Helpful Score: 2
This translation by Burgin and O'Connor strives for the most direct translation of the uncensored original novel into standard American English, a feat that has apparently not been accomplished until now.
Bulgakov's magnum opus is a work that defies categorization. It is a unique combination of scathing political satire, black humor, fantasy, religious commentary, social exploration, and horror. It is a decidedly Russian work, and in that sense many of the allusions and symbolism of the Stalinist terror were lost on me. Fortunately, the notes at the back of this book helped to clarify much that I had missed.
This is a haunting book that strikes a delicate balance: it is just as violent and disturbing as it is funny and compelling. It is a subtly genius work that would require multiple readings in order to truly penetrate all of the layers of sarcasm and subterfuge, and to understand what the author was really trying to say, especially since he was writing at a time when he wasn't free enough to truly speak.
This is not a book for the squeamish. But for those who can stomach the horrors of this book (whether real, implied, or imagined), you should find much to enjoy, to think about, to shudder from, and to regret. It is a work that defies comparison and is well deserving of its place among the timeless classics.
Bulgakov's magnum opus is a work that defies categorization. It is a unique combination of scathing political satire, black humor, fantasy, religious commentary, social exploration, and horror. It is a decidedly Russian work, and in that sense many of the allusions and symbolism of the Stalinist terror were lost on me. Fortunately, the notes at the back of this book helped to clarify much that I had missed.
This is a haunting book that strikes a delicate balance: it is just as violent and disturbing as it is funny and compelling. It is a subtly genius work that would require multiple readings in order to truly penetrate all of the layers of sarcasm and subterfuge, and to understand what the author was really trying to say, especially since he was writing at a time when he wasn't free enough to truly speak.
This is not a book for the squeamish. But for those who can stomach the horrors of this book (whether real, implied, or imagined), you should find much to enjoy, to think about, to shudder from, and to regret. It is a work that defies comparison and is well deserving of its place among the timeless classics.
Helpful Score: 1
A must-read. Your life is not complete without it.
I enjoyed reading the faust of the russian literature
One of the great masters of Russian satire. And a very trippy story!
Short of my pre-teen re-reading the Tolkien trilogy each year for a few years in a row, this is the book I think I could read a hundred times and not get tired of it. There s always something new to find, learn, laugh at and wonder about. Plain fun and entertaining, while smart and dark. I love it.
Bizarre, but amazing!!
This uncensored translation of Bulgakov's novel, is a very fine example of protest literature, written during the Soviet crackdown of the 1930s. It is a anti-Stalinist message, in a complex allegory of good and evil. A "wickedly funny, sad, frightening and haunting" masterpiece of fiction. One of the best Russian novels of the last 100 years!
Hands down, this is the most bizarre book I've ever read. Of course I understand that it was written in a different time, and many people think of it as a classic. Based on those reviews, I read it to the end, but did not enjoy it at all. D.
This is one of the wildest & BEST books I have ever read! Bulgakov's rollicking imagination and enchanting sense of satire/humor kept me fully enraptured and laughing all the way! This is one for the re~reading shelves,fortunetly I have an extra copy so I can post this one here!
Bizarre and fantastical. Recommended.
This is the Burgin/O'Connor translation
Interesting political fable about the Communist regime. The Devil arrives in Russia.....
