Initially penned by Maksim Haretski in his native Belarusian language and translated to English by Olya Ianovskaia, Two Souls offers a comprehensive look at the effects of the Russian Revolution on Belarus and its people. The novel depicts Belarus's struggle for independence through the eyes of Ignat Abdziralovich, a young officer. As the son of a Belarusian military officer, Ignat experiences a severe existential awakening, followed by intense internal conflict as he attempts to steer past his personal issues and social challenges in the aftermath of the Russian Revolution. Not only is his world divided due to conflicts surrounding class issues, conflicting ideologies, and socio-political dynamics—but Ignat's romantic life, sense of allegiance, and search for identity are also greatly affected by his ever-changing, unstable social landscape.

Two Souls is a thought-provoking novel that flawlessly explores the unrest caused by the Russian Revolution against the backdrop of Belarus's struggles for sovereignty. Maksim Haretski delicately delves into themes of self-identity, class warfare, sacrifice, and nationalism through Ignat's profound and emotional journey. The author effortlessly transports readers into Ignat's conflicting internal world, fraught with its turbulent realities, making the historical narrative feel even more urgent and real. Ignat's heartfelt journey represents humanity's quest to appease tensions within oneself and one's sense of duty to one's nation. The key concept behind this moving tale remains as relevant in our modern times as it was in the past—deep introspection and self-acceptance are crucial in our search for self-identity. I highly recommend this book to historical fiction fans and individuals searching for a novel embodying self-discovery, personal struggles, social change, and political upheaval.

Two Souls by Maksim Haretski, translated by Olya Ianovskaia, is a richly introspective literary novel. Ignat Abdziralovich is a Belarusian officer caught between the ideological tremors of the Socialist Revolution and a deeply personal quest for identity. As Ignat navigates the chaotic political landscape of early 20th-century Belarus, his life is upended by the discovery of a family secret that challenges his beliefs and allegiances. Through a profound inner journey, he confronts the moral weight of class struggle and the philosophical dualities that define his soul. This early existentialist work unfolds against a backdrop of social unrest and intellectual turmoil, highlighting the tension between individual will and collective ideology.

Author Maksim Haretski puts heart and soul into this work to deliver a tale with a beautifully unique narrative voice and an equally original viewpoint. This groundbreaking existentialist novel explores a nation in flux. There’s something special about the images that the author creates that hit the soul, and the descriptive prose is richly evocative, steeped in historical and philosophical depth that is easy to access but reaches deeper the more one reads on. I certainly felt connected to the author, even through the barrier of language change. Olya Ianovskaia’s translation preserves the novel’s emotional nuances and linguistic elegance while also bringing Haretski’s work to a wider audience. I was with Ignat from the start, and his deep and well-rounded character development took hold of my heart and didn’t let go through the whole tumultuous journey. Overall, Two Souls is a highly recommended read and an essential work for readers interested in Eastern European literature and revolutionary introspection.