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Literary Fiction· Russia

Doctor Zhivago

by Boris Pasternak
Aggregate Editorial Score64/100
★Nobel Prize in Literature
Published 1958559 pagesEnglish
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About This Book

Boris Pasternak's Doctor Zhivago (1958) stands as one of the most significant works of literary fiction of its era. A Russian physician and poet witnesses the Bolshevik Revolution and its aftermath while caught in a doomed love affair with the mysterious Lara. Pasternak was awarded the Nobel Prize but forced to refuse it by Soviet authorities. The novel, smuggled out of the USSR and published in Italy, became a Cold War cultural landmark and one of the great Russian novels. Themes of revolution, love, fate run through the work. The book has received recognition from Nobel Prize in Literature 1958.

Book Details

AuthorBoris Pasternak
Published1958
Country of Origin🇷🇺 Russia
LanguageEnglish
Pages559
Category📖 Literary Fiction
ISBN9780375752803
Editorial Score64/100
About the Category

📖 Literary Fiction

Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

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Country of Origin

🇷🇺 Russia

This book is part of Russia's rich literary tradition.

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Editorial Assessment

Boris Pasternak published Doctor Zhivago in 1958, and it has since become one of the more widely recognised works of literary fiction from Russia. The book's treatment of revolution, love, fate, history accounts for much of its enduring reputation. Among its recognitions: Nobel Prize in Literature 1958. With an editorial score of 64/100 drawn from 1 independent sources, the book occupies a well-documented position in the critical literature. Its recognition spans international prizes, "best of" lists, and academic surveys. Readers coming to Doctor Zhivago for the first time will find a work that rewards patience. The book's handling of revolution, love, fate, history is layered rather than didactic, and a second reading often reveals dimensions the first pass only hinted at. Boris Pasternak's role in the literature of Russia is well established. Doctor Zhivago can be read as both a standalone achievement and as part of a broader national literary conversation about identity, history, and the possibilities of narrative form.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

Nobel Prize in Literature
winner · global
195860
✍️
About the Author
Boris Pasternak
Russia
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Boris Pasternak is a celebrated author from Russia known for influential works of literary fiction.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Doctor Zhivago about?

A Russian physician and poet witnesses the Bolshevik Revolution and its aftermath while caught in a doomed love affair with the mysterious Lara. Pasternak was awarded the Nobel Prize but forced to refuse it by Soviet authorities. The novel, smuggled out of the USSR and published in Italy, became a Cold War cultural landmark and one of the great Russian novels.

Who wrote Doctor Zhivago?

Doctor Zhivago was written by Boris Pasternak, from Russia. First published in 1958.

What awards has Doctor Zhivago won?

Doctor Zhivago has received the following awards and honours: Nobel Prize in Literature 1958.

Is Doctor Zhivago worth reading?

Doctor Zhivago is a well-regarded book with solid critical recognition, with an aggregate editorial score of 60/100 on 50 Best Books, based on mentions across 1 editorial source. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in revolution, love, fate.

Where can I buy Doctor Zhivago?

You can buy Doctor Zhivago on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is Doctor Zhivago?

Doctor Zhivago is classified as Literary Fiction. Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

What country is Doctor Zhivago from?

Doctor Zhivago originates from Russia's literary tradition. Explore more books from Russia on our country page.

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