Hardship Journey (Volume 1 and 2)

Author: A. Tolstoy (China), translated by Wang Shixie
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 1997-11-01
Features: The title "The Road of Life" is derived from the ancient Russian apocryphal text "The Passion of the Virgin." Although this book does not directly depict the October Revolution, it reflects the social transformation and the historical process of the proletarian revolution before and after the October Revolution in the Soviet Union. The novel spans from 1914, through World War I, the February Revolution, the Civil War, to the beginning of 1920, lasting six years. It can be said that during these six years, the Russian people underwent true hardships in their struggle to create the world's first socialist country. Opinions on how to evaluate the October Revolution differ in Russia and around the world, both then and now. However, whether praised or criticized, this novel holds historical value, helping readers understand various aspects of the October Revolution. This book includes three parts: "The Sisters," "1918," and "The Dark Morning."
The first part, "The Sisters," can be classified as a social novel, but it is indeed framed by the family tragedy of Katya and the love story of Dasha, all set against the backdrop of World War I. This forms the foundation for transitioning to historical fiction. Therefore, the main characters of this part are the two sisters, Katya and Dasha. Katya's journey—from her argument with her husband, her departure, her return, her illness, her husband's death, her failed suicide attempt, and her eventual union with Rosin—forms one thread. Dasha's story—from being tempted, meeting and parting from Terentiy, and eventually reuniting with him—forms another thread. The author seems to lean toward Dasha, with most of the narrative focusing on her, vividly depicting her youthful emotions, even when she faces danger, she always emerges unscathed.
The second part also reveals two threads, reflecting the different paths taken by Russian intellectuals after the October Revolution. Terentiy joins the revolution and fights on the front lines, while Rosin seeks the White Army and takes the counter-revolutionary path. Dasha falls into the trap of a counter-revolutionary plot but does not form an independent thread. Katya is captured by the Makhno gang, merely serving as a plot device for Rosin to find her.
The third part flows seamlessly from the second in structure. Terentiy has a smooth journey in the third part, though he is wounded, which leads to his reunion with Dasha. Rosin, on the other hand, must endure trials within the Makhno gang and be injured in a battle before abandoning his dark ways and finally collaborating with Terentiy.