Russian essentials

[Werther]

Nico, I have just read this thread in its entirety, and I alarmed that Turgenev has received so little attention. Yes, one or two people have recommended 'Fathers & Sons', but I would also suggest 'Rudin', 'House of the Gentry', and an exquisite short story called, 'First Love'. As an introduction to his work, you might care to read Robert Dessaix's biography, published about a year ago, 'Travels with Turgenev: Twilight of Love'. Robert Dessaix is an Australian writer and a former lecturer of Russian literature. In this book, he discusses his deeply sympathetic relationship with Turgenev, and explores the theme of love in Turgenev's major works. Turgenev was a nineteenth century writer, a consummate aesthete and a master of style. (He shared a long correspondence with that other great master of style, Gustave Flaubert.) His prose is so refined, so flowing, and so lyrical....certain passages in his novels simply make one's heart melt. I urge you to read Turgenev before all the others. It'll be the most rewarding and most enriching reading experience you can ever dream of.

P.S - Some mention was made of Chekhov's short stories. Don't forget to read his plays!!! There was a great film adaptation of Uncle Vanya called 'Vanya on 22nd Street'. Cherry Orchard is also very famous.

P.P.S - Kafka was a Jew from Prague who wrote in German. And Nabakov wrote in English, and spent most of his life in America.

P.P.P.S - Perhaps you can find a book in your library called 'Lectures on Russian Literature' by Nabakov. Quite interesting. It deals with 'Fathers and Sons' and 'Crime and Punishment', among others. (His criticism of the latter is quite scathing.)

[Idril]

I think On The Eve is my favorite Turgenev. Rudin left me largely indifferent but as a general rule, I agree with everything you said about Turgenev. I think he's often forgotten amongst the other giants of Russian Lit and that's unfortunate. I'm just trying not to overwhelm the poor boy, Nico has suggestions here to keep him busy for about the next 10 years. I suggested Fathers and Sons with the hope that he, like me, will read it and fall in love with the author and seek out more of his books.

[Nico87]

Arr, you bastards!! My wallet has already called in a few "mayday's" ! Awwrite, I'll look into the stuff mentioned above; with overwhelming fury!

While we're at it, I have considered reading Chekov's plays, but I'm not sure how to take on reading one. I've never been close to reading a play of any sort. Well, except for the (famous?) norwegian play Peer Gynt, which we had to read in primary school.

I had a look at A Sportsman's Notebook by Turgenev, and I think it looks interesting. This is a collection of short stories, am I right?

[bazarov]

Arr, you bastards!! My wallet has already called in a few "mayday's" ! Awwrite, I'll look into the stuff mentioned above; with overwhelming fury!

Turgenev is really great, especially Fathers and Sons.

[Etienne]

P.P.P.S - Perhaps you can find a book in your library called 'Lectures on Russian Literature' by Nabakov. Quite interesting. It deals with 'Fathers and Sons' and 'Crime and Punishment', among others. (His criticism of the latter is quite scathing.)

I'm reading it at the moment! You're right it's very interesting and entertaining too!

[Nico87]

Anyone here read both Pnin and Lolita by Nabokov? Which one should I start with? I also have Pale Fire.