Zdesʹ byl Solomon Gurski

Originally published in English in 1989 as Solomon Gursky Was Here, this sprawling multi-generational epic is considered one of Mordecai Richler's most ambitious works. The novel chronicles the history of a powerful Canadian Jewish family, weaving together threads of the Klondike Gold Rush, the rum-running trade, and the complex internal politics of a wealthy dynasty. It was written during a period of peak creative output for Richler, serving as a biting, satirical exploration of Canadian identity and cultural myths.

This specific 2015 Russian-language edition was produced by the Moscow-based publisher Knizhniki, known for their focus on Jewish literature and heritage. The translation was commissioned to bring Richler’s distinctively acerbic and darkly humorous prose to a new audience. While Richler’s original English manuscript was widely praised for its narrative ambition and shortlisted for the Booker Prize, this edition reflects the ongoing international interest in his ability to deconstruct family legacies through a blend of history and irreverent fiction.