RUSSIA: The Choice

Like a man in a frenzy of rage who cares neither what he says nor who hears him, the Soviet state howled its fury at defenseless, white-haired Novelist Boris Pasternak. Pasternak himself, after first telegraphing his joyful acceptance, seven days later refused the Nobel Prize awarded his poems and his novel, Doctor Zhivago: "In view of the meaning given to this honor in the society to which I belong, I should abstain from the undeserved prize . . . Do not meet my refusal with ill will." Still the screaming invective poured...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!