“Silence” by Leonid Andreyev is a poignant short story that delves into the complexities of familial relationships and communication. The narrative revolves around a father and his daughter who are estranged despite living under the same roof. The father, a stern and authoritarian figure, struggles with expressing his emotions, leading to a growing chasm of silence between them. The daughter’s silent rebellion and the father’s inability to bridge the emotional gap highlight the theme of isolation within close relationships. Through this story, Andreyev poignantly explores the devastating effects of unspoken words and emotional estrangement within a family.

Translated from the Russian by John Cournos

You can get the book here and here