The Slavic Literature Pod

This discussion dives into Levin and Kitty's country summer and their complex feelings about family visits. The hosts explore the comedic misadventures of Vasenka, weaving in themes of jealousy and morality. A deep dive into a lengthy snipe hunt showcases character dynamics and Tolstoy's realism. They also tackle Anna's struggles with jealousy and maternal issues, alongside Vronsky's political ambitions. The episode emphasizes Tolstoy's labyrinthine plots and the moral inquiries that emerge from intertwining lives.

In a whirlwind of emotions, the hosts dive into the eventful fifth part of Anna Karenina. Wedding plans stir up chaos, with Levin's anxieties creating comedic mishaps. Meanwhile, Anna and Vronsky's Italian getaway reveals his artistic struggles and her growing despair. As the couple navigates marriage and death looms for Nikolai, family conflicts arise, highlighting social critiques. The contrast between domestic bliss and chaotic romances offers a sharp look at relationships, faith, and societal expectations—Tolstoy's rich narrative keeps the drama alive!

Show Notes:(Apologies about the confusing intro, this was originally slated to release alongside our Friday episode where we also announce the format change.)In order to better accommodate our increasingly busy lives combined with the amount of work we try to put into each podcast episode (reading, researching, recording, editing, promoting, etc.) Tipsy Tolstoy will be switching over to a biweekly release schedule. Further details are in this bonus episode.We plan to use this time to better engage with our listeners and create more meaningful Patreon content, so don't worry--although we do need to take time back for our own lives, we also want to use some of the time to better appreciate all of you who interact with and support us. The music used in this episode was “bella ciao,” by Toasted Tomatoes. You can find more of their work on Bandcamp and Youtube.Our links: Website | ⁠Discord⁠ Socials: ⁠Instagram⁠ | ⁠Twitter⁠ | ⁠FacebookAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Show Notes:This week, Matt and Cameron examine One Soldier’s War by Arkady Babchenko, the biography of a Russian soldier who served in the first and second Russo-Chechen Wars. This is, in all honesty, a pretty tough read; but there is an unfortunately dearth of English-language focus on Russia’s first military conflicts as a post-Soviet state. Don’t worry if you’re not all that familiar with Chechen history—we’ll be covering all of that in an extremely long context section!We tried to keep the discussion from getting too dark, but it’s hard to get away from the basic nature of the work. Just something to keep in mind as you decide whether or not you want to listen to this episode right this moment.Major themes: Major Bummers, the Republic of Chechnya, The Recursive Nature of Geo-Political Conflict06:43 - Oops, I should have refreshed my memory before starting this episode. The basic breakdown of federal subdivisions in Russia is-Republics-Oblasts-Krais (Functionally indistinct from Oblasts)-Autonomous Okrugs (This and the above are what I forgot)-Autonomous Oblasts (This is the Jewish Autonomous Oblast I mention)Also there are the federal cities of Moscow and Petersburg, which are administered differently than other cities. (Also also there’s technically Sevastopol but that’s a hot can of worms that I’m not going to touch here).12:24 - Bordering constituent republic of Russia, I meant to say.21:50 - A few articles on this phenomenon.38:33 - I should have said “Soviet military history” here. That would be a little more accurate to my knowledge base, as I admittedly am not as familiar with the Imperial era.42:53 - Return from war, I meant to say.47:05 - He may actually be living in Israel at the moment. It’s not super clear.The music used in this episode was “soviet march,” by Toasted Tomatoes. You can find more of their work on Bandcamp and Youtube.Buy this book with our affiliate links on ⁠Bookshop⁠ or ⁠Amazon⁠!Our links: Website | ⁠Discord⁠ Socials: ⁠Instagram⁠ | ⁠Twitter⁠ | ⁠FacebookAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this engaging discussion, the hosts delve into Karenin's emotional turmoil over his wife's affair. They explore the intricacies of Karenin's divorce plans and the social mingling of characters like Steva. A highlight is Levin's quirky chalk proposal to Kitty, which transforms into a poignant moment. The episode reveals Anna's struggle with her identity post-near-death experience and the complexities of forgiveness, suggesting it may trap her more than a divorce would. Their analysis connects themes of love, morality, and the cyclical nature of Tolstoy's narrative.

