Boris Pasternak was a renowned Russian poet and writer, best known for his epic novel Doctor Zhivago. The publication of this novel, which depicted the tumultuous events of the Russian Revolution and the subsequent Soviet era, was mired in controversy. Pasternak was born on February 10, 1890, in Moscow, Russia, into a family of artists and intellectuals. From an early age, Pasternak showed a deep passion for literature and poetry. His early works, such as the poetry collection My Sister, Life (1917), gained him recognition for his innovative and lyrical style. Pasternak began working on Doctor Zhivago in the early 1940s. The novel tells the story of Yuri Zhivago, a physician and poet, and his experiences during and after the Russian Revolution. Pasternak drew upon his own life and experiences to create a deeply personal and introspective narrative.

When Pasternak completed Doctor Zhivago in 1956, he faced a challenging decision regarding its publication. The novel's critical portrayal of the Soviet regime made it highly controversial. The state-controlled Union of Soviet Writers rejected the manuscript, fearing its perceived anti-Soviet sentiments. Unable to publish Doctor Zhivago in the Soviet Union, Pasternak made the bold decision to have it published abroad.