French Literature Reviews - 2026

André Markowicz, Dictionnaire amoureux de Pouchkine
Writers: Biography, Letters and Memoirs

Illustrations by Alain Bouldouyre

“Pushkin is the most famous of Russian authors because everyone whose native language is Russian knows him and, in one way or another, learns to read by reading him. He belongs to the common heritage of all Russians – he is, so to speak, the quintessential meeting place of Russia.

Pushkin is the cornerstone of modern Russian literature and of all the philosophical and political debates that have shaped Russia's history and continue to nourish it today. His presence is vibrant, self-evident, forever fresh, and at once universal and deeply intimate. To speak of Pushkin is therefore also to speak of all Russian literature.
Yet, paradoxically, he remains the least known, even in Russia itself, precisely because of his status as an idol, or a cultural commonplace.

I began my career as a translator by translating Pushkin and, eventually, widening the circle step by step, what I strive to translate in Russian literature is not only his work itself, but also the writers of his generation, his friends, his companions.

Writing about Pushkin has been a way for me to retrace my own life – to return to the places of my childhood, to those who introduced me to his poetry. It has also been a way to pursue my translation work in a different format, as I could weave connections, evoke affinities, genealogies, and ongoing dialogues that, it seems to me, lie at the very heart of Russian culture.” A.M.

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Alexander Pushkin stands as the undisputed cornerstone of modern Russian literature, shaping cultural, philosophical, and political discourse for centuries. Despite occupying a monumental place in the national consciousness, his work is frequently overshadowed by his own mythical status, leaving the true depth of his writing surprisingly underappreciated. In this engaging volume, distinguished translator André Markowicz approaches the poet through a deeply personal lens, examining how Pushkin functions as a unifying meeting place for the Russian language and its rich literary heritage.

Blending literary insight with autobiography, Markowicz traces his own lifelong engagement with translation while mapping the vital genealogies, friendships, and ongoing dialogues that animate Russian culture. Illustrated with drawings by Alain Bouldouyre, the book offers a unique companion for readers seeking to understand not only Pushkin himself, but the broader constellation of writers surrounding him. It will particularly appeal to admirers of Russian literature, translation studies enthusiasts, and anyone wishing to rediscover a foundational voice through the eyes of a dedicated lifelong translator.

An article about this book can be read on en-attendant-nadeau.fr...

P. Assouline dedicated a post to it on his blog larepbliquedeslivres.com...