On the Rocks of Valaam

Ivan Sergeyevich Shmelev (1873-1950) — a Russian writer and publicist, twice nominated for the Nobel Prize; nicknamed the "Orthodox literator" for his numerous texts on the spirituality of the Russian soul. While in emigration, "not for a moment in his spiritual passion does he cease to think about Russia and suffer over its misfortunes." "On the Rocks of Valaam" is a travel essay about Ivan Shmelev's trip to the Valaam Monastery, where he spends several weeks with his young wife. The rocky shores of Valaam astonish him with their beauty. "Russia, Orthodox Russia — where? Which?.. Valaam remained, survived… Now — Russia is silent, Russia does not come, does not bring its prayers, labor, kopecks, skills. But it stands even now. Bright".