An Unofficial Marriage
The love story between the Russian writer Ivan Turgenev and the opera singer and composer Pauline Viardot is reimagined in this novel by Joie Davidow. In 1896, letters from Ivan to Pauline were discovered, and in 1910, upon Pauline’s death, more letters were found, but still their relationship isn’t fully known. Davidow tells a compelling story where the reader looks through a window into their relationship.
Ivan first lays eyes on Pauline in 1843, from the upper gallery at the Imperial Theatre in Saint Petersburg. She is “so small yet so majestic,” and Ivan hears “a voice so beautiful, he wants to die listening to it.” Not only is Ivan enchanted by her, but all of Saint Petersburg falls in love, and Ivan’s lifelong obsession with her begins. He leaves Russia, accompanying her to her singing engagements, and becomes part of the Viardot family. Pauline is married to a much older man, Louis Viardot, who is completely devoted to her. He embraces Ivan into his home because Pauline’s happiness is uppermost, and he doesn’t want to “stoop to the pathetic behavior of the jealous old man.” Louis and Ivan enjoy hunting together and working side by side on translations of Gogol’s works. The trio moves within the circle of the literati of their day. In spite of busy lives, Pauline and Ivan are able to steal private moments for themselves. Louis is her “bon papa” and makes her life possible, while Ivan provides her a “passionate friendship.”
Apart from the love triangle, Pauline stands out as a highly talented and intelligent woman. We see Pauline’s struggle in the pull between both lovers, her art, her family, and her status as prima donna. In wonderful prose, Davidow brings to life these two fascinating people who were as passionate about their art as they were about each other.
