(Published in 1904 this novel looks closely at the lives of a small group of activists who were protesting against the harsh conditions of the working class. Secret meetings in supporters' houses, pamphlets in factories and even the attempted protest march in a small town to mark May Day. This was dangerous work as secret police arrested many and they were jailed or exiled. One mother became a committed activist despite being middle aged to support her son and his friends in their quest for reform.
An interesting novel as Gorky himself had held many working class jobs from the age of eight when he was put to work by his family. His experiences ground this novel in a ring of truth gained from his own experiences. This is an easy way to pick up some of the history of Russia during this period.
May: 'And Quiet Flows the Don', Mikahail Sholokohov. (Book One).
Meg Dillon
An interesting novel as Gorky himself had held many working class jobs from the age of eight when he was put to work by his family. His experiences ground this novel in a ring of truth gained from his own experiences. This is an easy way to pick up some of the history of Russia during this period.
May: 'And Quiet Flows the Don', Mikahail Sholokohov. (Book One).
Meg Dillon