Namrirru's review
The Gambler (Modern Library Classics)
by Fyodor Dostoevsky
Namrirru's review
The Gambler (Modern Library Classics) by Fyodor Dostoevsky
Namrirru's review
rating:
bookshelves:
russian
I curse the Mickey Mouse Law, which is the reason why publishers continue to insult us with bad translations. Who could trust a translator who cannot even express herself well in her own native language? Here is an example of Constance Garnett in action. Page 57:
"A Frenchman is not often naturally polite. He is always polite, as it were, to order, with a motive."
And here is a more coherent translation by Pevear and Volokhonsky. Page 217:
"A Frenchman is rarely amiable by nature; he is always amiable as if on command, out of calculation." (ISBN: 1400044707)
Please, dear goodreads friends, do yourself a favor and get a newer, better translation. It may cost more $$, but it's worth the buck.
"A Frenchman is not often naturally polite. He is always polite, as it were, to order, with a motive."
And here is a more coherent translation by Pevear and Volokhonsky. Page 217:
"A Frenchman is rarely amiable by nature; he is always amiable as if on command, out of calculation." (ISBN: 1400044707)
Please, dear goodreads friends, do yourself a favor and get a newer, better translation. It may cost more $$, but it's worth the buck.
