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I'm reading Crime and Punishment now and I find it to be very interesting. But to understand it I have to go back and reread chapters because it feels like I'm missing some points or key events. All in all, I believe that Crime and Punishment is really good.
It's very interesting to read all your "remarks" about Russian literature:)
The topic I'd like to discuss is "Master & Margarita". I'm re-reading it right now (in Russian).
Hello Elpis
Below is a link to a discussion of Master and Margarita,
I guess if you're not finished it though you might want to
be careful reading it in case of spoilers :)
http://www.online-literature.com/for...ster+margarita
Thanks, but it seems to be "of 2d freshness":)
Anyway, I'll try it.
Russian literature is my favourite literature, as well. I think the reason a lot of people like it is because Russian writers describe their characters with so much sympathy, insight and love. There is a lot of warmth and humanity in most Russian works--particularly the 19th century ones---be it in the character development, in the description of scenes and nature, or the philosophizing which makes you feel as if you're reading about real life and living it in the moment that it's happening, rather than post-factum, "remembered" descriptions.
Tolstoy is a great master of this technique, and it's also interesting that while being very realistic in his descriptions and character development, he's also great at poeticizing the situations which imbibe them with more importance and meaning. That, I think, is also a characteristic of most Russian works---the simplest event or character is presented as very unique or special and, in turn, memorable.
This particular technique is what makes a big difference between works like "Anna Karenina" and "Madame Bovary". Although the intrigue and the situations are similar, the character of Anna Karenina creates the impression of a multi-dimensional, flesh-and-blood individual, whereas Emma Bovary lacks to a great degree individuality and uniqueness. The whole work of "Anna Kareinina" sparkles, despite the tragedy of its heroine, whereas " Madame Bovary" , although detailed and insightful, is a somewhat dull and pessimistic work.
A tough question: what do you think about Russian lit?
I think it is great on the one hand and terrible on the other. Just as any other. There're its heroes and those who have failed. It's just a matter of taste. I enjoy reading in Russian once in a while, but I confess I read the old stuff...so, if anyone's willing to recommend works of contemporary authors--please do!
Among Russian classics i love Dostoievsky and Lermontov's poems. Dostoievsky is the best ever, one can almost say he is contemporary. I wolud be interested to read something modern though, so if someone has some recommandations that would be much appreciated.
Bye
I can unreservedly say that 19th century is the finest for literature. However Tolstoy, Turgenev, Pushkin, Gogol, Dostoevsky, Chekhov, Goncharov et al excelled in creating timeless themes and characters. Russian novels and novellas of this period were social and political commentaries for people who wanted to express their ideas and thoughts.
Quote:
Originally Posted by PrinceAndrei
I fully agree with you ! I think that Russian writers created a wonderful world of flesh-and-blood characters. They're so real that one can even speculate about their further growth once the book is finished. I take it from your user name that you really like Prince Andrei ( is that the Bolkonsky one ? ). Now, there's a character that captures the imagination !
What do you think his life would have been like if he didn't die at that particular place in the book ?
The Russians were obsessed with delving into human interaction and the psyche. They probably did it better than anyone. Just read a book like The Idiot by Dostoevsky or Ward.9 and other stories by Chekov or Fathers and Sons by Turgenev. Russian stories are bleak and very psychological. They are also some of the most well crafted as far as characterization and dialogue goes. This is just my opinion, but I really believe that Russia produced the best and most abundant authors of the 19th century.
I believe that the Russian literature, specifically in Dostoyevsky’s work, has made unrivalled the effort to underline the reactions of human souls who are under pressure. The heroes are almost between options of morality or religious issues that make them feel unstable. That creates a state of isolation and misery for them and thanks to Russian authors we are able to see those people of the 19th century to strive for a better life under Tsar government.
Anyway, the point is what one likes to read and help him feel nice or live him in a soul-searching situation.
Has anyone read Greek literature?
Olichka
Prince Andrei Bolonsky was my favourite character from Tolstoy's masterpiece War and Peace. If Tolstoy did not kill off Andrei in a valiant but rather slow and painful death I think he would have lived an unhappy life, growing old and cynical. Andrei was searching for the meaning of life and found peace and maybe happiness in the last few days alive.
A part from War and Peace, which still touches me deeply, is scene between the eccentric Prince and his daughter Maria Bolkonskaya. The Old Prince calls for his daughter when he is dieing to try and explain that he may have seemed like an overbearing father but it was because he loved her. Just thinking about this makes me emotional.
OlichkaQuote:
Originally Posted by olichka
Prince Andrei Bolonsky was my favourite character from Tolstoy's masterpiece War and Peace. If Tolstoy did not kill off Andrei in a valiant but rather slow and painful death I think he would have lived an unhappy life, growing old and cynical. Andrei was searching for the meaning of life and found peace and maybe happiness in the last few days alive.
A part from War and Peace, which still touches me deeply, is scene between the eccentric Prince and his daughter Maria Bolkonskaya. The Old Prince calls for his daughter when he is dieing to try and explain that he may have seemed like an overbearing father but it was because he loved her. Just thinking about this makes me emotional.
If you are going to read Russian, you have to read The Brothers Karamazov by Dostoevsky. It is by far the best book I have ever read.
