48 pages 1 hour read

Lydia Chukovskaya

Sofia Petrovna

Fiction | Novella | Adult | Published in 1965

A 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

Roundup icon

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

Roundup icon

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 this

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.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Classic Fiction

Historical Fiction

Russian Literature

Themes

Emotions/Behavior: Fear

Values/Ideas: Truth & Lies

Values/Ideas: Order & Chaos

Topics

Education

History: World