From Library Journal
Somewhat overshadowed in the West by famous contemporaries Akhmatova, Mandelstam, and Pasternak, noteworthy Russian poet Marina Tsvetaeva is finally getting the attention she deserves. Translator/ scholar Feiler's critical biography is the second in as many years, following quickly on the heels of Viktoria Schweitzer's successful Tsetaeva (LJ 4/15/93). Feiler and Schweitzer cover the same territory-the poet's singular childhood, struggles during the Revolution, exile, and eventual return to the Soviet Union, where she committed suicide in 1941-but differ in tone. While Schweitzer is rhapsodic and inspired, Feiler is sober, clear, and direct. She places somewhat greater emphasis on Tsvetaeva's troubled relationship with her mother and offers solid readings of the poems. Public libraries already owning Schweitzer's work don't need to add Feiler's, but academic libraries should strongly consider filling out their collections with this well-crafted study.
Barbara Hoffert, "Library Journal"Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
