DownloadThe Portobello Bookshop Gift Guide 2024

The Light and the Dark

A timeless love story across space and history

Mikhail Shishkin author Andrew Bromfield translator

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Quercus Publishing

Published:2nd Jan '14

Should be back in stock very soon

The Light and the Dark cover

This poignant tale explores the timeless love between Sasha and Volodenka, separated by both distance and history, yet connected through letters.

In The Light and the Dark, we are introduced to Sasha and Volodenka, two young lovers whose connection transcends both time and space. Their love story unfolds amidst the backdrop of historical turmoil, as they find themselves separated not only by distance but by the very fabric of time itself. Sasha navigates life in a contemporary setting, while Volodenka is a soldier caught in the chaos of a conflict at the turn of the twentieth century. Despite their vastly different realities, their correspondence through letters becomes a lifeline, bridging the gap between their worlds.

As their letters traverse the boundaries of existence, Sasha and Volodenka share their experiences, fears, and hopes. Volodenka’s insights into the horrors of war provide Sasha with a deeper understanding of life’s fragility, while Sasha’s reflections on contemporary struggles help Volodenka confront the inevitability of death. This unique exchange not only keeps their love alive but also fosters a profound exploration of the human condition, making The Light and the Dark a rich tapestry of emotion and thought.

The narrative beautifully balances the tangible and the ethereal, inviting readers to ponder the nature of love, loss, and the connections that bind us across time. With its lyrical prose and poignant themes, The Light and the Dark emerges as a remarkable literary achievement, resonating with anyone who has ever loved deeply or longed for connection.

'[A] powerful treatment of love and the vividness of being alive' Sunday Times. * Sunday Times *
'A literary masterpiece' Guardian. * Guardian *
'Shishkin is the Ian McEwan of Russia' Monocle. * Monocle *

  • Winner of Premiya "Bolshaya Kniga" (Russian "Big Book" Prize) 2011

ISBN: 9781780871080

Dimensions: 198mm x 132mm x 30mm

Weight: 316g

464 pages