“He lived here” a woman whispers. We stand before the Sergey Dovlatov Statue. It’s a bronze figure. The writer stands in an open doorway. He looks thoughtful maybe even a little weary.
This isn’t just a statue. It’s a tribute. A tribute to Sergei Dovlatov a significant Soviet journalist and writer. He lived at number 23 Rubinstein Street for many years. This statue stands near his former home. It was unveiled in 2016. Dovlatov would have turned 75 that year.
Dovlatov’s life was interesting. He studied philology. He was expelled from university. He served in the Soviet Internal Troops. He worked as a journalist. He even worked as a tour guide. He guided tours at the Mikhaylovskoye Museum Reserve. This was a museum dedicated to Alexander Pushkin. He wrote during this time too. He wrote a lot. He couldn’t get published in the Soviet Union. His work was circulated through samizdat. He eventually emigrated to the United States. There he found success. He was even published in The New Yorker.
The Sergey Dovlatov Statue is more than just bronze. It represents a man who persevered. His work was censored. He faced hardships. Yet he wrote. He wrote about his experiences. His experiences as a prison guard his time as a tour guide his struggles with the Soviet system. His work is still read today. People admire his writing. His writing style was unique. He typically used short simple sentences. He also avoided using two words starting with the same letter in a sentence.
The statue itself weighs 700 kg. Additional parts weigh more. There’s a door. There’s an Underwood typewriter. They’re part of the statue. They add to its meaning. The door suggests his home. The typewriter represents his craft. His writing. His words. His legacy.
Every September since 2016 a festival is held. It’s called Day D. It’s in honor of Dovlatov. It celebrates his life his work his legacy. This statue is a central part of this annual event. People gather here. They remember. They reflect. They celebrate the life of a remarkable man. A man who overcame obstacles. A man who left a lasting mark on literature. A man whose statue stands as a testament to his enduring spirit. His enduring words.