E. M. Almedingen Criticism
E. M. Almedingen, born Martha Edith von Almedingen, was a Russian-born British author renowned for her biographical and autobiographical novels targeted at young adults. Her works frequently draw upon her rich Russian heritage and family history, with her birthplace, St. Petersburg, often serving as a nostalgic backdrop. Almedingen's academic background was rooted in medieval history and literature, both of which she studied and taught at the University of Petrograd. Her life was significantly impacted by the Russian Revolution, an experience she vividly recounts in My Saint Petersburg: A Reminiscence of Childhood and Tomorrow Will Come, the latter earning her the 1941 Atlantic Monthly prize for nonfiction.
After emigrating to England in 1923, Almedingen's literary career flourished, although it took nearly two decades for her to gain critical acclaim. Her novel Katia, inspired by her great-aunt's autobiography, exemplifies her talent for intertwining personal family narratives with broader historical contexts. Critics like Priscilla L. Moulton note the democratic and vibrant qualities of her storytelling, particularly in works like The Knights of the Golden Table. Meanwhile, Sr. M. Dennis, R.S.M. praises her depiction of legendary figures in The Treasure of Siegfried and the narrative strength of The Ladies of St. Hedwig's.
Almedingen's historical novels are celebrated for their detailed portrayal of past eras, blending fact with engaging narrative. Critics such as Hans Kohn commend her biographies, like The Emperor Alexander I, for their accessibility and depth, while others, including Zena Sutherland, appreciate her ability to capture the drama and color of Russian history in works like Land of Muscovy. Despite some criticism over historical accuracy, as noted by Ruth Hill Viguers, her storytelling remains engaging and inspirational, particularly for younger audiences. Almedingen's legacy is one of rich narrative interwoven with the complexities of history and personal experience, a testament to her unique literary voice.
Contents
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Priscilla L. Moulton
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In the following essay, Priscilla L. Moulton highlights the democratic and vibrant qualities of the Kiev Cycle stories in E. M. Almedingen's The Knights of the Golden Table, noting how these retellings offer a refreshing contrast to the often somber depictions of Russian life.
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Sr. M. Dennis, R.S.M.
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In the following essay, Sr. M. Dennis, R.S.M. analyzes E. M. Almedingen's works, highlighting the bold and realistic portrayal of legendary figures in The Treasure of Siegfried and praising the dignified narrative and character strength in the tragic conclusion of The Ladies of St. Hedwig's.
- Ethna Sheehan
- Lewis Bates
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Hans Kohn
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In the following essay, Hans Kohn discusses how E. M. Almedingen's The Emperor Alexander I serves as an accessible, fact-based biography for the general public, acknowledging Alexander's character flaws while expressing sympathy for his complex personality.
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Ruth Hill Viguers
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In the following essay, Ruth Hill Viguers and other critics argue that while E. M. Almedingen's works, such as Katia and St. Francis of Assisi, may lack rigorous historical accuracy and innovative perspectives, they are nevertheless recognized for their engaging narrative style and ability to captivate and inspire readers.
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Shirley L. Hopkinson
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In the following essay, Shirley L. Hopkinson praises E. M. Almedingen's ability to craft a compelling historical novel in "The Ladies of St. Hedwig's," highlighting her skillful portrayal of complex, human characters and her adept use of descriptive prose to capture the novel's mood.
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Ellen Lewis Buell
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In the following critique, Ellen Lewis Buell commends E. M. Almedingen for vividly retelling the epic of Gudrun as a richly detailed novel and praises the authentic portrayal of 18th-century Russia in "Young Mark," despite noting a lack of excitement in the narrative and an overly thick ending.
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Jessie B. Kitching
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In the following essay, Jessie B. Kitching praises E. M. Almedingen's autobiographical work "Tomorrow Will Come" as a deeply moving, beautifully written account of life in St. Petersburg during the Russian Revolution, emphasizing its personal rather than political focus.
