On the Cliffs of Valaam

Ivan Sergeyevich Shmelev (1873-1950) – a Russian writer and publicist, twice a nominee for the Nobel Prize; dubbed the «Orthodox writer» for his numerous texts about the spirituality of the Russian people. While in exile, «not for a moment in his spiritual fervor does he cease to think about Russia and suffer from its misfortunes». «On the Cliffs of Valaam» – 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 amaze him with their beauty. «Russia, Orthodox Russia – where? Which?.. Valaam remains, has survived... Now – Russia is not heard, Russia does not come, does not bring its prayers, labor, kopecks, skills. But it stands to this day. Bright».