into an 1860 novella. This new translation is the first in English of the original version, and the first by native Russian speakers. It effectively aims to illuminate its cultural context for a modern, non-Russian audience, while also preserving the meaning and rhythm of the original text. The opening section concerns the strange, tragic tale of the title character’s stepfather—a talented violinist whose arrogance, temper, and laziness prevent his success. Nétochka lives in squalor with him and her mother; after her parents’ deaths, she’s taken in by “Prince X-sky” and, after a long illness, she becomes enchanted by the prince’s daughter, Katya. They have a perplexing relationship until they profess their mutual love, which disturbs their elders. Nétochka then moves into the household of Katya’s older half sister, where she’s embraced and discovers a gift for singing. However, a secret hangs over this household, which causes extreme distress. As one might expect in a work by Dostoyevsky, this story is characterized by lengthy self-reflection, and also the experience of intense, irrational feelings. Indeed, many characters suffer from fits and are often teetering on the edge of breakdown. This concentration on interiority, and especially its focus on confusing emotional turmoil, was revolutionary at the time; to modern readers of this translation, though, it may come across as melodramatic. Nétochka is clearly shown to be drawn to strong, forceful characters, but she’s often a passive bystander, unable to understand her own feelings. Elements of the story work well as a standalone, but the many hints of what was to come may keep readers from a satisfying sense of closure.

An often fascinating fragment that will appeal most to Dostoyevsky completists.