To answer questions about
Eugene Onegin,
please sign up.
Pasha Uhin
James E. Falen's version is the best in my opinion (I'm Russian), it keeps the flow and rhythm of the original which reads very quickly and easily.
Joshua Powell
I don't think there is a "best" with this one. The Arndt translation is probably still held up as the 'gold standard'. Nabokov's is equally derided and revered, it's somehow both clunky and precise - I loved it.
Onegin is short enough and fantastic enough that I say read multiple. Falen's is a great place to start.
If you enjoy audio books, Stephen Fry's reading of the Falen translation is fantastic and free http://fryreadsonegin.com/
Onegin is short enough and fantastic enough that I say read multiple. Falen's is a great place to start.
If you enjoy audio books, Stephen Fry's reading of the Falen translation is fantastic and free http://fryreadsonegin.com/
Andy
Charles Johnston's is supposed to have less flowery and excessive language (Nabokov stated Arndt's has an error on every page). If you are looking for a translation that is faithful to the poetry Johnston's is probably best. If you want the best translation of the language with no regard for meter, Nabokov's in your choice. The Arndt seems lacking next to both of these.
Marian
I don't know Russian, so take my opinion with a grain of salt, but - I like Falen's best so far, if we're talking poetry.
Currently reading Roger Clarke, which is supposed to be a more literal translation in prose/free verse. I do notice a lot more detail in Clarke's version, so I can only hope it's indeed more literal.
Didn't particularly like Johnston's version, but I may be in the minority there. Stanley Mitchell's Penguin edition is decent. There's also a 19thc Henry Spalding translation on Project Gutenberg...it's interesting, but very thesaurus-y; I would avoid it if you have other options.
Currently reading Roger Clarke, which is supposed to be a more literal translation in prose/free verse. I do notice a lot more detail in Clarke's version, so I can only hope it's indeed more literal.
Didn't particularly like Johnston's version, but I may be in the minority there. Stanley Mitchell's Penguin edition is decent. There's also a 19thc Henry Spalding translation on Project Gutenberg...it's interesting, but very thesaurus-y; I would avoid it if you have other options.
Dmitry Karelin
James E. Falen's work is a gem, accurate, delicate and for the lack of a better word inspired translation)
Tom
Anyone familiar with Babette Deutsch translation (Heritage Press Edition, with Yarmolinsky intro).
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more