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Red love

Written by A. (Aleksandra) Kollontai

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Soviet UnionCommunism and cultureCommunism and society

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About this book

"Red Love" by Alexandra Kollontai is a novel written in the late 1920s, exploring the nuances of love, gender roles, and societal expectations in post-revolutionary Russia. The narrative revolves around Vassilissa, a spirited working-girl and ardent Communist, who grapples with the demands of her political commitments and her emotional ties to her lover, a comrade named Volodya. Through Vassilissa's journey, the novel intricately examines the evolving dynamics of love and professional duty in a transforming society. The beginning of "Red Love" introduces Vassilissa as a passionate advocate for peace even in the face of war, demonstrating her commitment to both her political beliefs and her role as a socialist worker. She initially appears beleaguered by the hardships brought on by her devotion to the Revolution while yearning for her lover's company amidst their challenging separation. As she engages with her community initiatives, her longing for Volodya deepens, accentuating her internal conflict between her personal desires and the collective responsibilities imposed by a revolutionary society. This tension sets the stage for an exploration of intimate relationships against the backdrop of social upheaval, hinting at the complexities that will unfold as the story progresses.

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Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Red love, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 7 hours
  • intermediate
  • thought-provoking
  • socio-political
  • introspective

Alexandra Kollontai's "Red Love" navigates the complex landscape of love, gender, and personal duty in the tumultuous aftermath of the Russian Revolution. The novel centers on Vassilissa, a devoted Communist worker, as she struggles to reconcile her passionate political convictions with her deep emotional attachment to her lover, Volodya. Through her internal and external conflicts, Kollontai explores the evolving concept of love and relationships in a society striving to forge new social structures. It delves into the tension between individual desire and collective revolutionary responsibility, offering a pioneering examination of women's roles and the 'new morality' in early Soviet Russia.

“"The new woman does not want to be a slave to love. She wants love to be a joy, a communion of equal hearts, a free and creative union."”

Key themes

Love and Revolution
This central theme explores how love and intimate relationships are redefined and challenged by the demands and ideologies of a revolutionary society. Kollontai examines the tension between personal emotional fulfillment and the collective goals of the Communist Party, questioning whether traditional romantic love can exist or should be transformed into a 'comradely' affection.
Women's Emancipation and New Gender Roles
The novel is a powerful exploration of women's liberation in the context of early Soviet society. It champions women's economic independence, intellectual autonomy, and freedom from traditional patriarchal constraints in relationships. Vassilissa's journey embodies the struggle to break free from conventional gender roles and forge a new identity as an equal partner and a devoted revolutionary.
Individual vs. Collective
A core tension in the novel is the conflict between individual desires, happiness, and personal freedom versus the demands, duties, and ideological imperatives of the collective (the Communist Party and the revolutionary society). Characters, particularly Vassilissa, constantly grapple with sacrificing personal gratification for the greater good.

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How does Kollontai define 'Red Love' and how does it differ from traditional romantic love? Is it achievable?

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