V. V. Shadursky. Classical Russian literature in Mark Aldanov’s perception

Abstract

This review examines V. Shdursky’s monograph which synthesizes research on Aldanov’s engagement with his literary predecessors, from Nilus of Sora to Chekhov. The author contends that classical literature was of fundamental importance to Aldanov as an émigré; rather than dissociating from his heritage in favour of a localized European tradition, Aldanov sought to maintain ties with the foundational texts of the metropole. The study explores his perception of authors traditionally linked to his work, specifically Tolstoy and Dostoevsky; while his stance toward the former is largely apologetic, he remains axiologically unconvinced by the latter. By contrast, his commentary on 18th- and 19th-century figures is more sporadic, reflecting a largely emblematic view of their personas and works. Although the monograph’s composite nature assembled from previously published articles results in occasional repetitive passages, Shadursky’s work represents a substantial contribution to the field of Russian émigré studies.