The Life and Writing of Sergei Dovlatov: A Master of the Short Story
Early Life and Influences
Sergei Dovlatov was born in Ufa, Russia, in 1941. His father was a Jewish journalist, and his mother was an Armenian actress. Dovlatov's childhood was marked by the turmoil of World War II, and he was often evacuated from his home to escape the fighting.
After the war, Dovlatov's family moved to Leningrad, where he attended school and began writing poetry. He was influenced by the works of Russian satirists such as Nikolai Gogol and Mikhail Zoshchenko.
Military Service and Exile
In 1965, Dovlatov was drafted into the Soviet army. He served as a guard in a prison camp in Komi, an experience that would later form the basis for his novel, "The Zone." After his military service, Dovlatov worked as a journalist in Leningrad, but his writings were often censored by the Soviet authorities.
In 1978, Dovlatov was forced to leave the Soviet Union and emigrate to the United States. He settled in New York City, where he continued to write and publish his work.
Literary Career
Dovlatov's short stories are known for their wit, humor, and melancholy. He often wrote about the lives of ordinary people in the Soviet Union, and his work was often critical of the Soviet regime.
Dovlatov's most famous works include "The Zone," "The Suitcase," and "Pushkin Hills." His work has been translated into more than 30 languages, and he is considered one of the most important Russian writers of the 20th century.
Death and Legacy
Sergei Dovlatov died of a heart attack in New York City in 1990. He was 49 years old.
Dovlatov's work continues to be read and enjoyed by readers around the world. He is considered a master of the short story, and his writing is a testament to the human spirit.
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