book ivanov by hanna bervoets

ivanov by hanna bervoets book by hanna bervoets

dive into the compelling narrative of ivanov by the acclaimed dutch author hanna bervoets. this novel offers a unique blend of historical intrigue and contemporary resonance, exploring profound questions about identity, science, and the human condition. if you are looking for a thought-provoking read that challenges perceptions and lingers long after the last page, ivanov is an excellent choice for your next literary exploration. discover the intricate layers and dual timelines that make this book a standout work from hanna bervoets, a writer celebrated for her sharp prose and incisive observations.

ivanov by hanna bervoets summary

the novel ivanov by hanna bervoets masterfully weaves together two distinct yet thematically linked narratives, spanning across different eras and continents. the story begins in moscow in 1922, where the ambitious scientist ilya ivanov harbors a revolutionary dream: to create a hybrid being that bridges the gap between humans and apes, a pursuit that pushes the boundaries of biological ethics and scientific ambition. this historical thread serves as a foundational element, introducing the controversial experiments that will echo through time. in parallel, the narrative shifts to the vibrant, yet tumultuous, new york of 1994. here, we meet felix van der elsken, a young, gay journalism student arriving in the city with aspirations of becoming who he truly wants to be. new york at this time is grappling with the height of the aids epidemic and urban decay, a stark backdrop for felixs journey. his path soon intersects with that of dr. helena frank, a virologist intensely researching the origins of the hiv virus, whose work is deeply influenced and inspired by the infamous experiments of ilya ivanov. felix becomes captivated by helena and her younger assistant, lois, finding himself drawn into a complex and potentially dangerous triangular relationship. as felix seeks to understand helenas motivations and her research, the novel delicately explores themes of exploitation, obsession, and the blurred lines of consent and desire. bervoets skillfully interlaces felixs adult reflections on his experiences in new york with the historical accounts of ivanovs controversial endeavors, creating a narrative that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally gripping. the book poses critical questions about what it truly means to be human, the ethical responsibilities of science, and the standards by which we define ourselves and others, all delivered with bervoets characteristic sharp and engaging writing style.

1. book name : ivanov
2. author name : hanna bervoets
3. genre : literary fiction, psychological drama, historical fiction
4. page : 320
5. isbn : 9789493256897
6. asin : not available in search results
7. edition language : dutch (original)
8. date of publication : january 4, 2016 (first edition)

about the author hanna bervoets

hanna bervoets, born in amsterdam in 1984, is recognized as one of the most accomplished dutch authors of her generation. her literary career is marked by a diverse range of works including novels, screenplays, plays, short stories, and essays. bervoets has consistently explored themes related to the impact of new technologies and human behavior in complex, often artificial, circumstances, earning critical acclaim for her sharp and insightful writing. her significant literary achievements include winning the debutant of the year award in 2009, the opzij literature prize in 2012, and the prestigious frans kellendonk prize in 2017, which honored her entire body of work, solidifying her reputation as a vital voice in contemporary literature.

ivanov by hanna bervoets faq

1. what is the central theme of ivanov by hanna bervoets?

   the central themes of ivanov revolve around scientific ethics, the pursuit of knowledge at any cost, the definition of humanity, and the complexities of relationships. it delves into the historical controversial experiments of ilya ivanov and their connection to modern scientific research, questioning the boundaries of biological and psychological exploration and exploring themes of obsession and exploitation.

2. who is ilya ivanov and what is his significance in the novel?

   ilya ivanov was a real russian scientist in the early 20th century, known for his controversial experiments attempting to create hybrid species, specifically between humans and apes. in the novel, his ambition and unethical methods serve as a historical anchor, influencing and inspiring the contemporary storyline and raising profound questions about scientific ambition and its consequences.

3. what is felixs role in the story?

   felix van der elsken is a young gay journalism student who moves to new york in 1994. he becomes fascinated by virologist helena frank and her research, which is connected to ivanovs experiments. felixs role is that of an observer and participant who gets drawn into a complex and potentially manipulative relationship with helena and her assistant lois, as he tries to uncover their secrets and understand the ethical implications of their work for an article.

4. in which settings does the story of ivanov take place?

   the novel ivanov unfolds across two primary settings: moscow in 1922, focusing on the scientific experiments of ilya ivanov, and new york city in 1994, depicting the life of felix van der elsken and his entanglement with virologist helena frank amidst the backdrop of the aids epidemic and urban challenges.

5. is ivanov based on a true story?

   yes, the novel ivanov draws inspiration from the true historical figure of ilya ivanov and his actual, albeit controversial, experiments in human-ape hybridization. hanna bervoets uses this historical premise as a starting point to explore contemporary themes and characters, blending factual elements with fictional narrative to create a compelling and thought-provoking story.