Anatoly Sukhanov is a Soviet apparatchik, editor of Moscow's Art of the World magazine and author of such Party-approved works as "Surrealism and other Western "Isms" as Manifestations of Capitalist Insolvency". As the novel begins, in a Soviet Union shortly after the ascension of Gorbachev, he is simply another soulless Soviet official ready to be mocked and condemned by another Russian novelist. As the novel unfolds, however, that is not what happens. As glasnost begins to thaw the political environment around him, Sukhanov's past, which he has long frozen out of his consciousness, also thaws and bubbles up first through his dreams, then takes over his waking life as he suffers what appears to be a nervous breakdown.

Grushin's novel ultimately raises interesting questions. In a totalitarian society, is it more admirable to stay true to yourself, or to do what you must to provide for those you love? If it is admirable to risk severe hardship for your ideals, does that remain the case when your family shares your fate with you? And what cost can those choices exact?

A very good book, especially if you have an interest in art and Russia. ( )

.....Much later after finishing this wonderful book.

I did talk a few people into reading this. The first, Margaret, who has read many, many books over the decades immediately declared that she could call it the best book she's ever read too. Phew. I was afraid I was not overselling it, but creating a situation where expectation could not equal experience.

The review is here, unchanged since I first put it on GR:

https://alittleteaalittlechat.wordpress.com/2015/07/01/the-dream-life-of-sukhano... ( )

.....Much later after finishing this wonderful book.

I did talk a few people into reading this. The first, Margaret, who has read many, many books over the decades immediately declared that she could call it the best book she's ever read too. Phew. I was afraid I was not overselling it, but creating a situation where expectation could not equal experience.

The review is here, unchanged since I first put it on GR:

https://alittleteaalittlechat.wordpress.com/2015/07/01/the-dream-life-of-sukhano... ( )

This is one the best books I have ever read. The author writes incredibly well and has the sensibility of a nihilist 19th century writer so much so that I cannot believe Grushin is a young American writer. The story is about a middle aged man contending with a crisis of conscious because of decisions made as a result of his life during the politically tumultuous time of Russia from the 1930s to 1980s. What I found particularly engaging is that the author did not present or lean to what could be perceived as the right life choices, but that really everyone tries to do the right thing, to cope the best they can even though, ultimately, after the test of time, it is perceived that the wrong decision was made.
I cannot recommend this book enough and I hope that you enjoy reading it as much as I did! ( )

The story is very captivating and thought provoking. The reader has to pay attention and will be well rewarded for their effort! More impressive is the absolute beauty of Grushin's writing. I often stopped to reread a stunning phrase or paragraph! ( )