The Golovlyov Family with José Vergara

Episode 11 October 27, 2025 01:30:39
The Golovlyov Family with José Vergara
Unburied Books
The Golovlyov Family with José Vergara

Oct 27 2025 | 01:30:39

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Show Notes

Professor of Russian José Vergara recommends a dark story of family betrayal. Shchedrin's 1880 novel follows the fall of a miserly matriarch and the rise of her even more punitive son. We talk about tragicomedy, fate, faith, and constant death. Spoilers are out of control. This is one of our favorite books, so read it quick!

Michaela Telfer's article on bureaucracy in the novel (open access)

Sign up for our bonus show for an upcoming companion episode on Chekhov's play The Cherry Orchard.

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