The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov discussion

I believe it's called "Penky panic".

Ex: "I sometimes get penky panicky when I see a shelf full of awesome books that I need to read."

It's a real panic disorder that many psychologists have written on. Quite serious in literary circles.

I think his thesis is going to be an anthology of his GR reviews. Have you noticed how learned they've been lately? I like his early funny ones.

haha, Penky's gotten too serious for you, Ian?

Ian, I do have respect for Penke's earlier work. But I feel like he was still finding his voice then, it wasn't until his breakthrough, cross-over hit of Cloud Atlas that he really began to find his own, and master his craft.

Jason wrote: ""

HAHAHA! That's awesome.

Jason wrote: "haha, Penky's gotten too serious for you, Ian?"

Yeah, I'm worried he's going to start running around in an academic gown, casting libraricorpus spells on us.

someone needs to alert him to this thread and the penkfest going on

My To Read list is just a copy of MJ's Read list. That way I seem more intelligent and ambitious than I really am.

Mary wrote: "penkfest"

That would be the best festival ever. We'd set up huge tents for hundreds of people to read obscure eastern european literature and write ultra intelligent reviews about them.

that sounds both visceral and real

I hope I can get my money back from this year's Spankfest. This sounds like a better offer.

Spankfest wasn't nearly as satisfying as I thought it was going to be. There wasn't anyone there and when it was all over I felt worse than before.

hahah this is a fantastic thread.

Satisfaction is in the hand of the beholder.

Good thing young Sven isn't here. He'd be shocked and embarrassed at all the innuendo flyin' around. Those Michigander boys are so tender and innocent. Look at Eminem.

Eminem should be the name of this discussion group.

OK, I've not read this book. Of course I know of it. But I was fence sitting on whether to read it or not. I guess I'm in. Decision made.

It would take up too much space and annoy everyone if I did it individually so a collective welcome and thanks for joining to everyone - lots of new faces :)

Also, Eminem would be the perfect opening act to SpenkFest, considering we are reading M&M, he could rap the first chapter.

Ian wrote: "I've just realised that I don't actually have a copy now. I think my first one got stolen at a cocktail party. Sorry, I made a booboo."

I bet your local used bookstore has some copies - will this be version number 3 for you?

Stephen M wrote: "Another group read? Dang, goodreads is the best.

Given my terrible track record for group reads, I can't make any promises on this one, but I've been quite interested in this book for a while, ev..."

It'll be great to have you with us if the timing works out for you!

.... getting caught up on Penkfest, considering adding to title of the Introductions thread....

Kris wrote: "...will this be version number 3 for you? "

I think my next will be my second. I must have dreamed I'd bought the second one. It's been on my wishlist for a few years, and I keep seeing different versions.

thanks for the invite,another one here who cannot seem to locate the copy I read,way back when,it was falling apart,red and black cover and who was the translator for that one dont see it listed in Moonbutterfly's link.

It will be fun to revisit the book.
The only thing that worries me is the beer in the margarita. I am not a purist or a big drinker,just happens my favorite drink IS a margerita and I am a bit shocked.Surely this is some bizzare local recipe and not the usual? I admit I have never tried to mix one on my own but I am willing to learn.

So I'm told, New Orleans has drive-through margarita stands. Group field trip, anyone?

Madeleine wrote: "So I'm told, New Orleans has drive-through margarita stands. Group field trip, anyone?"

ummm. what?! if i was in america i'd definitely be game for that field trip.

New Orleans has always had drive-through booze. Bars give you "go cups" if you ask for 'em. I don't much like driving there.

Jason wrote: "haha, Penky's gotten too serious for you, Ian?"

That's rich! Hahaha, quite hilarious actually, if you look at Ian's own reviews and notes...

Ok, admittedly, Ian likes to play, and he does, a lot, but some of his writings are books in themselves.

Stephen M wrote: "Mary wrote: "penkfest"

That would be the best festival ever. We'd set up huge tents for hundreds of people to read obscure eastern european literature and write ultra intelligent reviews about them."

Not to mention enthusiastic.

Hey Mary - awesome! Thanks for the invite and looking forward to the group read.

Jason wrote: "I would love for Steve H. to join us, but I know he has an aversion to group reads. Can we get Jay Rubin on board if Steve says no??"

