Book description
Translated by Sasha DugdaleShortlisted for the 2021 International Booker Prize | Longlisted for the 2021 Baillie Gifford Prize | Shortlisted for the 2021 Warwick Prize for Women in Translation | Longlisted for the 2021 National Book Awards for Translated Literature | Longlisted for the 2022 Dublin Literary Award | Shortlisted for the 2022 James Tait Black Memorial Prize | Longlisted for the 2022 Oxford-Weidenfeld PrizeWith the death of her aunt, Maria Stepanova is left to sift through an apartment full of faded photographs, old postcards, letters, diaries, and heaps of souvenirs: a withered repository of a century of life in Russia. Carefully reassembled with calm, steady hands, these shards tell the story of how a seemingly ordinary Jewish family somehow managed to survive the myriad persecutions and repressions of the last century. In dialogue with writers like Roland Barthes, W. G. Sebald, Susan Sontag and Osip Mandelstam, In Memory of Memory is imbued with rare intellectual curiosity and a wonderfully soft-spoken, poetic voice. Dipping into various forms - essay, fiction, memoir, travelogue and historical documents - Stepanova assembles a vast panorama of ideas and personalities and offers an entirely new and bold exploration of cultural and personal memory.'Stepanova's tour de force blends memoir, literary criticism, essay and fiction. Although this is a personal and intimate work using photographs, postcards and diaries, it succeeds in mining a universal theme in contemporary Russian cultural life: how does a family - or a country - process the events of the past 100 years?' - Viv Groskop, Guardian'A brilliant evocation of the last years of the Soviet Union, extending deep into the past. In a work that crosses the boundaries of fiction and nonfiction, Russian poet and journalist Stepanova recounts the lives of her ancestors, rural Russian Jews who, on moving to Moscow, could never quite go home again.... Apart from delivering a mine of family and national history, Stepanova exercises a well-honed sense of the apposite literary allusion ("The chimneys in the view from the window resembled flowerpots, Kafka said something similar about them"). Stretching from the days before Lenin took power to the "Doctor's Plot" and the collapse of the USSR and beyond, Stepanova's book is lyrical and philosophical throughout.... A remarkable work of the imagination - and, yes, memory.'- Kirkus, starred review'This remarkable account of the author's Russian-Jewish family expands into a reflection on the role of art and ethics in informing memory.... Stepanova is both sensitive and rigorous.'- New Yorker'A daring combination of family history and roving cultural analysis ... a kaleidoscopic, time-shuffling look at one family of Russian Jews throughout a fiercely eventful century.' - John Williams, New York Times'Intentionally the memoir is meandering, digressive, cumulative, compendious - a mind moving around its wide world. Dugdale's translation appears heroic, to this reader with no Russian, in its sustained careful attentiveness ... [S]o much of what Stepanova has saved for us is remarkable and rich with meaning.'- Tessa Hadley, Guardian'Stepanova scrutinises the memorialising drive of writers and artists: Proust, Mandelstam, Susan Sontag, Joseph Cornell, WG Sebald, Charlotte Salomon - the book is, in part, a Jewish history. Yet she has a simultaneous regard for oblivion, for not recording, for the right to vanish definitively. Holocaust photographs, she argues, need protecting from their audiences. Her writing exists on an edge between an avid pursuit of the past and an acknowledgment of the eventual meaninglessness of memorialising. There is a sense that she might, at any point, be tempted into silence. She writes eloquently about modern technology's influence on memory, about the wantonly comprehensive record digital photography makes possible - its images persisting into an unwanted immortality. By contrast, she salvages piercingly personal material, including letters from "Lyodik", her grandfather's cousin, killed in 1942 in the siege of Leningrad.... Stepanova is a powerhouse.'- Kate Kellaway, Observer'[Stepanova] resists the disinterment of past pain for our consumption. In Memory of Memory is instead a chronicle of quiet survivals of the "common fate", and this too is a stand against the horrors of the age.' - Stephanie Sy-Quia, Financial Times'You can sense the decades of contemplation Ms. Stepanova has dedicated to these questions int he sparkle and density of her prose, which Sasha Dugdale has carried into English so naturally that it's possible to forget you are reading a translation. This is an erudite, challenging book, but also fundamentally a humble one, as it recognises that a force works on even the most cherished family possessions that no amount of devotion can gainsay.'- Sam Sacks, Wall Street Journal'An astounding collision of personal and cultural history.'- Matt Janney, Guardian'Part fiction, part memoir, part travelogue, Stepanova's book prompted by her sorting of documents and photographs left behind after the death of an elderly aunt is a passionate, thoughtful and deeply rewarding read with much to say on the story of Europe's 20th century.'