Book · 1999 · Biography & Autobiography
Hope Against Hope
A Memoir
Why people recommend it
Hope Against Hope is a powerful memoir by Nadezhda Mandelstam documenting life under totalitarian oppression as the widow of the celebrated poet Osip Mandelstam. David Remnick recommended the book on The Ezra Klein Show during the episode Israel vs. Hamas, Hezbollah, Iran — and Itself on September 20, 2024. Remnick highlighted the volume while discussing works that exemplify extraordinary resilience and moral courage in the face of severe political persecution. By drawing attention to Nadezhda Mandelstam's firsthand account, he pointed to the book as an essential testament to survival and intellectual defiance under the Soviet regime. The recommendation served to underscore the deep human costs of authoritarianism, aligning with the broader themes of historical adversity discussed during the podcast interview. Remnick's mention brought renewed attention to this classic piece of memoir literature, emphasizing the remarkable spirit of its author in preserving her husband's legacy and documenting an era defined by terror and ideological suppression.
Who recommended it
- David Remnick Recommended
David Remnick — 1 mention
“the first is a book called hope against hope which is a memoir by nes dandam who was the wife of then the Widow of the great poet OIP mandam”