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Quote by Rachel Kushner

Work

Creation Lake

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Author

Rachel Kushner
Rachel Kushner

Rachel Kushner (b. 1968) is an acclaimed American novelist, essayist, and short story writer. Her notable works include Telex from Cuba, The Flamethrowers, and The Mars Room. Known for her historical depth, complex narratives, and sharp cultural critique, Kushner explores American history, politics, and identity through richly layered prose. Her novel The Mars Room was a finalist for the 2018 Booker Prize and Pulitzer Prize. more

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“A son. An heir. Fragile — born too soon, and yet deeply desired.” The thought had barely formed when the father took the newborn into his arms and fell in love at first sight. Afraid to harm him, yet unable to resist, he gently kissed the baby’s cheek. “He is not Alexander, as I once imagined,” he realized suddenly. “He is Peter. My son is Peter.” When the parents chose the name, they did not know its ancient Greek meaning. Nor could they imagine how precisely it would define the boy’s fate: Peter — a stone, a rock. From the very moment of his painful birth, he would stand like a rock against suffering and injustice, enduring hardship, surviving cruelty, and emerging stronger — destined to fulfill a mission of goodness, reason, honesty, and justice. — Volodymyr Shablia, Stone. Book One Context note: Born into a turbulent era of war, revolution, repression, and uncertainty, Peter enters the world fragile — yet claimed by history itself. This moment of birth marks the quiet beginning of a life shaped by endurance, moral strength, and resistance to cruelty.”

“Apakah sudah nasibku untuk menjadi lain daripada apa yang telah disuratkan nasib? Tidak menjadi perempuan (menurut pengertian kata ini yang diterima orang) dan tidak menjadi dokter (menurut gelarku dari sekolah kedokteran)? Atau memang sudah nasibku untuk menjadi orang sebelum menjadi perempuan, menjadi seorang seniman sebelum menjadi seorang dokter?”