Futility
What is Futility about?
Futility (1922) is William Gerhardie’s debut novel, a tragicomic tale of romantic longing and cultural dislocation set among Russian émigré families in the aftermath of revolution. The narrator, a young Englishman in Russia, becomes entangled with the Doktor Doktor Bursanov family—eccentric, impoverished, and endlessly hopeful—and falls hopelessly in love with the elusive Nina. The novel captures with Chekhovian precision the comedy and pathos of lives suspended between cultures and between hope and futility. H. G. Wells wrote the preface, and the book was praised by Mansfield, Wharton, and Waugh.
Main themes in Futility
Russian émigrés
Futility thoughtfully explores russian émigrés through its central conflicts.
Romantic futility
The presence of romantic futility in Futility connects readers to its enduring relevance.
Cultural dislocation
Cultural dislocation emerges as a defining element in Futility, shaping character development.
Chekhovian comedy
The theme of chekhovian comedy weaves through Futility, adding depth to its narrative.
Why Futility is still relevant today
Futility is a hidden gem of interwar fiction. Its Chekhovian comedy, cultural observation, and bittersweet romanticism reward readers who enjoy literary fiction about displaced lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Futility about?
A young Englishman in Russia becomes entangled with an eccentric émigré family and falls hopelessly in love—a tragicomic novel about cultural dislocation and romantic longing.
Who praised Futility?
H. G. Wells wrote the preface, and it was championed by Katherine Mansfield, Edith Wharton, and Evelyn Waugh.
Is Futility difficult to read?
It is short, witty, and accessible. Readers who enjoy Chekhov’s tone will find it immediately appealing.
Where can I read Futility free?
You can read the full text free on TextStack.