Not since "Zima Junction" has Yevtushenko written such an astounding poem [as "A Dove in Santiago"]. His skill at the long, narrative form comes from a vast tradition in Russian verse, going back to [Alexander] Pushkin, but Yevtushenko has given it new vitality and range and a contemporary relevance.

Sub-titled "a novella in verse", the book is a 52-page poem in blank and free verse about an art student, Enrique, living in Chile during the Presidency of Allende…. The reality is a poignant story, but reconstructed by the poet it is a major literary document of life and death….

Yevtushenko is uncompromisingly blunt in his poem, writing with pathos and understanding yet in a documentary style, or perhaps that of a parable. The sense of reportage only highlights the tragedy of a man striving to remain civilised in a world of barbarism.

Martin Booth, "Document of Life and...