In a world often consumed by the fleeting nature of current events, there exist individuals whose lives serve as living archives, bridging disparate eras and weaving together the rich tapestries of culture. Alexander Pavlovich Nilin, a revered Russian writer, embodies this very essence. As he recently marked his 85th birthday, Nilin, with characteristic dry wit, remarked on his experience of walking through Peredelkino – the legendary writers` village – where tour guides frequently reroute their groups to witness him. “I feel like a living exhibit,” he mused, describing how he and his wife, prominent literary critic Natalia Ivanova, often “dive into the nearest alley” to escape the curious gaze.
This humorous anecdote encapsulates Nilin`s unique position. He is not merely a celebrated author; he is, for many, a direct conduit to the past, a keeper of stories from a bygone era of Russian literature and beyond. His lineage alone speaks volumes: he is the son of Pavel Nilin, a titan of Soviet literature whose novel “Cruelty” remains a staple in educational curricula. Growing up in Peredelkino meant his childhood was steeped in the presence of literary giants – Pasternak, Fadeyev, Simonov, Chukovsky, Kassil, and later, Voznesensky, Yevtushenko, Okudzhava, and Akhmadulina. It was an environment where genius was the norm, and history unfolded on a daily basis.
Peredelkino Chronicles: Close Encounters of the Literary Kind
Nilin`s narratives offer more than historical facts; they provide intimate, often amusing, glimpses into the lives of these titans. He recounts how he, despite being a sports journalist by trade at the time, once inadvertently became a “guide” for a younger colleague through Peredelkino`s hallowed grounds. He pointed out the “Lily of the Valley Glade,” immortalized by Anna Akhmatova in her poem, a place connected to her romance with writer Boris Pilnyak. It`s a reminder that even literary icons had their private lives, their passions, and their chosen retreats.
Perhaps most strikingly, Nilin shares a tale of his adolescence that could well have altered the course of literary history. As a fifteen-year-old learning to drive in Peredelkino, he nearly ran over the future Nobel laureate, Boris Pasternak. “Did you manage to brake?” his friend inquired. “No, I just swerved somehow,” Nilin explained, recalling his mother`s shriek from the passenger seat. Pasternak, then primarily a “dacha neighbor” in the eyes of Nilin`s parents, was nonetheless recognized as a great poet. Young Alexander, despite being a frequent visitor to Pasternak’s son Leonid`s house, never dared to speak to the elder poet. “I didn`t even truly know his poems yet,” Nilin admitted, a testament to the profound respect and perhaps slight intimidation felt in the presence of such intellectual magnitude.
Another memorable encounter involved none other than Anna Akhmatova herself. During a lively overnight gathering at the famous Ardovs` apartment on Ordynka Street, where Akhmatova often resided, she grandly emerged into the room. Noticing the youthful Nilin, she inquired, “Sasha, aren`t you going to the university today?” Having overstayed his welcome and quite possibly over-celebrated, Nilin could only muster the excuse of feeling unwell. Akhmatova, ever the elegant figure, kindly offered a rather unconventional remedy: “Heat a handkerchief on the radiator and press it to your nose for a while.” When a befuddled Nilin asked why this might help, her response was swift and classic: “Sasha, I am not a doctor; I am a lyrical poet.” A gentle reminder that while practical advice might be sought, one`s true calling lies elsewhere.
From Literary Circles to Sporting Arenas
Nilin`s literary contributions extend far beyond chronicling the lives of poets and novelists. He carved a significant niche as a sports journalist, particularly through his captivating essays in the popular Soviet magazine “Yuunost” (Youth). His writing style, often pushing the boundaries of conventional sports reporting, delved into the inner lives of celebrated athletes like Valeriy Voronin and Eduard Streltsov, making their stories as compelling as the sports themselves. He possessed an uncanny ability to infuse his narratives with a lightness and insight that captivated readers, laying bare the human element beneath the athletic prowess. It was this distinctive approach, as the original article`s author, Pyotr Spektor, reveals, that inspired him to pursue sports journalism, recognizing Nilin as an undeniable mentor.
Nilin`s life is a testament to the interconnectedness of seemingly disparate worlds – the quiet contemplation of literature and the dynamic spectacle of sport. He has not only witnessed history unfold but has actively shaped its narrative through his keen observations and engaging prose. As he enters another year, Alexander Nilin remains a vital link to Russia`s multifaceted cultural heritage, a writer whose enduring charm lies in his ability to illuminate the grand narratives of an era through the intimate, often ironic, stories of those who lived it.