I have been checking these forums for quite some time now but I never really posted anything. I want some advise from people who are interested in reading Russina Litrature in the old days (Dostoevskey and Tolstoy's days) I have read War and Peace and Anna karanina for Tostloy and Crime and Punishment and The Brothers karmazov for Dostoevesky but I was wondering if there are any other famous novels/novelists from that era and I really would appreciate if anyone would suggest a few for me.
Thank you in advance :yawnb:
There's already a topic on this but here's some...
Gogol - Petersburg Tales, Dead Souls, The Revizor
Gontcharov - Oblomov
Dostoevsky - The Idiot, Notes from the Underground, The Possessed, The Gambler
Tolstoy - Resurrection, The Death of Ivan Illitch, The Cossacks
Lermontov - A Hero of Our Time
Turgenev - Fathers and Sons
Chekhov - Short Stories and Plays
Pushkin - Eugene Onegin, Short Stories
Adding:
Dostoevsky - Notes from Dead House, Injured and Insulted, Adolescent, The Double
Tolstoy - Childhood, Boyhood, Youth
Pushkin isn't from their time but Boris Godunov, Captain's daughter, Mozart and Salieri are also some of his famous works.
This thread can probably be of some help;
http://www.online-literature.com/for...ad.php?t=29370
Pushkin (and Lermontov as well) is still 19th century, and he didn't mention any specific generation.
Thanks for starting the thread, and thanks Nico for adding the link. Reminding me of my love for Russian literature
I very highly recommend Crime and Punishment. I think it actually took me a whole summer to get through, which is unusual, but it is so worth it. At times it is a little depressing, but after completing it and looking at the novel as a whole, it is so wonderful to have read it.
Thanks guys for the suggestions ^^ and the link. I am trying right now to find translations for the novels mentioned especially Dead Souls. I hope I can find any here.
I read Crime and Punishment already and it was really good and intense at some points and yeah it was kindda depressing but that's how I like them lol.Quote:
Originally Posted by grace86
He did specify, a little bit.Quote:
Originally Posted by Simao
Simao, if you like hardcovers, I suggest you get those russian books you want from Everyman's Library. They never seem to fail with their translations.
Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky has translated most of the classic russian books published by Everyman's Library, Dead Souls too.
You can find most of Everyman's Library's books on www.amazon.co.uk and www.amazon.com for a decent price.
hi simao, i am from pakistan.i appreciate your in interest in tolstoy and dostovesky.keeping in mind your interest i would advise you a short novel of tolstoy.it is none than ''the death of ivan illych''.though i have not read tolstoy's other novels,but i till you that after reading the above novel i went berserk. i remember i wrote this after reading it for the first time '' THERE IS NO NEED TO READ OTHER NOVELS''
I am looking for arabic translations everywhere for some of Dostoevsky's work but can't find any except the ones I already read :flare: .. Do they by any chance sell books translated to other languages in Amazon or ebay etc? I only saw english transaltions but if anyone saw or bought please tell me.
Thank you.
I'm afraid the books on amazon are in English language only.
"There is no need to read other novels"... what the hell... even after admitting yourself that you haven't read any other by Tolstoy. I'd add this in a list of ridiculous quotes if I held one..Quote:
Originally Posted by mansoor alam
Haha, well said, Etienne!
Correction, Pushkin and Lermontov are 19th century.
Yes sorry, that's what I meant, it's corrected.Quote:
Originally Posted by JBI
Nikolai Gogol's Dead Souls is one of the better books I've read.
Mansoor was merely stating that the book was masterfully written. The Death of Ivan Illych is an incredible book and you either get it or you don't. I believe that Mansoor gets it. Nothing ridiculous about the quote, that book is overwhelming.Quote:
Originally Posted by Etienne
Of course I'll recommend it to you, you'll read it, and then you'll complain because you don't get it, and I'll be to blame. Thats when my signature comes in handy.
I guess I could try reading an english version but I was wondering if they have the old english language like saying for example the "thou" "art" words because I don't think I'll get that lol.
But they are not realism, they are romantism.Quote:
Originally Posted by JBI
But I have read it and I loved it.Quote:
Originally Posted by B-Mental
Most of the books are translated into what we call modern english, e.g "you are" instead of "thou art".Quote:
Originally Posted by Simao
Can anyone recommend some Russian Literature? My current collection is comprised of the following:
Chekhov ~ Selected Stories
Dostoevsky ~ The Idiot ~ Crime and Punishment ~ The Brothers Karamazov ~ The Double ~ Notes from Underground ~ The House of the Dead ~ The Meek One ~ Poor Folk ~ White Nights
Tolstoy ~ Anna Karenina ~ War and Peace ~ The Death of Ivan Ilych
Boris Pasternak ~ Dr. Zhivago
My collection could probably use some Pushkin and Gogol, but what else should I add?\
P.S.: Also, if you have a translation preference, please mention it.
Dostoevsky - The Possessed (must have), The Gambler
Pushkin - Eugene Onegin (must have)
Turgenev - Fathers and Sons
Bulgakov- Master and Margarita
Gogol - Dead Souls, The Cloak
Nabokov (maybe he is considered as an American writer) - Lolita, Ada
Lermontov - The Hero of Our Times
I forgot to mention I had Fathers and Sons by Turgenev. Thanks for the other recommendations.
I would add Mikhail Sholokhov's Quiet Flows the Don and Gogol's Taras Bulba to Baz's list and then I think you'd be good for awhile. ;)
Gontcharov's Oblomov is a must as well.