Time, Forward!

By Valentin Kataev

Book Overview

A classic of Soviet realism, Time, Forward! captures the enthusiasm and optimism of the first Five-Year Plan in its portrayal of the construction of Magnitogorsk, an enormous metallurgical plant considered one of the finest industrial achievements of the period. It embodies the beliefs of the era--that the collective (here a multinational brigade) through its determination and the application of technology can accomplish the impossible, conquer nature, even overcome time. Utilizing cinematic technique to tell his story, Kataev focuses on a twenty-four hour period when of the Magnitogorsk shock-brigades breaks a world record for pouring cement. The result is a remarkably affecting portrait of the idealism and sacrifice powering the early Soviet era.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0810112477
• ISBN13: 9780810112476
• Release Date: November 1995
• Publisher: Northwestern University Press
• Length: 345 Pages
• Weight: 0.87 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.2" x 7.7"

Customer Reviews

A surprisingly Good Book

Alright, I had to give this book four stars despite the painfulness of reading it. In fact, the only thing keeping it from a five is the memory of that torture (if that makes any sense). I gritted my teeth for the entire first three quarters of the novel but when I finally started in and read it straight through I truly appreciated it. It is a well written novel that I am glad I was forced to read. I recommend it to anyone who wants to get inside the mind of the Soviet system. I'll never forget this book and while I don't know that I would like to read more Soviet Realism, the cinematice style of Kataev has something to be said for it.