48 pages • 1 hour read
Lydia ChukovskayaSofia Petrovna
Fiction | Novella | Adult | Published in 1965A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Sofia Petrovna by Lydia Chukovskaya follows a widow, Sofia Petrovna, and her son Kolya in Leningrad during the Great Terror. Sofia's life unravels when Kolya is arrested without explanation, and she faces increasing hostility from her community. Sofia's struggle to discover Kolya's fate amidst a repressive regime highlights the personal toll of Stalinist purges. The book contains descriptions of suicide and antisemitism.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Chukovskaya's Sofia Petrovna is widely praised for its poignant depiction of the Great Purge's impact on ordinary Soviet citizens. Reviewers commend its emotional depth and stark realism. However, some critiques note the narrative's bleak tone may be disheartening for certain readers. Overall, it offers a compelling and humanizing portrayal of historical events.
Who Should Read Sofia Petrovna?
Readers who would enjoy Sofia Petrovna by Lydia Chukovskaya are those interested in Soviet history, particularly the Stalinist purges, and fans of character-driven narratives. Similar readers may appreciate One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich by Alexander Solzhenitsyn or 1984 by George Orwell for their exploration of totalitarian regimes.