THE EGYPTIAN DOVE

by Konstantin Leontiev ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 24, 1969

Accompanying Leontiev's collected prose (reviewed later in this issue) is this nineteenth century writer's unfinished novel, previously unavailable in English. Highly autobiographical this chronicle of an unconsummated love affair reflects the period in the author's life when he was relatively happily established with the Russian diplomatic service in Greece and Turkey in the 1860's. The book is ostensibly concerned with the narrator Ladnev's love for Masha Antoniardi, wife of a Greek entrepreneur. Actually it records the erratic pulse of Ladnev's sensibilities as he absorbs the beauty of a primitive East (untrammeled as yet by a conquering egalitarianism), the esthetic imperatives of the Orthodox Church (he believes because it suits him) and the erotic delights of the sensual (with a touch here and there of homosexual interests). The love affair is almost cynically cherished by Ladnev (""True, her face was somewhat narrow, somewhat long..."") and it never progresses beyond parlor talk and mild intrigue, but throughout the ""dove"" sings of ""langorous love"" and luxurious expectation. And Ladnev fantasizes: ""I'd ride out on this raven horse, wearing a round cap at a jaunty angle and a short fur coat smartly pinched in at the waist. . . ."" Only in expectation, in becoming, could Ladnev, it seems, feel alive. Introverted, exotically decadent, Leontiev was caught in the backwater, out of his time and nation. Special but stimulating with a helpful introduction by George Ivask and a translation by George Reavey who also did the honors for Against the Current.

Pub Date: March 24, 1969

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Weybright & Talley

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 1969

Categories: FICTION