LEGENDARY Russian writer Konstantin Paustovsky's works can be read in Malaysia, not just in English, but also in Malay.
An anthology of Russian literature, Mawar Emas. Bunga Rampai Sastera Rusia, published by the Institute of Book and Translation of Malaysia in 2009 contains several stories from Paustovsky's novel Golden Rose about literary creativity.
And, I am proud that these stories have been published using my translation.
But, a more interesting episode involves American film star Marlene Dietrich and Paustovsky.
In 1964, Dietrich did a tour of the Soviet Union. Tickets for all concerts were sold out in advance.
At that time, Dietrich was almost 63 years old, but she remained a symbol of femininity and sexuality. The American Film Institute ranked her ninth on its list of the greatest actresses in Hollywood.
"She left a mark both in life and in creativity, as an actress, as a singer..., in the field of fashion. She was the manifestation of all female power, sexuality and charisma," says psychologist, Emilia Spiro.
At the Moscow airport, the Western star was met by an army of journalists.
Among others, Dietrich was asked what she wants to see in the capital — probably Red Square, the Kremlin and the mausoleum? Marlene's answer surprised everyone.
She said: "Once I read the story Telegram by Russian writer Paustovsky.
"It made such an impression on me that neither the story nor the name of the writer, whom I had never heard of, I could not forget.
"I have not been able to find other books by this amazing writer. And, I asked about Paustovsky," Dietrich later said.
The actress found Telegram in a literary collection.
Paustovsky wrote about a girl who moved to a big city from a remote village, forgot about her loving mother and did not have time to say goodbye to her when she died.
The touching story sunk into Marlene's soul, and Paustovsky immediately became her favourite writer.
By this time, Paustovsky was 72 years old. He had several heart attacks, suffered from asthma, and had just left the hospital.
However, he also wanted to attend Dietrich's concert that he came to the Moscow House of Writers, accompanied by his wife and a doctor.
After the concert, the writer was asked to come on stage. The reaction of Dietrich to the appearance of her idol was amazing.
The Hollywood star knelt and kissed his hand.
"I was so shocked by his presence that, being unable to utter a word in Russian, I found no other way to show my admiration than to kneel before him," Dietrich remembered.
The hall was silent. Paustovsky was speechless. Finally, the writer came to his senses, leaned over and kissed the hand of the star.
The awkwardness disappeared and the audience gave a standing ovation.
* The writer, writing from Russia, is a former lecturer at Universiti Malaya
