Relatos de Kolimá, El guante o RK-2

Contos de Kolimá #6

by Varlam Shalamov, Ricardo San Vicente Urondo (translator)

Varlam Shalámov se adentra en el infierno blanco de Kolimá, región situada en el límite oriental de Siberia. La maestría de Shalámov se enfrenta al paisaje intimidante de la taiga, a los sufrimientos padecidos en los campos de trabajo, a todo lo que implica saber que el horror de Kolimá es imposible de narrar aunque él esté determinado a hacerlo. Para superar ese reto, para representar la inhumanidad, para escapar a la maldición del grito silencioso, Shalámov escoge la forma del relato breve, cuyos rasgos principales son, según su propia expresión, el «laconismo», las frases «cortas como una exhalación» o «secas y musculosas como una bofetada». Relatos de Kolimá es una de las más trágicas y grandiosas epopeyas del siglo XX. Con este volumen –el primero de los seis que forman el ciclo general- comienza ahora a publicarse por primera vez de forma completa en castellano y de acuerdo con la estructura que el autor dio a su obra.

Genres: Russia, Fiction, 20th Century

1917 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1990

About the author

Varlam Tikhonovich Shalamov (Russian: Варлам Тихонович Шаламов; June 18, 1907–January 17, 1982), baptized as Varlaam, was a Russian writer, journalist and poet.

Alternate spellings of his name:
Варлам Шаламов
Varlam Chalamov
Warłam Szałamow
Warlam Schalamow
V. T. Shalamov
Varlam Șalamov

Reviews

[Mateo Toledo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sigue la biografía en forma de cuento.

[Kharlanov Sergey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Вроде уже и оптимистичнее, но тоска одолевает смертная. Очень депрессивные книги в этой серии.
Но полезные. Быстро и доходчиво отвечают на вопрос почему нельзя быть вне политики.

[Vlad Bezden · Rating 2 out of 5]

A Philosophical Turn in Shalamov's Last "Kolyma Tales": Documentary Style with Complex Narrative Elements

The final installment in the "Kolyma Tales" series, written in the 1970s, showcases a deeper philosophical dimension while maintaining Shalamov's distinctive narrative style. Rather than imposing his own interpretations, Shalamov presents raw facts, allowing readers to form their own conclusions.

Reading Challenges

Dense Documentation
The documentary nature of these works presents certain challenges for readers. The abundance of names and detailed information, while historically significant, can impede the reading flow. The interconnection of characters across different books in the series isn't immediately apparent, making it difficult to determine which names warrant particular attention.

Specialized Vocabulary
The text employs extensive camp-specific terminology, which can be challenging for readers unfamiliar with the gulag system. The meaning of these specialized terms often becomes clear only through context provided later in the narrative.

While the reading experience would benefit from supplementary materials such as historical documents, geographical maps, and photographs to provide valuable context, the book's documentary approach and complex vocabulary remain testament to its historical authenticity. These elements, though demanding additional effort from readers, are integral to understanding the full scope of Shalamov's powerful testimony.