Thanks for the invitation, Jason! You’re right that since the hurt Thomas Pynchon put on me, with peers twisting my arm the whole time, I’ve been group-shy. But,

• The SD group is having such fun
• This one was on my list anyway…
• Yes, Penky is very convincing
• But there's no reason for my acceptance to mean Jay’s exclusion – which reminds me:

I ask this with no aim to chasten
But anyone notice how Jason
Speaks for us all when he preys on
That bane of a translator Jay-san?

Ian wrote: "I like his early funny ones."

That’s a great Woody Allen line. It was self-mocking, if I recall. Was it the line repeated by fans of a movie producer clearly meant to be Allen when he went from early, silly stuff (like Sleeper and Bananas) to more ponderous, later fare?

STARDUST MEMORIES!!!!!

Thank you, Stephen. That was definitely it -- circa 25 years ago.

Hahaha...I'm looking forward to this group read. NO EARLY READERS, though. Y'all have to promise to wait 'til September. :D

Ummm...I've already read it again...does this mean I have to leave?

Richard wrote: "Ummm...I've already read it again...does this mean I have to leave?"

Nope, Richard, you're not allowed to leave. :)

Moonbutterfly wrote: "Jason wrote: "NO EARLY READERS, though. Y'all have to promise to wait 'til September. :D"

Yeah, you hear that Kris. Actually she is the mod, so maybe that is not a bad thing. She'll be able to rea..."

Ha! We'll see what happens, but I do think I will probably be comparing three editions, and I don't want to ruin the feel of the novel by comparing the first time through, so I may need to start a little early with one edition. I promise, though, I am very good at avoiding spoilers.

Kris will have all three editions read by 9am EST and analyzed by noon

Mary wrote: "Kris will have all three editions read by 9am EST and analyzed by noon"

Ha!

So I just noticed my Ginsburg edtion which I've had lying around forever has this scribbled inside "5-89, Congratulations! Please read this it's not as scary as the cover looks - trust me. Love Vicki" I love used books!

Mary wrote: "So I just noticed my Ginsburg edtion which I've had lying around forever has this scribbled inside "5-89, Congratulations! Please read this it's not as scary as the cover looks - trust me. Love Vi..."

I do too! I love finding weird stuff used as bookmarks. I found a receipt for some photos dropped off for processing returned with the note "we don't do this stuff" scrawled across the whole thing.

WHAT STUFF?!?

haha I would've laminated and kept that bookmark!

Mary and I have received some questions about whether the group will have one official translation prescribed. We've discussed this, and decided that we are more comfortable letting each of you decide which version (or versions) you want to read for the group read. We posted some information on translations in the group description, in which we generally recommend either Burgin & O'Connor or Pevear & Volokhonsky for the complete version or Ginsburg for the censored version, but we are happy for each member to choose whichever translation looks best to them. We think that as along as we're all clear about which version we are reading in the book discussion threads, we should have good discussions about the books - and perhaps multiple versions will lead to some interesting conversations about translation, censorship, etc. We're hoping this sounds ok - any questions or concerns, please let us know!

Look what's nearby me, The Master and Margarita Russian Restaurant:
http://www.tmmbistro.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-master-an...

Hey there!

I hope that you have room for one more! This book has been staring me down from my bookshelf for way too long and this group is just the encouragement I need to get this off the to-read pile.

I will be reading from the Burgin and O'Connor translation for this first go around and as for margaritas...Patron Silver will be my tequila of choice.

Mikki wrote: "Hey there!

I hope that you have room for one more! This book has been staring me down from my bookshelf for way too long and this group is just the encouragement I need to get this off the to-rea..."

Absolutely, Mikki - the more the merrier! Great timing, too. Looking forward to the discussions with you!

Thanks Kris,

I'll look over all of the comments on the other threads (especially the Translations) in order to get acclimated. So happy to be taking part!

I hope you don't mind another interested reading barging in! ( I saw that some were invited). I have never participated in a group read before but look forward to the experience and others' interpretations of the book.

I am so glad you started this group. I am reading the Ginsburg translation and am on Chapter 4 and loving it so far. I could definitely use a discussion to fully digest what I am reading. Thanks again.

Carol wrote: "I hope you don't mind another interested reading barging in! ( I saw that some were invited). I have never participated in a group read before but look forward to the experience and others' interp..."

Hi Carol, and welcome! We're very happy to have you join us - you have great timing! Make yourself at home. :)