Tom Wolfe’s Favorite Russian Writers

Gemini says: Tom Wolfe cited several Russian writers as influences and inspirations, particularly those associated with the Brothers Serapion group, including Boris Pilnyak, and especially Eugene Zamiatin. He also expressed admiration for other Russian authors like Nikolai Gogol, Alexander Pushkin, Anton Chekhov, Fyodor Dostoevsky, and Mikhail Bulgakov.
Elaboration:
Brothers Serapion:
While studying at Yale, Wolfe discovered the Brothers Serapion, a group of early Soviet writers who were influenced by French Symbolism and explored themes of the Revolution. He was particularly drawn to Boris Pilnyak and Eugene Zamiatin, who, in turn, influenced his writing style, especially in his early short pieces.
Eugene Zamiatin:
Zamiatin, known for his novel “We,” was a significant influence on Wolfe. Wolfe even mentioned that “We” was a source of inspiration for George Orwell’s “1984”.
Other Russian Writers:
Wolfe also acknowledged the work of other notable Russian authors, such as Gogol, Pushkin, Chekhov, Dostoevsky, and Bulgakov. He appreciated their literary techniques and their exploration of human nature.