Show Notes:This week, Matt and Cameron (finally) respond to the request of a Patron and tackle Matryona’s House by Aleksandr Solzhenitzyn. In this loosely autobiographical story, we follow our unnamed narrator’s time living with the eponymous Matryona in the very interesting town of Peat-Produce as he better understands the dynamic of living in this small town. Ah, and also there are cockroaches. Many, many cockroaches. Have fun!~Major themes: Cockroaches, Allegories for the USSR, Torfoprodukt.07:16 - If you’re interested. 23: 3x - The pictures of the real Matryona’s House. It’s a pretty sick house, to be honest.The music used in this episode was “soviet march,” by Toasted Tomatoes. You can find more of their work on Bandcamp and Youtube.Our links: Website | ⁠Discord⁠ Socials: ⁠Instagram⁠ | ⁠Twitter⁠ | ⁠FacebookAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this discussion, hosts analyze Levin's deep connection to farm life and the significance of the mowing scene. They explore Dolly's domestic struggles and Steva's negligence, revealing insights into gender dynamics. Levin grapples with emotional turmoil and familial duties, while Karenin becomes increasingly detached. The hosts critique the humor and depth of Tolstoy's writing, from awkward romantic gestures to the philosophical implications of physical labor. They also touch on Vronsky's political opportunities, emphasizing themes of meaning and sincerity throughout.

Show Notes:This week, Matt and Cameron pull out their soap boxes and get maudlin drunk as they cover The Unwomanly Face of War by Svetlana Alexievich. The Unwomanly Face of War is an oral history of the disparate experiences of Soviet women in World War Two, told in fragmented tales revolving around various themes. Get out your Soviet Union-centered history textbooks, find the appropriate wartime alcohol substitute, and tune in to this...sad, but extremely informative episode.Major themes: Sad Sake Shots, Oversized Boots, Soapboxes.07:48 - This statistic is pulled from Ishaan Tharoor’s Washington post article “Don’t forget how the Soviet Union saved the world from Hitler.”09:23 - This is pulled from Eisenhower’s book Crusade in Europe. The quote is included in this PDF copy of an Eisenhower Institute article, “The Soviet Experience in World War Two.24:11 - The infamous Order No. 227.33:58 - Actually, I mixed up the sisters’ story with that of another woman. Actually, I’ll read it later in the episode.The music used in this episode was “soviet march,” by Toasted Tomatoes. You can find more of their work on Bandcamp and Youtube.Our links: Website | ⁠Discord⁠ Socials: ⁠Instagram⁠ | ⁠Twitter⁠ | ⁠FacebookAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this installment, Anna grapples with her affair, while Kitty's faith wavers amidst personal turmoil. Levin's struggle with farming practices unveils his discontent with societal views. The dynamic social circles of St. Petersburg offer a revealing backdrop for Anna's choices, leading to emotional confrontations with her husband. The podcast also explores Kitty's transformative spa experience and the symbolism in a horse race that escalates Anna's journey. Lastly, themes of aristocracy and modernity intertwine with Tolstoy's deeper moral reflections.

Show Notes:This week, Matt and Cameron attempt to unravel Andrei Sinyavsky’s short story Pkhentz, which stars a man in the late USSR who is fundamentally uncomfortable with everything from the concept of food to the idea of sexual attraction. Come to figure out if this is a political allegory, stay for Andrei Kazimirovich’s evaluation of sausage-making.Major themes: Cacti, Water Water Everywhere Nor Any Drop to Drink, Overuse of the Word ‘Alienation’22:50 - Count how many times I can say ‘alienation’ in this episode.25:39 - Here’s a fun little article about Wittgenstein and language. I don’t have too much to say, I just think Wittgenstein is neat.26:28 - It almost evokes Khlebnikov’s Invocation of Laughter.33:15 - Easier, I mean to say.The music used in this episode was “soviet march,” by Toasted Tomatoes. You can find more of their work on Bandcamp and Youtube.Our links: Website | ⁠Discord⁠ Socials: ⁠Instagram⁠ | ⁠Twitter⁠ | ⁠FacebookAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands