Two Souls

by Maksim Haretski, Olya Ianovskaia (translator)

As Belarus grapples with the aftershocks of the Socialist Revolution, Ignat Abdziralovich, an officer, finds himself at the heart of personal and societal turmoil. While Ignat searches for love, he uncovers an unexpected family secret that pushes him to rethink who he is, confront the stark realities of class antagonism and pick a side.

Two Souls delves into Ignat's philosophical introspections, offering a profound commentary on the human search for identity amid the conflict between personal ambitions and collective duties. Through Ignat's eyes, readers experience the complexities and contradictions of a society on the brink of significant change.

Two Souls is a work of deep exploration created by Belarus' first existentialist writer. Maksim Haretski's masterful storytelling weaves a tale rich in historical and philosophical depth, vividly capturing the atmosphere of the early twentieth century and communicating the tension and uncertainty that pervaded Belarus during this transformative era.

First published in 1919, the novel offers a vivid portrayal of class struggles and a bold critique of Bolshevism, which led to its suppression for many years. Two Souls provides a critical lens through which to view the era's political and social dynamics.

The present translation was undertaken with meticulous effort to retain the original flow and linguistic style of the novel. Every effort was made to stay as true to the original as possible, ensuring that the nuances and depth of Maksim Haretski's work are preserved for English-speaking readers.

182 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

Maksim Harecki was a Belarusian prose writer, an activist of the Belarusian national-democratic renewal, folklorist, lexicographer, professor. Maksim Harecki was also known by his pen-names Maksim Bełarus, M.B. Bełarus, M.H., A. Mścisłaŭski, Dzed Kuźma, Macej Myška, Mizeryus Monus. In his works he often appeared as Kuźma Batura, Liavon Zaduma.

Reviews

[Natasha Matsiusheuskaya · Rating 4 out of 5]

ніяк не магла дабрацца да класікі (якую абмінула ў навучальныя часы), каб у мае амаль 32 яна мне зрабіла асабліва балюча. і хоць аповесць выглядае на сучасныя вочы больш як чарнавік для вялікага рамана, і некаторыя персанажы прапісаныя крыху схематычна, і ад гісторыі падмены дзяцей можна было б чакаць больш развіцця - але чытаецца і праз сто гадоў (божухна) нібы пра сённяшні дзень. прайшло, бляха, цэлае стагоддзе, а праблемы ў беларускасці адны і тыя ж - і можа парадаваць тут толькі тое, што негледзячы на ўсе жахі гісторыі і паламаныя лёсы гэтая беларускасць ўсё адно і дагэтуль жыве.

[Maša · Rating 5 out of 5]

Не аповесць, а скарб. Столькі гістарычных падзей захаваных праз погляд знішчанага таленту. Жалоба аб лёсе аўтара ўзмацняецца пасля разумення істотнасці і ўнікальнасці гэтага твора

[Anastasiya Kryvasheyeva · Rating 5 out of 5]

«Ён казаў вам, што мае "дзве душы"?.. І вы яго бароніце? Дарма! Гэта не "дзве душы", а гэта... гэта... - хлопец круціў рукамі, - гэта расхрыстанасць, разлезласць, мяккацеласць... нешта для мяне гідкае, слізкае. Гэтыя вырадкі губяць бацькаўшчыну, як і ўсякія ворагі-чужынцы»

[Tony Heck · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The harmony of the earlier, predominantly national peculiarities of the movement with the current social peculiarities filled Mikola’s heart with the unusual joy, for he was fully convinced that only on the social and national party would the Belarusian revival be certain and capable of swiftly encompassing the vast masses of Belarusian peasantry.” “The social aspect of the revival would capture the most worthwhile, valuable and cultured parts of the remaining Belarusian bourgeoisie.” The novel, Two Souls, by Maksim Haretski and translated by Olya Ianovskaia, delivers an encapsulating insight into the effect of the Bolshevik revolution, beyond Russian society, to those of surrounding countries, specifically Belarus. Two Souls, through the views of multiple characters, skillfully centers on the observations and considerations of its principal character, Ignat Abdiziralovich, as he attempts to find his place amongst the social upheaval affecting Belarusian identity and his stance on these diverging reforms. Recommended read.

I received an advanced complimentary copy of the translated version and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a retelling of a story written in 1919 and the author has tried to stick very close to the original book. It will take you through his life as he struggles with everything that is happening around him. A brilliant and thoughtful read
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I really enjoyed it

[Ulad Bohdan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ужо колькі разоў пачынаў чытаць – нарэшце паддалася. Адказы на пытанні сённяшніх дзён – у аповедах 1920-ых.

[Yury A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Праўдзіва пра перыяд рэвалюцыі 1917 і той агульны раздрай у галавах, які тады панаваў.

[Via · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a second generation Belarusian. I have always wanted to learn more about my culture and where I come from. Two Souls is one of the few works of Belarusian literature that are translated into English for people like me.
It was recommended to me by a family friend. The novel helped me understand more about experiences of Belarusians at a critical point in history during the Bolshevik Revolution.

[Alyona · Rating 3 out of 5]

Книга оставила впечатление незаконченности. Конвейер событий в одном небольшом рассказе. Мне кажется, это хорошие наброски для достойного романа. Хотелось, чтобы Горецкий "раскрутил" и любовную тему, и тему подмены младенцев. Очень понравилось, что поиски идентичности Абдзираловича показываются как "две души". Мне кажется, очень удачная формулировка. А в целом... сыровато, очень жаль.