Aphrodite

Aphrodite by Andrei Platonov is a novel that highlights the relentless search for love and beauty in times of war and loss. The story revolves around Nazar Fomin, a man who lost his beautiful wife Aphrodite after joining the army in World War II. Over the course of four years, Nizar continues his quest to find his wife, turning to nature and the stars, expressing feelings of nostalgia and hope in the darkness imposed by war. The book carries within it deep questions about the loss of beauty in life and how this affects the human spirit, as it embodies the struggle between hope and despair, and reflects the wisdom that we can derive from harsh experiences.