Against the backdrop of Stalinist Russia, as persecution grew for writers and dissenters, BORIS PASTERNAK met the woman who would inspire his epic postwar romance Doctor Zhivago.
Novy Mir, meaning “New World,” the leading Soviet literary monthly where Olga Ivinskaya worked, was set up in 1925. Literary journals enjoyed huge influence in the Stalinist period as vehicles for political ideas in a country where debate was harshly censored. The offices in Pushkin Square were situated in a grand former ballroom, painted a rich dark red with gilded cornices, where Pushkin once danced. The magazine’s editor, the poet and author Konstantin Simonov, was a flamboyant figure with a silvery mane of hair who sported chunky signet rings and the latest American loose-fitting suits. He was keen to attract “living classics” to the journal, and counted Boris Pasternak among its contributors. Olga was in charge of the section for new authors.
On an icy October day in 1946, just as a fine snow was beginning to swirl outside the windows, Olga was about to go out for lunch. As she pulled on her squirrel-fur coat, her colleague Zinaida Piddubnaya interrupted: “Boris Leonidovich, let me introduce one of your most ardent admirers.”
Olga was astounded and ecstatic when “this God” appeared before her and “stood there on the carpet and smiled at me.” Boldly, she held out her hand for him to kiss. Boris bent forward and asked what books of his she had. Olga replied that she only had one. He looked surprised. “Oh, I’ll get you some others,” he said, “though I’ve given almost all my copies away. . . .” He explained that he was hardly writing any poems at all due to the repressive strictures of the day, and spending most of his time on translations of Shakespeare.
This story is from the December 2016 edition of Vogue.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 2016 edition of Vogue.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Yes, Ayo!
There are worse places that a rising star can find themselves than at loose ends in Europe in July.
A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS
With the upcoming Netflix series Ripley, Andrew Scott furthers his ascent, proving himself one of the most chameleonic and charming actors around.
Life Is a Cabaret
Three years after the West End production made major waves, the storied musical arrives on Broadway. Adrienne Miller goes behind the scenes at the Kit Kat Club.
Chasing Perfection
Coco Gauff is as famous for her poise as she is for her tennis, and in person she cuts a regal figure. The Friday before last season's finals began in Cancún, Mexico, in late October, she and other top players attended a gala at the palatial Kempinski Hotel.
By the Sea
Refurbished mainstays bring fresh shine to the Golden State's coast.
Taking the Waters
Water sommeliers, five-figure bottles the market for old-fashioned H2O has never been stronger. Tamar Adler investigates.
Porcelain Petals
Korean American artist Se Oh brings botany and personal history to their work.
Fertile Territory
An abundance of gardening books offers springtime inspiration.
Girl on Fire
Grammy-winning Tyla is making music for Africa, and beyond.
La Dolce & Gabbana Vita
A new exhibition by the design duo celebrates Italy in style. By Tiziana Cardini.