A luva, ou KR-2

Contos de Kolimá #6

by Varlam Shalamov, Francisco de Araújo (Translator), Nivaldo dos Santos (Translator)

A luva, ou KR-2 é o sexto e último volume dos Contos de Kolimá, de Varlam Chalámov (1907-1982), obra em que o escritor russo dá testemunho dos 17 anos que passou como prisioneiro nos campos de trabalhos stalinistas e que constitui um verdadeiro monumento contra a barbárie e pela vida. Os 21 textos aqui reunidos trazem, além da denúncia dos horrores do gulag, também um pouco de leveza e esperança, já que cobrem os últimos anos de sua pena e a transição para a liberdade, como no belíssimo conto “Viagem a Ola”. Completam o volume um texto ficcional sobre a morte de Chalámov escrito por Gustaw Herling (autor de uma das mais importantes obras da literatura do gulag, Um mundo à parte), e dois poemas do próprio Chalámov traduzidos diretamente do russo.

Genres: Russia, Fiction, 20th Century

328 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.