Bookshelf

Samson, le nazir. Eds. des Syrtes, 2008.

A la fin de la première Guerre mondiale, Vladimir Jabotinsky avait envisagé une trilogie sur les héros bibliques : Jacob, Samson et David. Seul Samson a vu le jour quelques sept ans plus tard. L'auteur revisite ainsi le récit biblique inspiré par le Livre des Juges de l'Ancien Testament. Choisi par Dieu, Samson, dans l'imagination de l'auteur, est un homme à deux visages: un colosse viril et un docile sage.

Trahi par sa femme, ses amis, son peuple, Samson est capturé et devient un esclave. Mais même aveugle, sa force ne le quitte pas: il se venge de ses ennemies et périt avec eux.

Ecrit dans les meilleures traditions du roman symbolique, ses inspirations poétique et ses personnages hors pair fond de Samson une ouvre humaniste avant tout. La passion retenue de la langue le place à côté des classiques du siècle inspirés par la Bible: Joseph et ses frères de Thomas Mann, Christ et Antéchrist de Dmitri Merejkovski, Judas Iscariote de Léonid Andreïev, et, plus tard, Le Maître et Marquerite de Mikhaïl Boulgakov.

Vladimir Zeev Jabotinsky (1880-1940) est né à Odessa dans une famille de juifs assimilés. Le pogrom de Kichinev de 1903 l'incite à se lancer dans la politique et il fonde l'Organisation d'autodéfense juive à Odessa. Après la Première Guerre mondiale, il s'installe en Palestine où il sera à l'origine de la future armée d'Israël. Erudit et polyglotte (il parlait sept langues), Vladimir Jabotinsky est l'auteur de nombreux articles, poèmes, traductions. Samson fut publié pour la première fois en 1925, et son second roman, Les Cinq en 1936 (traduction française aux éditions des Syrtes, 2006).

Samson paraît en français traduit du russe par Luba Jurgenson.  En librarie dès aujourd'hui.

About the author

Nadia Sikorsky

Nadia Sikorsky grew up in Moscow where she obtained a master's degree in journalism and a doctorate in history from Moscow State University. After 13 years at UNESCO, in Paris and then in Geneva, and having served as director of communications at Green Cross International founded by Mikhail Gorbachev, she developed NashaGazeta.ch, the first online Russian-language daily newspaper, launched in 2007.

In 2022, she found herself among those who, according to Le Temps editorial board, "significantly contributed to the success of French-speaking Switzerland," thus appearing among opinion makers and economic, political, scientific and cultural leaders: the Forum of 100.

After 18 years leading NashaGazeta.ch, Nadia Sikorsky decided to return to her roots and focus on what truly fascinates her: culture in all its diversity. This decision took the form of this trilingual cultural blog (Russian, English, French) born in the heart of Europe – in Switzerland, her adopted country, the country distinguished by its multiculturalism and multilingualism.

Nadia Sikorsky does not present herself as a "Russian voice," but as the voice of a European of Russian origin (more than 35 years in Europe, 25 years spent in Switzerland) with the benefit of more than 30 years of professional experience in the cultural world at the international level. She positions herself as a cultural mediator between Russian and European traditions; the title of the blog, "The Russian Accent," captures this essence – the accent being not a linguistic barrier, not a political position but a distinctive cultural imprint in the European context.

Events
Леонская
Most read
What Nationality Is Music?

The decision of the Music Society of La Chaux-de-Fonds not to cancel the concert by Elisabeth Leonskaja and The Jerusalem Quartet, scheduled for 22 March, has turned what would have been an ordinary cultural event into a victory of reason and professionalism. I will explain why and present an exclusive interview with the outstanding pianist.

Double Piano Concerto No. 2

Let me clarify at the outset: this is not about a specific musical composition, but about an ensemble formed just over a year ago which, after a successful debut in Zurich, is now preparing to demonstrate its artistry in Geneva.

Russian Imperial Decorations of the Last King of Italy

The personal relics of the last King of Italy, preserved within the family until today, will be presented to the public in Geneva for the first time. This month, Piguet Hôtel des Ventes will offer at auction a unique collection of orders of chivalry and decorations that belonged to Umberto II (1904-1983). They will be exhibited in the Maison’s salons from 12 to 15 March, before being offered to collectors during the auction week beginning on 16 March.