To the Stars and Other Stories

This collection offers a glimpse into the extraordinary stories of Fyodor Sologub, showcasing human desires to escape the ordinary. To the Stars and Other Stories is a captivating read.

In To the Stars and Other Stories, Fyodor Sologub presents a collection of captivating short stories that delve into the human desire to break free from the mundane. Each narrative showcases the lengths individuals will go to escape the trivialities of everyday life. For instance, a boy tormented by the dullness of his surroundings dreams of transcending to the cold, majestic stars. Meanwhile, a seamstress finds a peculiar kind of freedom by transforming into a dog, howling at the moon, illustrating the unusual paths people take in their quest for liberation.

Sologub, recognized as one of the leading stylists of late imperial Russia, skillfully intertwines elements of realism and fantasy. He bridges the gap between the grand narratives of the nineteenth century and the avant-garde movements of the fin-de-siècle. His ability to manipulate language allows readers to access deeper meanings and alternate realities, often through the perspective of children. These young characters, alienated from the adult world, possess a vivid imagination that enables them to create their own enchanting realms.

Additionally, the collection features Sologub’s “little fairy tales,” which are whimsical yet thought-provoking parables told in simple language. These tales foreshadow the innovative storytelling of Daniil Kharms. With Susanne Fusso’s elegant translation, To the Stars and Other Stories brings Sologub’s artful narratives to a new audience, inviting them to explore the intricate layers of human experience and imagination.