1 of 2 Lucas Lima recommended reading “The Death of Ivan Ilyich” by Leo Tolstoy Photo: Reproduction/Instagram Lucas Lima recommended reading “The Death of Ivan Ilyich” by Leo Tolstoy Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
It is not known whether reading The Death of Ivan Ilyich, a work by Leo Tolstoy published in 1886, influenced Lucas Lima and Sandy’s separation. The couple announced the end of their relationship after 24 years. Lucas read the book and explained that the work “gave Lucão a big shake.” The musician, who planned to read 20 books in 2023, often shares literary tips on his Instagram.
“But what a powerful book. Russo doesn’t have the slightest knack for saying things straight, does he? Very direct, solid text, without frills or affection. Truth without deviations. Great reflection on life, on decisions and the reasons.” Lucão gave her a nice shake. I recommend it,” commented the musician.
Not only did he share a picture of the cover, but he also shared an excerpt from the book that states:
“To die and die in this agony? Something is not right. ‘Maybe I haven’t lived the way I should,’ he suddenly remembered. ‘But as if I had always done what I was supposed to do?’ he replied immediately, rejecting this hypothesis that the solution to the riddle of life and death was something impossible to find.
Lucas also highlighted the quote: “’Maybe I haven’t lived the way I should,’ he suddenly remembered. ‘But, like I always did what I was supposed to do?’.”
2 of 2 Lucas Lima recommended reading “The Death of Ivan Ilyich” by Leo Tolstoy Photo: Reproduction/Instagram Lucas Lima recommended reading “The Death of Ivan Ilyich” by Leo Tolstoy Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Sandy and Lucas Lima are separating after 15 years of marriage
“The Death of Ivan Ilyich” reflects man’s feeling of finitude and insignificance in the face of the nearness of death.
Tolstoy’s novel is about the career of the civil servant Ivan Ilyich. She first tells the story of his death, then goes back in time and describes his entire life and career.
Ilyich was an ambitious man who was very concerned about his social appearance. His own marriage was decided because it brought him social advantages.
At some point, the protagonist suffers an accident at home in which his kidneys are injured, but he does not pay attention to the consequences and signs of a more serious illness. When he finally sets out to seek medical help, he begins to think about the nearness of death.
In “Novelas Completas” (Todavia, 2020), translator Rubens Figueiredo said that “The Death of Ivan Ilitch” was written between 1882 and 1886, with several breaks throughout the work.
Tolstoy was 58 years old when he completed the work. At this point, he had been married for 24 years (just like Lucas had been when he announced his separation from Sandy).
Tolstoy’s private life was also marked by a spiritual crisis in the 1880s in addition to the years of marital crisis between ups and downs.
Comments from fans of Russian literature
On some social media pages that bring together fans of Russian literature, a picture of Lucas Lima with the “pivot” of the impending breakup was shared. And the news resonated with them, with many agreeing with Lucas’ sentiments.
“It’s about reading this and never being the same again. Whether that’s good or bad,” wrote one reader. “The transformative power of literature,” quoted another.
“Wow! But this work really shakes up structures. I’m glad you didn’t read Conjugal Happiness,” a third pointed out.
“Sandy must be thankful it wasn’t ‘Sonata a Kreutzer,'” wrote another reader.