Sanine

Sanine by Mikhail Artsybashev is a novel that delves into the complexities of human desires and the societal norms that constrain them. The story follows Vladimir Sanine a man who returns to his family after years of living independently. His return disrupts the expectations of his family particularly his mother and sister Lida who have romanticized his life as one of struggle and intellectual pursuit. Sanine however is a man who embraces life's pleasures and rejects societal conventions which perplexes and sometimes offends those around him. The narrative explores the lives of several characters including Lida who is caught between societal expectations and her own desires. Her interactions with various suitors including the passionate but conventional Novikoff and the charming yet manipulative Sarudine highlight the tension between personal freedom and societal pressure. Sanine's presence acts as a catalyst challenging the characters to confront their own beliefs and desires. Artsybashev uses Sanine's character to critique the hypocrisy of societal norms particularly those related to love and morality. The novel suggests that true freedom comes from acknowledging and embracing one's desires rather than conforming to societal expectations. Through its exploration of these themes Sanine offers a poignant commentary on the human condition and the eternal struggle between individual desires and societal constraints.