Igor Guberman Soviet and Israeli writer, poet Date of Birth: 07.07.1936 Country: Israel

Biography of Igor Guberman

Igor Guberman is a Soviet and Israeli writer and poet. He gained popularity for his unique storytelling style and warm, intimate performances. Guberman's passion for words developed at an early age, as he was captivated by his mother's readings of his grandmother's fairy tales. Despite his love for literature, Guberman pursued a technical education and graduated from a technical university.

Throughout his time in university, Guberman continued to write poetry and even joined a literary group. However, he eventually abandoned his early works and disposed of them in a trash bucket, considering them sentimental and immature. It wasn't until the 1960s that Guberman discovered his talent for writing quatrains, which he referred to as "stishki," short for stihi (poems). He found inspiration in renowned poets like Zabolotsky and Samoylov.

In addition to his literary pursuits, Guberman published several books on various subjects, including biological cybernetics, psychiatry, and the life of Bechterev. He also wrote novels under a pseudonym for the Union of Writers.

Guberman's literary career flourished, and he became known for his close association with other poets and writers. He was the first to bring Joseph Brodsky's poems to Moscow, establishing a friendship with the acclaimed poet. However, Guberman dismisses claims that he introduced Brodsky to the literary world, stating that his stishki were unknown to the prominent poets of the time.

Guberman's life took a turn when he was imprisoned and subsequently exiled. However, through the help of David Samoylov, he found a place to live and was able to return to Moscow after his legal status was resolved.

In 1988, Guberman made the decision to repatriate to Israel instead of emigrating to the United States. He believed that a Soviet Jew could survive either in Russia or Israel. In Israel, Guberman gained a substantial following and continued to perform to packed audiences. Despite his focus on themes of aging in his recent book titled "Zakatnye Gari," Guberman maintains a positive outlook on life and does not offer advice to others. He also remains indifferent to criticism, claiming that it rarely targets him.

Guberman remains hopeful about the future of Russia, believing that despite its current challenges, it has the potential to become a normal country within two or three generations. He remains an active writer and performer, captivating audiences with his unique storytelling and intimate performances.