38: Happiness

8

The Pursuit of Happiness

An introduction to the issue. Literature

13

On the Happiest Time of Life

It is the middle ages in life that are the most likely to be the happiest. Fiction

17

Oblomov

An excerpt from the classic tale, where Oblomov describes his notion of true happiness. Fiction

31

To An Unknown Friend

A short, eloquent piece on happiness, presented bilingually. Fiction

35

Gooseberries

An excerpt from Chekhov's classic tale about the different notions of happiness. Fiction

47

In this quixotic tale within a tale, Tolstoy (who himself had a history of artistic opportunism) explores the experiences of a “superfluous man” whose life spans the Civil War and Revolution, who at once longs for his happy, carefree life before 1914, while reveling in how war “fans the soul.” Fiction

59

Domestic Bliss

Zoshchenko addresses the “women’s emancipation” effort that led to the creation of canteens, kindergartens and other social services meant to free women from traditional housework and thereby grant them a happy and dignified life. Fiction

63

Anna Karenina

In these excerpts from Tolstoy’s classic novel, we check in on Anna, Vronsky, Levin and Kitty after all have made their respective romantic choices. None, save perhaps Kitty, are realizing the happiness they dreamed of, but at least two of them will overcome this. Fiction

77

The Book of Happiness

The Book of Happiness, loosely based on Nina Berberova’s years spent living in Paris, follows the heroine Vera as she struggles through life abroad with a dying husband. After his passing, Vera meets a stranger who opens her eyes to what it means to be truly content. Fiction

89

Person to Person

A traveler shares a story from his personal life, to show how a chance interaction gave him a new perspective on contentment and happiness. Fiction

96

Purple Honey

99

The Same Old Story

To leave home, a boy must cope with his mother’s anguish. She cannot understand why he would leave behind the happiness of the known to the uncertainty of the unknown. Excerpted from a newly released translation published by Bunim & Bannigan. Fiction

105

Woe from Wit

In Griboyedov’s classic satire on Russian high society, Sophia is in love with Molchalin – a dull collegiate assessor who she is unaware is attempting to seduce her maid Liza (as is Sophia’s father). Enter Chatsky, recently returned from travels, to attempt to win Sophia’s heart. Excerpted from the forthcoming full bilingual edition by Russian Life books.

119

Happiness

Two old men pass the night sharing tales of buried treasures, wondering at the happiness they might bring. Meanwhile, they are seemingly unaware of the beautiful treasures of nature that surround them in the here and now. Fiction