Bookshelf

Stacy Schiff: Véra (Mrs. Vladimir Nabokov), Random House New York, 1999

Publishers, relatives, colleagues, agreed: "He would have neen nowhere without her."

At once a love story, a portrait of a marriage, and an answer to a riddle, Véra (Mrs. Vera Nabokov) explores a remarkable literary partnership - that of a woman who devoted her life to her husband's art and a man who dedicated his works to his wife. Open a volume of Nabokov's, and there is Véra on the dedication page, front and center. But search for her elsewhere, and the woman to whom the author of Lolita was married for fifty-two years, who carried his correspondence for him in his name, fades from view.

Interviewer:      Could you say how important your wife has been as
                       a collaborator in your work?

Nabokov:          No, I could not.

                                          - The Listener, October 23, 1969

This book received the Pulitzer Prize in 2000. It was translated into Russian and French.                      

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
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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.