The Destinies of Valencia: Reflections on the Collection of Stories by Vicente Blasco Ibáñez Translated Into Russian

Abstract

For the first time, a collection of short stories by Vicente Blasco Ibáñez, translated by Boris Kovalev, has been published in Russian. «Sad Valencian Stories» creates a colorful image of Spain, unfamiliar to Russian readers. Valencia, the writer’s hometown, is presented in all its diversity of expressive characters and landscapes. These include narrow streets where it’s impossible to hide from prying eyes, a blooming spring gardens filled with the sweet aroma, a stuffy bakery, a turbulent sea and a train rushing at full speed toward its destination. Valencia is populated by courageous and cowardly, cruel and compassionate, vicious and innocent men and women, united by a single desire — to live and give life. The city tests its inhabitants for greed or pride, creating situations in which people are forced to make difficult decisions. The hero of Blasco Ibáñez’s stories is a lonely man. He may be surrounded by family or friends, but a feeling of abandonment and loneliness always accompanies his every action. The collection «Sad Stories from Valencia» is a mosaic of tragic human destinies, which Blasco Ibáñez interprets as a constant struggle between life and death.