Natalia Antonova

The Grandmother

There was once an old woman whose only joy in the world was her grandson. The old woman’s sons and daughters had all gone their own way, and only the boy stayed behind. He grew up handsome and good-natured. The old woman worked hard to keep him well-fed and well-clothed, and the two were happy.Continue reading “The Grandmother”

The Inheritance

There lived once, on the outskirts of a kingdom that no longer exists, a girl who lost her parents. Her mother died while giving birth to her, and as for her father, he was taken by cholera when the girl was twelve. The girl’s mother had been a gifted seamstress. She left for her childContinue reading “The Inheritance”

Christopher Pike

I started learning English in earnest with the books of R. L. Stine. I started learning about myself when I, at thirteen years old, picked up Christopher Pike. The first book I read by him was Road to Nowhere. It had a garish cover – my mother was aghast. She had raised me reading PushkinContinue reading “Christopher Pike”

Nikita Mikhalkov’s “12” is the Best Movie I’ve Seen All Year

Most of the English-speaking world knows Nikita Mikhalkov as director and star of “Burnt by the Sun.” I used to think this was an excellent thing. Now I am not sure. This has to do with the fact that I want the English-speaking world to also know (and love) Nikita Mikhalkov for “12” – theContinue reading “Nikita Mikhalkov’s “12” is the Best Movie I’ve Seen All Year”

Love letters, part two

Nothing will come of nothing: speak again. – William Shakespeare. I breathe on the window and my breath condenses. I step away, and the foggy film shrinks back on itself. The glass remains unchanged. I can see the street again, and the marmalade light of the lamp shining on a gray-haired woman hastily tying upContinue reading “Love letters, part two”