Creatures That Once Were Men   By: Maksim Gorky (1868-1936)

Creatures That Once Were Men by Maksim Gorky is a thought-provoking and deeply moving collection of short stories that depict the struggles of the working class in late 19th century Russia. Gorky's powerful writing style and his ability to capture the emotional and physical hardships that the characters face make this book a haunting and unforgettable read.

The collection explores various themes such as poverty, inequality, and the dehumanizing effects of industrialization on the common people. Each story presents a different aspect of these themes, showcasing the harsh realities of life for the working class. From the backbreaking labor in the factories to the crushing despair of unemployment, Gorky's characters are forced to navigate a society that constantly exploits and diminishes their worth.

One of the most striking aspects of this book is Gorky's vivid portrayal of the characters' inner lives. He delves into their minds and emotions, offering a deep understanding of the psychological toll that their struggles take on them. It is through this emotional lens that Gorky exposes the often invisible suffering of the working class, highlighting the profound sense of alienation and despair that accompanies a life of poverty and exploitation.

Furthermore, Gorky's realistic and detailed descriptions bring the settings and environments to life, painting a stark picture of the gritty and unforgiving world in which the characters exist. Whether it's the dark and filthy living conditions of the slums or the oppressive ambiance of the factories, the author magnificently captures the bleakness and hopelessness that permeate every aspect of these characters' lives.

While Creatures That Once Were Men can be a challenging read due to its raw depiction of human suffering, it is a crucial work that sheds light on an often overlooked portion of society. By humanizing the working class and giving voice to their struggles, Gorky compels readers to confront the harsh realities of poverty and inequality that continue to be pervasive today. This book serves as a reminder of the resilience and strength of the human spirit, even in the face of tremendous adversity.

In conclusion, Creatures That Once Were Men is a powerful and haunting collection of stories that deserves recognition for its profound exploration of the human condition. Gorky's exceptional storytelling and his ability to capture the essence of the working class experience make this book a must-read for anyone interested in social justice, history, or the enduring resilience of the human spirit.

First Page:

It is certainly a curious fact that so many of the voices of what is called our modern religion have come from countries which are not only simple, but may even be called barbaric. A nation like Norway has a great realistic drama without having ever had either a great classical drama or a great romantic drama. A nation like Russia makes us feel its modern fiction when we have never felt its ancient fiction. It has produced its Gissing without producing its Scott. Everything that is most sad and scientific, everything that is most grim and analytical, everything that can truly be called most modern, everything that can without unreasonableness be called most morbid, comes from these fresh and untried and unexhausted nationalities. Out of these infant peoples come the oldest voices of the earth. This contradiction, like many other contradictions, is one which ought first of all to be registered as a mere fact; long before we attempt to explain why things contradict themselves, we ought, if we are honest men and good critics, to register the preliminary truth that things do contradict themselves. In this case, as I say, there are many possible and suggestive explanations. It may be, to take an example, that our modern Europe is so exhausted that even the vigorous expression of that exhaustion is difficult for every one except the most robust... Continue reading book >>