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Zena Sutherland
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In the following essay, Zena Sutherland discusses The Story of Gudrun as a romantic epic that exemplifies themes of stoicism, valor, and court intrigue, retold with a dignified and graceful style that elevates it from folk literature.
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Roger Sale
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In the following essay, Roger Sale explores E. M. Almedingen's "Tomorrow Will Come," highlighting Almedingen's poignant depiction of her childhood amid the Russian Revolution, emphasizing the vividness of her narrative and the impact of historical events on her storytelling.
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They Call It a Revolution
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In the following essay, Guy Davenport argues that E. M. Almedingen's Tomorrow Will Come offers a profound, realistic portrayal of the Russian Revolution as experienced by a young woman, capturing the personal and societal collapse without political bias or dramatic conclusions, thereby transcending conventional historical narratives.
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Rosemary Neiswender
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In the following essay, Rosemary Neiswender highlights E. M. Almedingen's skill in making historical narratives accessible and engaging for young readers, particularly noting her ability to weave vibrant, accurate fictionalized history as demonstrated in works like "The Retreat from Moscow."
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Zena Sutherland
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In the following essay, Zena Sutherland argues that E. M. Almedingen's A Candle at Dusk effectively recreates historical life and conflict, while Stephen's Light is less successful, overwhelmed by mundane characterizations and excessive historical detail.
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Margaret N. Coughlan
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In the following essay, Margaret N. Coughlan critiques E. M. Almedingen's works, highlighting the lack of compelling narrative in "Stephen's Light" and obscurity in "The Scarlet Goose," while praising the authenticity and historical value of "I Remember St. Petersburg" and "Fanny" for their vivid depiction of pre-Revolutionary Russia.
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Virginia Haviland
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In the following essay, Virginia Haviland highlights E. M. Almedingen's Ellen as a vibrant biographical narrative of her grandmother, set against the backdrop of rural life near Canterbury, emphasizing its depth of characterization and connection to Almedingen's previous explorations of Russian heritage.
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John W. Conner
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In the following essay, John W. Conner praises E. M. Almedingen's novel Ellen for its engaging portrayal of nineteenth-century English life and its well-developed characters, suggesting the novel holds a timeless appeal for adolescent readers who enjoy historical narratives.
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Ann Thwaite
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In the following essay, Ann Thwaite examines E. M. Almedingen's novel Ellen, highlighting its rich historical detail and familial narratives, while noting inconsistencies in style and the engaging yet sometimes tedious exploration of relationships and routine within the Poltoratzky family saga.
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E. M. Almedingen 1898–1971: An Appreciation
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In the following essay, Valerie Alderson argues that E. M. Almedingen's talent truly shone in her children's books due to her ability to bring characters to life without simplifying content, contrasting her less successful adult novels, and suggesting her legacy will be most cherished for these later works.
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Margery Fisher
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In the following essay, Margery Fisher commends E. M. Almedingen for her evocative and novelistic approach to history, highlighting her ability to bring past ages to life through individual stories, as seen in works such as The Retreat from Moscow and Anna, which blend historical detail with personal narrative.
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Zena Sutherland
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In the following essay, Zena Sutherland praises E. M. Almedingen's Land of Muscovy as a vibrant historical narrative that effectively captures the dramatic and colorful history of Russia, likening the book's rich narrative to the potential for several opera libretti.
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Sheila G. Ray
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In the following essay, Sheila G. Ray explores how E. M. Almedingen's historical fiction, particularly her works set in Russian history, reflects her deep connection to and understanding of Russian culture and history, offering young readers insight into Eastern European life and the enduring spirit of its people.
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Ethel L. Chamberlain
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In the following essay, Ethel L. Chamberlain critiques E. M. Almedingen's Too Early Lilac for its enchanting narrative style but argues that it lacks a sense of reality and fails to incorporate the social and political milieu of turn-of-the-century St. Petersburg, rendering it more of a fairy tale.