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A Great Love
A novella and two short stories explore the efforts of women to achieve equality in their relationships with men
156 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1923
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451 people want to read
About the author
Alexandra Kollontai
116 books299 followersAlexandra Mikhailovna Kollontai (Russian: Александра Михайловна Коллонтай — née Domontovich, Домонтович was a Russian Communist revolutionary, first as a member of the Mensheviks, then from 1914 on as a Bolshevik. In 1923, Kollontai was appointed Soviet Ambassador to Norway, one of the first women to hold such a post (Diana Abgar was earlier).
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
September 2, 2016
نام به فارسی: عشق و دیگر هیچ
ترجمه: مهدی غبرایی
شامل یک رمانک و دو داستان کوتاه
نویسنده این داستان یکی از رهبران سازمان زنان حزب بلشویک بوده است. ماجرای داستان روابط عاشقانه یکی از اعضای برجسته حزب با یکی از زنان هم حزبی ش است.
کتاب مدت ها تو کتابخونه داشت خاک میخورد، کلی با خودم کلنجار رفتم و خودمو راضی کردم هدیه بدمش به یکی از دوستان، تو مسیر رفتن در مترو شروع کردم به خوندنش، شروع کردن همانا و هدیه ندادنش همانا:) الانم کتاب عزیزم کنارمه و فوقش امانت میدم دوستان بخونن و ازش لذت ببرن:)
هوا را بگیر از من اما کتابهایم را نه:-D
ترجمه: مهدی غبرایی
شامل یک رمانک و دو داستان کوتاه
نویسنده این داستان یکی از رهبران سازمان زنان حزب بلشویک بوده است. ماجرای داستان روابط عاشقانه یکی از اعضای برجسته حزب با یکی از زنان هم حزبی ش است.
کتاب مدت ها تو کتابخونه داشت خاک میخورد، کلی با خودم کلنجار رفتم و خودمو راضی کردم هدیه بدمش به یکی از دوستان، تو مسیر رفتن در مترو شروع کردم به خوندنش، شروع کردن همانا و هدیه ندادنش همانا:) الانم کتاب عزیزم کنارمه و فوقش امانت میدم دوستان بخونن و ازش لذت ببرن:)
هوا را بگیر از من اما کتابهایم را نه:-D
June 27, 2014
This novel was deeply frustrating, annoying and aggravating. The main protagonist, Natasha, is a party organiser, an intellectual, a sharp thinker but is also a woman, a lover and a mistress.
The story follows her relationship with Semyon Semyonovich; a leading party figure whose self-centred understanding of love and relationships constantly means Natasha is sacrificing her feelings, work and ultimately independence in order to cater for his.
Far from being a story of an individual couple's sexual and gender relations (despite the fact it's rumoured the story is modelled on Kollontai's understanding of Inessa Armand and Lenin's supposed love affair), the story has a much bigger and more universal significance.
Looking back at this period from the standpoint of working class women it's easy to simply point to the objective material circumstances of the family as the sole instrument of women's oppression. While this was certainly a key factor, Kollontai's piece does well to point to the more intimate ways in which women were denigrated, even amongst their own ranks.
The way in with Semyon constantly expects Natasha's feelings to be subordinate to his own (so Natasha becomes responsible for the mental reproduction of Semyon, but he does not expect to do the same of her), how he constantly denigrates her political work as superfluous, the way in which he saw her as a woman first (and therefore an instrument of sex and passion) and a party member and intellectual only after underscores the chauvinism that often underpinned women's relation with men.
Looking at the family as an institution is not enough, Kollontai is saying, but the content of the family is a big factor as well. After all, the family is an institution of thinking, breathing people who relate to one another. The personal relationship between Semyon and Natasha stunted her development intellectually and politically, it stunted her independence and confidence.
And this is why the novel was so annoying: I felt a constant anger at Semyon's consistent ability to subordinate Natasha to himself. It's probably the same anger women like Natasha were made to feel.
The novel is, as the end lines say, a reminder that social relations are not abstract entities but are acted out by human beings, sometimes in intimate relationships. And as such, we can't see change of the system in abstraction from changing ourselves.
The story follows her relationship with Semyon Semyonovich; a leading party figure whose self-centred understanding of love and relationships constantly means Natasha is sacrificing her feelings, work and ultimately independence in order to cater for his.
Far from being a story of an individual couple's sexual and gender relations (despite the fact it's rumoured the story is modelled on Kollontai's understanding of Inessa Armand and Lenin's supposed love affair), the story has a much bigger and more universal significance.
Looking back at this period from the standpoint of working class women it's easy to simply point to the objective material circumstances of the family as the sole instrument of women's oppression. While this was certainly a key factor, Kollontai's piece does well to point to the more intimate ways in which women were denigrated, even amongst their own ranks.
The way in with Semyon constantly expects Natasha's feelings to be subordinate to his own (so Natasha becomes responsible for the mental reproduction of Semyon, but he does not expect to do the same of her), how he constantly denigrates her political work as superfluous, the way in which he saw her as a woman first (and therefore an instrument of sex and passion) and a party member and intellectual only after underscores the chauvinism that often underpinned women's relation with men.
Looking at the family as an institution is not enough, Kollontai is saying, but the content of the family is a big factor as well. After all, the family is an institution of thinking, breathing people who relate to one another. The personal relationship between Semyon and Natasha stunted her development intellectually and politically, it stunted her independence and confidence.
And this is why the novel was so annoying: I felt a constant anger at Semyon's consistent ability to subordinate Natasha to himself. It's probably the same anger women like Natasha were made to feel.
The novel is, as the end lines say, a reminder that social relations are not abstract entities but are acted out by human beings, sometimes in intimate relationships. And as such, we can't see change of the system in abstraction from changing ourselves.
January 16, 2025
I hope I have found the correct edition of the book on Good Reads. The collection I have just read included A Great Love, along with two short stories and some essays with Lenin.
Kollontai is a surprising woman. A Great Love is often dismissed. But it is a Soviet version of romance fiction. A double crossin' man takes time away from a young, brilliant woman. Stopping her completing the work of the revolution. Oh the shame.
Just another day at the office.
But I was emotionally engaged with the book. It was like a wresting match or a pantomime. NOOOOOOOO don't do it. Don't go the train station. Again. He is lying to you. NOOOOOOO.
Is it great literature? No. Is is engaging? Yes.
The essays that conclude the book are also fascinating, showing the partnership between Kollontai and Lenin. These essays demonstrate the radical transformations to women's lives, from domestic duties to cooking to child rearing.
Intriguing jig-saw puzzle of a book.
Kollontai is a surprising woman. A Great Love is often dismissed. But it is a Soviet version of romance fiction. A double crossin' man takes time away from a young, brilliant woman. Stopping her completing the work of the revolution. Oh the shame.
Just another day at the office.
But I was emotionally engaged with the book. It was like a wresting match or a pantomime. NOOOOOOOO don't do it. Don't go the train station. Again. He is lying to you. NOOOOOOO.
Is it great literature? No. Is is engaging? Yes.
The essays that conclude the book are also fascinating, showing the partnership between Kollontai and Lenin. These essays demonstrate the radical transformations to women's lives, from domestic duties to cooking to child rearing.
Intriguing jig-saw puzzle of a book.
August 22, 2020
En tiedä, olisiko tämä kirja ollut niin kiinnostava ellei tietäisi kirjan taustalla olevan Leninin, Krupskajan ja Inessa Armandin kolmiodraaman. Toisaalta, nykymaailmanajassa on virkistävää lukea vilpittömän suuresta rakkaudesta aatetta kohtaan. Tällaisenaan hauska pieni kirja, Kollontain kirpakan pisteliäs tapa kuvata miespäähenkilöä, "suurta ajattelijaa", sai ajoittain suupielet kohoamaan.
February 2, 2019
A Great Love by Alexandra Kollontai//4 stars
This is a Russian story collection published in 1929 and then later translated in English.
A Great Love: This story follows Natascha and her love affair with the married Ssenja. Natascha was such a frustrating character to follow, as she expected so much from a man whose intentions were quite clear. Throughout the story, Natascha realizes that while she is deeply in love, the relationship has no future. Seeing the way she allowed herself to be treated and the intense jealousy she had toward Ssenja's wife annoyed me. Natascha was built up as a radical political woman of the time, but was so weak in this relationship.
Sisters: This story is a conversation between sisters in which a divorce is chronicled. The main character is in what seems like a perfect marriage, until her husband starts drinking. The woman watches her husband change and eventually witnesses him bring home prostitutes. She is pushed to her breaking point in conversing with one of the prostitutes and leaves that very day despite having no income. There was discussion of politics in this story as well and I thought it was a good illustration of this period of Russian history.
The Loves of Three Generations: This story starts with the story of Marja, a political activist and then chronicles the many relationships of her daughter, Olga. Olga's daughter Genia is then followed briefly at the conclusion. As much as their love lives were a mess, it clearly chronicled the changes in the way society viewed relationships over the three generations. Marja married a man out of societal pressure, eventually leaving him to be with a man she loved. She stayed faithful to this man for the rest of her life, even after he left for another. Olga constantly struggled with feelings for two men, Constantin and M. Constantin shared political and spiritual views with Olga, while passion was shared with M. The constant back and forth was maddening. Genia then appears as an adult and admits she does not have time for love, as her political agenda is her priority. Olga is appalled that her daughter gives herself freely to men with zero emotional attachment. I found it very interesting to see the shift in society's views of love and marriage through these women.
This is a Russian story collection published in 1929 and then later translated in English.
A Great Love: This story follows Natascha and her love affair with the married Ssenja. Natascha was such a frustrating character to follow, as she expected so much from a man whose intentions were quite clear. Throughout the story, Natascha realizes that while she is deeply in love, the relationship has no future. Seeing the way she allowed herself to be treated and the intense jealousy she had toward Ssenja's wife annoyed me. Natascha was built up as a radical political woman of the time, but was so weak in this relationship.
Sisters: This story is a conversation between sisters in which a divorce is chronicled. The main character is in what seems like a perfect marriage, until her husband starts drinking. The woman watches her husband change and eventually witnesses him bring home prostitutes. She is pushed to her breaking point in conversing with one of the prostitutes and leaves that very day despite having no income. There was discussion of politics in this story as well and I thought it was a good illustration of this period of Russian history.
The Loves of Three Generations: This story starts with the story of Marja, a political activist and then chronicles the many relationships of her daughter, Olga. Olga's daughter Genia is then followed briefly at the conclusion. As much as their love lives were a mess, it clearly chronicled the changes in the way society viewed relationships over the three generations. Marja married a man out of societal pressure, eventually leaving him to be with a man she loved. She stayed faithful to this man for the rest of her life, even after he left for another. Olga constantly struggled with feelings for two men, Constantin and M. Constantin shared political and spiritual views with Olga, while passion was shared with M. The constant back and forth was maddening. Genia then appears as an adult and admits she does not have time for love, as her political agenda is her priority. Olga is appalled that her daughter gives herself freely to men with zero emotional attachment. I found it very interesting to see the shift in society's views of love and marriage through these women.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 27, 2021
All too familiar in 2021. On the one hand, an intelligent single woman sometimes realizes she would really like company at the end of the day, but on the other hand, after a certain age, the men with whom she has political, work, or intellectual interests in common are typically caught up in family life. The woman who is the wife is often a decent person, but has her hands full attempting to manage the household and care for the children, and has too much on her plate to pursue additional outside interests with her spouse.
The path of this story is clear. The man caught between the single woman with shared interests and the wife isn't going to be able to dedicate sufficient time and attention to either of them in the long run.
In Kollontai's day, this was a story of an unusual woman, who had steady work which brought her into contact with major political figures and intellectuals. Today, this story might describe the life circumstances of any serious urban professional woman who is a committed person not all that interested in the distractions of fashion or consumer culture.
Writing is easy to read, expressive, and naturally a bit more florid than today's ironic, postmodern emotional affair. About 20% through, may return to it some evening if I have insomnia.
The path of this story is clear. The man caught between the single woman with shared interests and the wife isn't going to be able to dedicate sufficient time and attention to either of them in the long run.
In Kollontai's day, this was a story of an unusual woman, who had steady work which brought her into contact with major political figures and intellectuals. Today, this story might describe the life circumstances of any serious urban professional woman who is a committed person not all that interested in the distractions of fashion or consumer culture.
Writing is easy to read, expressive, and naturally a bit more florid than today's ironic, postmodern emotional affair. About 20% through, may return to it some evening if I have insomnia.
April 20, 2023
Коллонтай, конечно, не писательница)) герои плоские, сюжеты однообразные, всё такое не особо литературно ценное. Но как срез времени и срез личности - просто офигительно. Думала отдать, но пожалуй всё-таки оставлю, просто чтоб было.
Истории про то, как постоянно люди мучаются то от измен, то от двойной любви, это прям такая личная боль, очень заметно. Всё, о чем настрадалась с мужем и с Дыбенко, хаха.
Истории про то, как бывшего анархиста прессуют за то, что был анархистом, как коммунисты осуждают "продажных девок" за аморальность, как моральные нормы старые пытаются уместить в новую реальность - ужасно интересный источник. Как у женщин болит, что в них видят только баб, а не товарищей. Про девок ещё смешно наложилось на то, как видала цитату, что мол моряки в порту Питера считали портовых девок тоже угнетенным пролетариатом и вербовали на революцию! Кажется намного более логичным подходом к революции, конечно.
Истории про то, как постоянно люди мучаются то от измен, то от двойной любви, это прям такая личная боль, очень заметно. Всё, о чем настрадалась с мужем и с Дыбенко, хаха.
Истории про то, как бывшего анархиста прессуют за то, что был анархистом, как коммунисты осуждают "продажных девок" за аморальность, как моральные нормы старые пытаются уместить в новую реальность - ужасно интересный источник. Как у женщин болит, что в них видят только баб, а не товарищей. Про девок ещё смешно наложилось на то, как видала цитату, что мол моряки в порту Питера считали портовых девок тоже угнетенным пролетариатом и вербовали на революцию! Кажется намного более логичным подходом к революции, конечно.
December 8, 2024
This is one of those books which made me so angry that I wanted to shake the protagonist. However, the introduction which provides the context of these stories is brilliant and puts the whole read in perspective. The book is brilliant and evocative. Relevant even today and continues to inspire us to imagine better lives for women.
June 15, 2020
Meh. Har inte riktigt hållt över tid, lite för präktigt. Men ändå - blir chockad på samma sätt som med arbetsbiens kärlek att Kollontay är tidlös på ett fint sätt. Och asså det är ju kul med alla präktiga partireferenser och så mvh nörd
May 12, 2022
Just as relevant, just as piercing as the day it was written. I've seen my share of belaugered Natashas and boorish, supposedly radical Senyas.
A good 'love' story, but a much better breakup story.
A good 'love' story, but a much better breakup story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2025
Exasperating read, enjoyed every minute of it.
October 23, 2019
Did it ever occur to Kollontai that Lenin, Krupskaya, and Armand were maybe just a happy triad? LOL, prolly not. As it stands I am sure that Kollontai’s story of a self-absorbed revolutionary failing his lover (and not living up to communist ideal in this sense) could be any number of partnered men and women enthusiastic party members in the era of revolutionary Russia. P.S. Don’t come looking for a Communist romance (like I did).
February 9, 2025
The Great Love by Alexandra Kollontai is a groundbreaking work that explores themes of love, relationships, and gender dynamics from a socialist feminist perspective. Written in 1923, the novella reflects Kollontai’s progressive views on love and sexual freedom, which were considered radical at the time. As a prominent figure in the Russian Revolution and a key advocate for women's rights, Kollontai’s work offers a unique perspective on the intersection of personal relationships and political ideologies.
Key Themes:
Love and Gender Equality: At its core, The Great Love challenges traditional notions of romantic love and marriage. Kollontai argues that love should be liberated from societal expectations and based on mutual respect and individual freedom. The novella portrays love as a complex, evolving experience that shouldn’t be confined to conventional gender roles or rigid societal structures.
Sexual Liberation: Kollontai, known for her outspoken support of sexual liberation, addresses the power dynamics inherent in relationships, particularly those between men and women. She advocates for a more egalitarian approach to love, where both partners can freely express their desires without fear of judgment or societal pressure.
Socialism and Individualism: A central theme in Kollontai’s writing is the integration of socialist values with personal relationships. In The Great Love, she suggests that the liberation of women and the reorganization of society should lead to more authentic, non-possessive love between individuals. The novella subtly critiques the way capitalism and traditional family structures reinforce inequality and limit personal freedoms.
Emotional Depth and Complexity: While Kollontai is often remembered for her political writings, The Great Love is a deeply emotional exploration of the complexities of human relationships. The novella examines the evolving nature of love, from passionate desire to the realization that genuine emotional connection requires more than just romantic ideals.
Strengths:
Progressive and Thought-Provoking: Kollontai’s exploration of love as a transformative and liberating force ahead of its time. Her views on sexual freedom and gender equality were revolutionary and remain relevant to contemporary discussions about relationships.
Rich with Social Commentary: The novella critiques both the bourgeois conception of marriage and traditional gender roles, offering insight into how these structures can limit personal happiness and emotional fulfillment. Kollontai’s socialist ideology is woven seamlessly into the narrative.
Empathy and Emotional Intelligence: Despite its political undertones, the novella is full of emotional complexity. Kollontai captures the nuances of human relationships, including the disappointments, joys, and transformations that come with love.
Limitations:
Political Overtones May Not Resonate with Everyone: While Kollontai’s political views are integral to the story, readers who aren’t familiar with socialist or Marxist ideologies may find the book’s political overtones heavy-handed or distracting. Her critiques of capitalism and the bourgeois family may feel dated to some readers.
Idealism vs. Reality: Some readers may feel that the novella presents an idealized version of love and relationships that may not be entirely practical or applicable to real-life situations. Kollontai’s vision of a liberated, egalitarian love may feel out of reach for some, particularly in the context of modern social dynamics.
Final Verdict:
The Great Love is a thought-provoking and emotionally rich exploration of love, relationships, and personal liberation. Alexandra Kollontai’s revolutionary ideas about gender equality, sexual freedom, and emotional connection make this novella a fascinating read, particularly for those interested in feminist literature, socialist thought, and the evolving dynamics of human relationships. While its political overtones may not appeal to everyone, the novella’s timeless themes about the complexity of love and the need for societal change make it an important work in the history of feminist literature. Kollontai’s work continues to resonate today as an insightful critique of the ways in which society structures love and relationships, and it remains a valuable contribution to discussions on freedom, equality, and emotional intimacy.
Key Themes:
Love and Gender Equality: At its core, The Great Love challenges traditional notions of romantic love and marriage. Kollontai argues that love should be liberated from societal expectations and based on mutual respect and individual freedom. The novella portrays love as a complex, evolving experience that shouldn’t be confined to conventional gender roles or rigid societal structures.
Sexual Liberation: Kollontai, known for her outspoken support of sexual liberation, addresses the power dynamics inherent in relationships, particularly those between men and women. She advocates for a more egalitarian approach to love, where both partners can freely express their desires without fear of judgment or societal pressure.
Socialism and Individualism: A central theme in Kollontai’s writing is the integration of socialist values with personal relationships. In The Great Love, she suggests that the liberation of women and the reorganization of society should lead to more authentic, non-possessive love between individuals. The novella subtly critiques the way capitalism and traditional family structures reinforce inequality and limit personal freedoms.
Emotional Depth and Complexity: While Kollontai is often remembered for her political writings, The Great Love is a deeply emotional exploration of the complexities of human relationships. The novella examines the evolving nature of love, from passionate desire to the realization that genuine emotional connection requires more than just romantic ideals.
Strengths:
Progressive and Thought-Provoking: Kollontai’s exploration of love as a transformative and liberating force ahead of its time. Her views on sexual freedom and gender equality were revolutionary and remain relevant to contemporary discussions about relationships.
Rich with Social Commentary: The novella critiques both the bourgeois conception of marriage and traditional gender roles, offering insight into how these structures can limit personal happiness and emotional fulfillment. Kollontai’s socialist ideology is woven seamlessly into the narrative.
Empathy and Emotional Intelligence: Despite its political undertones, the novella is full of emotional complexity. Kollontai captures the nuances of human relationships, including the disappointments, joys, and transformations that come with love.
Limitations:
Political Overtones May Not Resonate with Everyone: While Kollontai’s political views are integral to the story, readers who aren’t familiar with socialist or Marxist ideologies may find the book’s political overtones heavy-handed or distracting. Her critiques of capitalism and the bourgeois family may feel dated to some readers.
Idealism vs. Reality: Some readers may feel that the novella presents an idealized version of love and relationships that may not be entirely practical or applicable to real-life situations. Kollontai’s vision of a liberated, egalitarian love may feel out of reach for some, particularly in the context of modern social dynamics.
Final Verdict:
The Great Love is a thought-provoking and emotionally rich exploration of love, relationships, and personal liberation. Alexandra Kollontai’s revolutionary ideas about gender equality, sexual freedom, and emotional connection make this novella a fascinating read, particularly for those interested in feminist literature, socialist thought, and the evolving dynamics of human relationships. While its political overtones may not appeal to everyone, the novella’s timeless themes about the complexity of love and the need for societal change make it an important work in the history of feminist literature. Kollontai’s work continues to resonate today as an insightful critique of the ways in which society structures love and relationships, and it remains a valuable contribution to discussions on freedom, equality, and emotional intimacy.
August 31, 2015
This book was well written and very interesting. I would not say that is a masterpiece of literature, but is a nicely executed piece of feminist writing that packs a punch. It is thought provoking to say the least. It should be on every feminism reading list. 5 stars.
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