“Bunin’s Life: 1870-1906” was written by the writer’s wife, Vera Bunina. This edition was published in Paris in 1958, five years after his death. The writer based the book on archival materials, diary entries and her personal recollections. Throughout the pages, one can trace Bunin’s life path, get acquainted with his family circle, learn about his creative work. 

Another dedication is addressed to Margarita Stepun: “To my Dear Margo, I give my ‘mosaic’ book awaiting your stern judgment. Sincerely, your friend, Vera Bunina. Paris 23.10.1958”. All three women once lived under the same roof, their lives were intricately intertwined.

Vera Muromtseva was born to an Old Moscow noble family in 1881. She received an excellent education, spoke several foreign languages. During her senior year at the Faculty of Natural Sciences at the Higher Courses for Women in Moscow, she was going to write a thesis under academic supervision of Professor Nikolay Zelinsky. But Zelinsky forced her to choose — a thesis under his supervision or her relationship with Ivan Bunin. Muromtseva decided to devote herself to her husband.

In 1907, they got started living together. Generous woman, who was always ready to selflessly help even strangers, Vera Nikolaevna loved her husband endlessly. Until the last breath of her “beloved Yan” (Bunina’s nickname for her husband), she was the most devoted person to him. Despite the dramatic hardships of family life, Ivan Bunin once confessed to poet Irina Odoevtseva: “I always thank God, and until my last breath I will be thanking him for sending Vera Nikolaevna to me”.

In an entry from September 28, 1941, she admitted that she did not regret the choice she made: “I’m happy to spend my life with Yan. If I could start my life over, I would make the same choices. I couldn’t wish for a better companion in my life.”