The White Guard pdf 米哈伊尔·布尔加科夫
In Mikhail Bulgakov's debut novel, The White Guard, a Kyiv family finds themselves entangled in the tumultuous Ukrainian War of Independence, a period drawn from the author's own life experiences.
As Reds, Whites, German troops, and Ukrainian nationalists clash for control of Kyiv, the war escalates in intensity. Bulgakov, who personally witnessed ten changes of government during the Russian Civil War in Ukraine, draws heavily from his own encounters to craft the narrative. The novel adopts alternating points of view, presenting an unusual angle on the conflict between the Russian Whites (with whom the Turbin family align) and Ukrainian nationalists.
Through this captivating tale, The White Guard elegantly captures the chaos and complexities of civil war, where notions of good and evil become blurred, and loyalty to friends, family, and convictions becomes paramount. The story reveals that in such a turbulent time, individuals must rely on their allegiances and beliefs to navigate the shifting landscape.
Initially, The White Guard appeared in partial form in a Soviet-era literary journal before being adapted into a successful play titled "The Days of the Turbins." The play's popularity was such that even Stalin attended it twenty times. However, the novel itself did not receive widespread publication until many years after Bulgakov's death.
This absorbing work showcases Bulgakov's mastery in storytelling and provides readers with a deeply immersive journey through the trials and tribulations of war. The White Guard remains a powerful and enduring piece of literature, offering unique insights into the complex historical backdrop of the Ukrainian War of Independence.