Izrail Metter

Izrail Metter was a Soviet writer of Jewish origin, born in the city of Kharkiv. His literary career spanned several decades, during which he penned numerous notable works. One of his most acclaimed novels, The Fifth Corner, was completed in 1967, but due to circumstances, its publication was delayed until 1989. This novel would later earn him significant recognition, including the prestigious Grinzane Cavour Prize in 1992.

Metter's literary repertoire also includes notable works such as Genealogy and Muchtar, the latter of which was adapted into a film titled Come Here, Mukhtar!. Although his work has not been widely translated into English, an exception is the translation of The Fifth Corner, which was rendered into English by Michael Duncan in 1991, published as The Fifth Corner of the Room. Despite his passing in 1996, Metter's contributions to Soviet literature remain, awaiting broader international recognition through translation and dissemination of his writings.