“Exploring the Supernatural in Teffi’s Other Worlds: Peasants, Pilgrims, Spirits, and Saints” (2021)

I recently read Other Worlds: Peasants, Pilgrims, Spirits, Saints by Teffi, edited by Robert Chandler and translated from the Russian by Robert and Elizabeth Chandler and others. This collection of short stories from an independent publisher is a great example of the range of voices from writers all over the world that independent publishers provide. Teffi’s stories explore themes of religion, folklore, and spiritualism, and are beautifully descriptive. I particularly enjoyed the stories In Confession, A Quiet Backwater, Solovki, Witch, Wild Evening, and The Dog. Robert Chandler’s explanation of the translation in the back of the book was a great reminder of how difficult translation can be. This collection was a wonderful introduction to a legendary writer and a great start to my #ReadIndies month!