REFLECTION-RECEPTIONS OF AMERICA AND SOVIET UNION IN THE NOVEL “THE RETURN OF ODYSSEUS”

Abstract

In Nodar Dumbadze’s work, there exists a unique and relatively lesser-known narrative for the general public, titled “The Return of Odysseus.” This piece is a remarkable example of artistic-documentary travel prose. We emphasize both the work and its genre, noting that the foundation of the narrative is grounded in real events. Dumbadze’s extraordinary writing talent transforms this reality into an intricate tapestry of artistic expression, crafting it into a compelling story while maintaining a clear sense of documentary authenticity.

A writer living in the Soviet era, alongside fellow Soviet authors, embarks on a journey to America, which, given the context of the time, can be seen as an encounter with forbidden fruit. Naturally, this visit carried both a declared and an undeclared mission. The declared mission aimed to foster cultural relations and cooperation between the Soviet Union and America. In contrast, the undeclared mission required the writers to convey in their final summaries a sense of pathos asserting that nothing could compare to the Soviet Union, portraying America as significantly overshadowed in all respects.

Naturally, Nodar Dumbadze could not openly express a favorable opinion about the rival country of the Soviet Union; thus, the narrative had to lean towards a superficial advantage for the Soviet side. This external portrayal served as a kind of façade behind which he sought to convey his true feelings and thoughts. It was essential that these genuine emotions form the core of the narrative’s superficial embellishments, articulated through subtle nuances and details. Achieving this balance is technically and artistically challenging, yet, as previously noted, great writers are capable of doing so successfully. “The Return of Odysseus” stands as a clear testament to this skill.

Keywords: Nodar Dumbadze, realistic prose, Sachota Union, America.