"Goodnight!" is a novel by Russian writer Andrei Sinyavsky, first published in 1984. The novel is set in the Soviet Union during the 1970s and tells the story of a group of intellectuals who gather together to discuss art, literature, and politics.
The novel is notable for its exploration of the limits of free expression in a repressive society. The characters engage in intellectual debates about the role of art and literature in society, but are also keenly aware of the dangers of speaking out against the government. Throughout the novel, the characters struggle to balance their desire for artistic freedom with the need to protect themselves from political persecution.
Sinyavsky was a prominent figure in the Soviet literary scene and was himself a victim of political repression. He was arrested in 1965 for publishing works abroad under a pseudonym, and spent several years in a Soviet labor camp. "Goodnight!" can be seen as a reflection of Sinyavsky's own experiences and his belief in the importance of artistic freedom.
The novel has been praised for its nuanced portrayal of Soviet society and its exploration of the complexities of artistic expression in a repressive regime. It has also been criticized for its fragmented structure and its reliance on abstract intellectual debates. Despite these criticisms, "Goodnight!" remains a significant work of Russian literature and a testament to the importance of artistic freedom.
0