Doctor Zhivago by Boris Leonidovich Pasternak Search Amazon for other books by or about Boris Leonidovich Pasternak. Rating: Reviewed by: John L. Hoh, Jr.

A twist of irony for Dr. Zhivago--the book, though originally written in Russian, was first published in English and was translated years later again into Russian-in Michigan, of all places! The Communist government banned the printing of this book in the Soviet Union, but Boris Pasternak had it smuggled out where it was translated and printed into English. Of course, it went on to win a literary prize, so the Soviet regime, mindful of public relations, dared not punish the author. Years later, it was re-translated and published in Russian by the Michigan State Press.

Reading this book, one gets the sense of hopelessness and doom surrounding the Russian people in the first two decades of this century. Workers are restless. They are demonstrating for better working conditions and wages-and are shot in cold blood by the Czar's soldiers.

The fighting during World War I goes badly and serves as the catalyst for Revolution. In this maelstrom we find one Dr. Zhivago, who seems to cross paths repeatedly with a woman named Lara. It is around this relationship that most of Dr. Zhivago revolves.

This love relationship serves as a microcosm of events in Russian society surrounding this relationship. The relationship, like the Revolution, is desired as something better, but brings even more misery, heartache, and sadness. And, yes, loss-loss of inocence, loss of trust, loss of stability.

Especially wrenching is the loss of freedom. Dr. Zhivago several times is drafted to serve as a military doctor-often for opposing sides of the conflict!

And yet, Zhivago's spirit and creativity and sense of love live on. He writes his poetry, most of which is directed at his love, Lara. For Lara, like the Revolution, is still seen as the ideal despite the pain and heartache that accompany them.

One of the aspects of Dr. Zhivago that the reader must adjust is the use of character names. It seems the characters have two or three different names-were names changed because of the Revolution? Was this a part of Russian/Soviet culture? That fact is never explained. But make yourself a scorecard to keep the characters straight when you read this fine book.