"The Secrets We Kept" by Lara Prescott - Historical Fiction Book Club - Past Titles

About the Author: Lara Prescott

Background: Lara Prescott's background and early life details may not be extensively documented in publicly available sources. She gained prominence as a novelist with the publication of her debut work.

Career: Lara Prescott's literary career took a significant turn with the release of "The Secrets We Kept." The novel, published in 2019, is a historical fiction work that revolves around the CIA's involvement in the publication of Boris Pasternak's "Doctor Zhivago" during the Cold War. The book received positive reviews for its blend of history, espionage, and literary intrigue.

Notable Work:

"The Secrets We Kept" (2019): Lara Prescott's debut novel explores the story behind the publication of Boris Pasternak's iconic novel, "Doctor Zhivago," and the role of women in the CIA during the Cold War. The novel received acclaim for its engaging narrative and the exploration of historical events.

Literary Impact: Lara Prescott's "The Secrets We Kept" garnered attention not only for its compelling storytelling but also for shedding light on a lesser-known aspect of Cold War history. The novel explores themes of literature, espionage, and the power of storytelling.

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Synopsis

A thrilling tale of secretaries turned spies, of love and duty, and of sacrifice--inspired by the true story of the CIA plot to infiltrate the hearts and minds of Soviet Russia, not with propaganda, but with the greatest love story of the twentieth century: Doctor Zhivago . At the height of the Cold War, two secretaries are pulled out of the typing pool at the CIA and given the assignment of a lifetime. Their mission: to smuggle Doctor Zhivago out of the USSR, where no one dare publish it, and help Pasternak's magnum opus make its way into print around the world. Glamorous and sophisticated Sally Forrester is a seasoned spy who has honed her gift for deceit all over the world--using her magnetism and charm to pry secrets out of powerful men. Irina is a complete novice, and under Sally's tutelage quickly learns how to blend in, make drops, and invisibly ferry classified documents. The Secrets We Kept combines a legendary literary love story--the decades-long affair between Pasternak and his mistress and muse, Olga Ivinskaya, who was sent to the Gulag and inspired Zhivago's heroine, Lara--with a narrative about two women empowered to lead lives of extraordinary intrigue and risk. From Pasternak's country estate outside Moscow to the brutalities of the Gulag, from Washington, D.C. to Paris and Milan, The Secrets We Kept captures a watershed moment in the history of literature--told with soaring emotional intensity and captivating historical detail. And at the center of this unforgettable debut is the powerful belief that a piece of art can change the world.

Historical Timeline

"Doctor Zhivago" is a novel written by Russian author Boris Pasternak. The novel has a rich history, both in terms of its creation and its reception. Here's an overview of the history of "Doctor Zhivago":

1. Writing and Publication:

Authorship: Boris Pasternak, a Russian poet and writer, began writing "Doctor Zhivago" in the early 20th century, and the novel was completed in 1956. Pasternak's works were known for their poetic and philosophical depth.
Soviet Authorities: The Soviet authorities were initially supportive of Pasternak's writing, but as "Doctor Zhivago" neared completion, they became increasingly critical of its content, which was seen as critical of the Bolshevik Revolution and the Soviet regime.
Smuggled Manuscript: Unable to publish the novel in the Soviet Union due to censorship, Pasternak entrusted a copy of the manuscript to Italian journalist Sergio d'Angelo, who smuggled it out of the country.

2. International Recognition:

Nobel Prize: In 1958, Boris Pasternak was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for "Doctor Zhivago," recognizing his outstanding achievements as a writer. However, the Soviet government pressured him to decline the prize, which he did under duress.

3. Publication Abroad:

First Publication: "Doctor Zhivago" was first published in Italy in 1957. The Italian publisher, Giangiacomo Feltrinelli, played a key role in bringing the novel to international readers.
Global Success: The novel achieved immense success worldwide and was translated into numerous languages. It resonated with readers for its depiction of love, war, and the impact of the Russian Revolution on individuals.

4. Adaptations:

Film Adaptation: The novel was adapted into a film in 1965 by director David Lean. The film starred Omar Sharif as Yuri Zhivago and Julie Christie as Lara Antipova. It won several Academy Awards and brought the story to a global audience.
Stage Adaptations: "Doctor Zhivago" has also been adapted into stage productions and musicals over the years.

5. Legacy:

Literary Impact: "Doctor Zhivago" is considered one of the most significant literary works of the 20th century. It explores themes of love, political ideology, and the human experience during a tumultuous period in Russian history.
Political Controversy: The novel and Pasternak's rejection of the Nobel Prize led to political controversy both within the Soviet Union and internationally. Pasternak faced criticism and isolation within the literary community in the Soviet Union.
Posthumous Recognition: After Pasternak's death in 1960, his contributions to literature and the challenges he faced under Soviet censorship gained posthumous recognition. In later years, he was acknowledged as one of Russia's greatest poets and writers.

"Doctor Zhivago" continues to be celebrated for its literary merit and its portrayal of the human spirit amidst historical and political upheavals. The novel remains an enduring classic that has left a lasting impact on literature and popular culture.

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Call Number: FICTION McEwan
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Call Number: FICTION Towles
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