I have read weird books before but this autobiography written by French-Russian artist Marc Chagall has to be the strangest piece of literature I have ever come across. In a style that I can't even possibly begin to describe, Chagall takes us on a journey from his upbringing in a traditional yet poor Jewish family in Vitebsk (now in Belarus) through his adolescent years and his first stint in Paris, and his second attempt at Russian life.
We learn that his family, friends, acquaintances and the colourful characters in his life were the inspiration for some of his earlier works. Chagall wrote this book in 1923, after moving to Paris a second time from Russia. We read about the sterotypes about Jews in Czarist and Soviet Russia and the terrible progroms that the community faced there.
More than anything, the book, full of the author-artist's illustrations, showcases Chagall's amazing sense of humour and his ability to let the small things in life just go. We also get insights into the Russia of Czar Nicholas II and of St Petersburg in the days, when the city was closed to those without permits. Looks like the passport checkers have always been a part of Russian life.
Interestingly enough, Chagall even studied in a school run by Nicholai Roerich. Chagall wrote about how Roerich's poems and literature could only be understood by the author himself. We also hear about the great artists and playrights of those days. This book takes the reader to through some of the tumultous moments in Russian history.
Despite the harshness of Russian life and the discrimination that Chagall faced, there seems not even be a hint of resentment for Russia. His greater attachment, of course, is to his hometown Vitebsk, but none the less there is an unconditional love he seems to have for Russia.
He says, "and perhaps Europe will love me, and with her my Russia." These words were written in 1923. 90 years later, he is fondly remembered in Europe as one of the greatest artists of the last century and Russia, which is now post-Soviet Russia, fondly reclaims him as one of its own.
We learn that his family, friends, acquaintances and the colourful characters in his life were the inspiration for some of his earlier works. Chagall wrote this book in 1923, after moving to Paris a second time from Russia. We read about the sterotypes about Jews in Czarist and Soviet Russia and the terrible progroms that the community faced there.
More than anything, the book, full of the author-artist's illustrations, showcases Chagall's amazing sense of humour and his ability to let the small things in life just go. We also get insights into the Russia of Czar Nicholas II and of St Petersburg in the days, when the city was closed to those without permits. Looks like the passport checkers have always been a part of Russian life.
Interestingly enough, Chagall even studied in a school run by Nicholai Roerich. Chagall wrote about how Roerich's poems and literature could only be understood by the author himself. We also hear about the great artists and playrights of those days. This book takes the reader to through some of the tumultous moments in Russian history.
Despite the harshness of Russian life and the discrimination that Chagall faced, there seems not even be a hint of resentment for Russia. His greater attachment, of course, is to his hometown Vitebsk, but none the less there is an unconditional love he seems to have for Russia.
He says, "and perhaps Europe will love me, and with her my Russia." These words were written in 1923. 90 years later, he is fondly remembered in Europe as one of the greatest artists of the last century and Russia, which is now post-Soviet Russia, fondly reclaims him as one of its own.
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