Awakening. Evelina and Her Friends

“The Awakening” and “Evelina and Her Friends” are the last novels of Gaito Gazdanov published during his lifetime. They preserve the author’s distinctive style and verbal virtuosity, subtle irony and liveliness of images, psychological depth, and the traditions of European existentialism—yet they may be, perhaps, his most lyrical and bright works. Each of the heroes has their own story and their own real and metaphorical journey, but each believes in miracles and searches for themselves through care for others, love, and friendship—whether it’s an ordinary accountant or eternally young Parisian intellectuals.