- Charlie Connelly, The New European'Stepanova's companionable prose balances high seriousness with self-ironizing deadpan humour. Without pretension, she erects her house of memory in the neighbourhood of Marcel Proust, Vladimir Nabokov and Sebald.'- Rachel Polonksy, TLS'Some books are like museums. They offer an architecture but let you wander. Chapters, like gallery rooms, are adjacent and suggestive of order, but they read like a series of collections. in Memory of Memory is such a book, a repository of cultural artefacts, curated so that you will ask: how does memory inhabit these objects? ... Stepanova has written a book about her family that is not about her family, but about the urge to remember, to memorialise, and the dangers that lie that way.'- Natasha Randall, New Statesman'A luminous, rigorous, and mesmerizing interrogation of the relationship between personal history, family history, and capital-H History. I couldn't put it down; it felt sort of like watching a hypnotic YouTube unboxing-video of the gift-and-burden that is the twentieth century. In Memory of Memory has that trick of feeling both completely original and already classic, and I confidently expect this translation to bring Maria Stepanova a rabid fan base on the order of the one she already enjoys in Russia.'- Elif Batuman, author of The Idiot'There is simply no book in contemporary Russian literature like In Memory of Memory. A microcosm all its own, it is an inimitable journey through a family history which, as the reader quickly realizes, becomes a much larger quest than yet another captivating family narrative. Why? Because it asks us if history can be examined at all, yes, but does so with incredible lyricism and fearlessness. Because Stepanova teaches us to find beauty where no one else sees it. Because Stepanova teaches us to show tenderness towards the tiny, awkward, missed details of our beautiful private lives. Because she shows us that in the end our hidden strangeness is what makes us human. This, I think, is what makes her a truly major European writer. I am especially grateful to Sasha Dugdale for her precise and flawless translation which makes this book such a joy to read in English. This is a voice to live with.'- Ilya Kaminsky, author of Deaf Republic'Dazzling erudition and deep empathy come together in Maria Stepanova's profound engagement with the power and potential of memory, the mother of all muses. An exploration of the vast field between reminiscence and remembrance, In Memory of Memory is a poetic appraisal of the ways the stories of others are the fabric of our history.'- Esther Kinsky, author of Grove'Extraordinary - a work of haunting power, grace and originality.'- Philippe Sands, author of East West Street'The poet Maria Stepanova's In Memory of Memory, beautifully translated by Sasha Dugdale, is a deeply intelligent quest for the significance of minutiae that survive while grand narratives of history sweep over them. It makes for powerful and magical reading, reminiscent of Nabokov's Speak Memory. Time and again the sheer richness of the task sustains us and drives us on. This is a wholly marvellous book that extends our knowledge of all that is valued and lost.'- George Szirtes, author of The Photographer at Sixteen'A book to plunge into. "Everyone else's ancestors had taken part in history," writes Stepanova; building itself via accumulation, these chapters become an important testimony to the cultural and political lives of the people held beneath the surface of the tides of history.'- Andrew McMillan, author of Playtime'It is a triumph: an intimate, lyrical, gently learned, blend of research, reminiscence and reflection, flecked with recreations of people and events that dance on the brink of fiction. Translated with tenderness and eloquence by Sasha Dugdale, this is a wise, beautiful but warmly companionable memoir-cum-history. It honours both the ghosts who inhabit it, and the literary art of memory itself.'- Boyd Tonkin, Arts Desk
Opulent Gamer
Audiobooks on this app have turned my exercise sessions into moments of education. This app is a time-saver – I can 'read' even when I'm on the move. This app's convenience has turned my exercise sessions into enlightening moments. Bookmarking my favorite parts of audiobooks is now a breeze. Love this feature! ListenBook has breathed new life into my audiobook collection. I can't imagine using anything else.
Guncap Slingbad
With ListenBook, I can now listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with the utmost comfort and convenience. This app has made my downtime so much more productive and enjoyable. ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to introduce others to the joys of audiobook storytelling. The app's compatibility with CarPlay is a dream for road trips. It keeps me entertained. Great app for audiobook enthusiasts. ListenBook supports a wide range of formats.
Pinball Esq
This app has turned my daily routine into a source of excitement and joy. Kudos to ListenBook for the intuitive design and easy-to-use controls. It's evident that they've put a lot of thought into user experience. The interface is sleek and user-friendly. Makes navigating through chapters a breeze. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising.
Skull Crusher
Being able to adjust playback speed suits everyone's preferences – a thoughtful feature. I'm grateful for this app's ability to fit seamlessly into my lifestyle, making learning a part of my day.
