Sof’ja Andreevna Tolstaja e la ‘verità’ di Moja žizn’

Abstract

This paper focuses on the most relevant work by Sof’ya Andreevna Tolstaya (1844-1919), Moya žizn’, an extensive family chronicle, which was written between 1904 and 1916, and published only in 2011 in its first Russian complete version. The Author aims at analyzing the structure and genre of her work shedding light on the reasons that led Sofia Andreevna to write her own memoirs. Her book can be seen as a combined genre, in that it includes her autobiography as well as Tolstoy’s biography. Indeed, the whole story revolves around Tolstoy. The ‘moya’ in the title highlights her perspective, from which the author conceived her work. Andreevna Tostaya’s book represents an opportunity for her to tell her 'truth' about Tolstoy and their life together. Thus, her memories provide evidence for a true tragedy.