Oblomov by Ivan Goncharov

[Diane]

Rating: 4 Stars


Apparently there were slackers long before modern times. This book is about one of them. The main character, Oblomov, is a wealthy guy with a slothful attitude and much indecision. The reader gets a good way into the book before Oblomov even gets out of his bed. Despite this, he is a kind-hearted and likable dreamer (or at least I thought so), but frustratingly naive.

Overall, a great book. I loved the main character's thoughts and memories.

[Amanda]

I gave it 3 stars. The perspective of an absolute slacker and the people kind of exploiting and serving him around him was kind of interesting, as was the rumination on what constitutes a worthwhile life. But, it wasn't an extremely dynamic book. I enjoyed it, but it wasn't my absolute favorite.

[Pamela]

Classic Russian novel that reminded me in some ways of Dead Souls for the comic aspects and the view of Russian society.

The character study of Oblomov is truly impressive - he is alternately amusing and frustrating and his inability to deal with any of life’s challenges except by avoiding them is convincing and brilliantly done. Goncharov examines all his protagonist’s psychological complexity to create a memorable character. The secondary characters are also well realised - particularly the put-upon servant Zakhar and Oblomov’s ‘friends’ who decide to take advantage of his laziness.

There are also elements of social satire and commentary on the situation of absentee landowners, but these take a back seat to the situational comedy and the presence of Oblomov, and these are the strengths of the novel and the aspects that I most enjoyed.