Duke Electro
I'm hooked on this app's ability to transform my ordinary moments into exciting opportunities for learning. 🚶♂️🌟 Staying entertained during leisurely walks – audiobooks make outdoor time delightful! 🚶♂️🎧 Great for listening to lectures and educational content. Very useful! The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile.
Lady Katniss
📱 Audiobooks at my fingertips – this app's ease of use is a booklover's dream come true! 📚🔥 ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer for immersive listening in any environment. ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback features add versatility to my audiobook listening experience. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple.
White Snare
Binaural audio reduces listening fatigue. Such a great feature! Great for listening to lectures and educational content. Very useful! The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile.
Emerald Goddess
ListenBook's integration of artwork and metadata adds a visually appealing touch to my library. With ListenBook, every moment is an opportunity to explore new stories and gain knowledge. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made a significant difference in the clarity of recordings. Sharing audiobooks via AirDrop is incredibly convenient. Great feature!
Demand Chopper
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer for immersive listening in any environment. ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback features add versatility to my audiobook listening experience. Download options are plenty – I can get my audiobooks from various sources hassle-free.
Suicide Jockey
The diverse selection of audiobooks has made me fall in love with storytelling all over again. Unparalleled support for CarPlay and Apple Watch means I can take my audiobooks anywhere, anytime. Thanks to ListenBook's extensive statistics, I can track my audiobook consumption and celebrate my progress. This app is perfect for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is sleek and modern, and the playback controls are super responsive. I also appreciate the cloud integration, which lets me access my books from anywhere. Great work!
Blizzard Vixen
Audiobooks have become my go-to gift for friends – and they all love it! 📱 Accessing my favorite stories has never been this straightforward – this app's functionality is a bookworm's dream come true. 📚💫 Effortlessly accessing my favorite audiobooks has become a reality, all thanks to this app's user-centric design and comprehensive format support. A must-download! 📱🎧 Audiobook enthusiasts, celebrate! This app's thoughtful features, like auto-rewind and easy chapter navigation, cater perfectly to our reading cravings. 🎉📚
Voodoo Queen
I can't get over how smooth the playback is. Even high-quality files play flawlessly. Bookmarks have become my study companion. I can easily revisit important passages in my audiobooks.
Trixie
I'm impressed by ListenBook's dedication to providing a comfortable listening experience. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has made my daily activities more seamless and convenient. If you love stories but have a busy schedule, this app is your solution! I'm addicted to this app – it's like having a library in my pocket. I love the ability to change the background color. It’s a nice touch.
Charms
This app is like having a personal library with me wherever I go. ListenBook's features are a bookworm's dream come true – from chapters to bookmarks, it's got everything. 📱 A world of books at my fingertips – this app's user-friendly design makes it a true reading companion. 📚📱 Audiobook excellence simplified – this app's functionality is a true delight.
Black Firefly
With ListenBook, I can now listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with the utmost comfort and convenience. 🌟 Adding excitement to each day – this app ensures that every moment is an opportunity to explore new stories. 📚🚀
Vermilion
ListenBook's sleek interface and precise controls make it a joy to use during my daily listening sessions. 🌌 Igniting my imagination while preparing dinner – this app adds flavor to every meal! 🍲📖 Download via WiFi, WebDAV, iTunes – options galore to suit everyone's preferences. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a unique feature that adds a personalized touch to the listening experience. The app is so easy to use. I was up and running in minutes.
GiddeeUP
This app has made my daily routines more meaningful and enjoyable. 📚 Ironing has become a joy with audiobooks – wrinkles are no match for these captivating stories! 👗🎧
Sir Shark
This app is a gift for book lovers who struggle to find reading time. 🏃♂️📚 Combining exercise and exploration – this app keeps me motivated on my daily jogs! 🏃♂️📖 The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is very convenient. ListenBook is a great app.
Demo Tequila
I'm absolutely in love with this app! The interface is so intuitive and user-friendly. This app has turned my household chores into moments of intellectual growth. 🚗📖 Transforming traffic jams into opportunities for literary exploration – this app keeps me engaged on the road! 🚗🎧 ListenBook is like a personal audiobook curator, allowing me to enjoy my favorite speeches and lectures with unmatched comfort and convenience. The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
Noisy Girl
💡 Balancing learning and living effortlessly – audiobooks on demand, thanks to this app! 🎧💫 The statistics tracking feature is a gem. I'm surprised by how much time I spend on audiobooks! Finally, an app that lets me enjoy audiobooks without worrying about file formats! I love the compatibility with iOS 16. The app runs smoothly and flawlessly. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun and interactive way to connect.
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience