Tab Article

Ratings: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
Genre: Autobiography, Memoir, Classic Literature

Book Review:
''My Apprenticeship'' and ''My Universities'' are compelling and deeply human autobiographical works by Maxim Gorky, one of Russia's greatest writers. These books continue the story of Gorky's life after his difficult childhood, offering a vivid and unflinching portrait of his early adult years in late 19th-century Russia.

The books are a chronicle of poverty, struggle, and the search for meaning. Gorky describes his work in a variety of jobs—as a baker, a dock worker, a salesman—and his experiences with the harsh realities of life for the working class. He encounters a wide range of characters, from the brutal and cruel to the kind and inspiring. The books are also a testament to Gorky's powerful intellect and his determination to educate himself despite the obstacles he faced.

Gorky's prose is realistic, vibrant, and deeply emotional. He writes with a passionate commitment to social justice and a profound empathy for the downtrodden. The books offer a fascinating insight into the development of his literary and political consciousness. They are also a valuable historical document, capturing the social and political tensions of a pivotal era in Russian history.

This Progress Publishers edition is translated well and includes helpful annotations. ''My Apprenticeship'' and ''My Universities'' are essential reading for anyone interested in Gorky's life and work, Russian literature, or the history of social thought. A powerful and inspiring read.