Discovering Russian Literature discussion
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Valerie wrote: "Hello world!
My name is Val and I'm a college student here in Ohio [the worst place in the world to live since there's nothing exciting here, which is another reason why I'm on here everyday]. I..."
Hello Val (or Valerie? how do you prefer?) I haven't read anything by Ayn Rand, but I've heard of her and I know her book Atlas Shrugged is available in my closest public library so I'll keep an eye on it. I'll include some of her books on the to-read list so we don't forget. I've read Crime and Punishment but some years ago, I remember I loved it. Of contemporary authors, I love Vladimir Nabokov and Boris Pasternak's Doctor Zhivago
Hope we can help each other to discover great books! :)
My name is Val and I'm a college student here in Ohio [the worst place in the world to live since there's nothing exciting here, which is another reason why I'm on here everyday]. I..."
Hello Val (or Valerie? how do you prefer?) I haven't read anything by Ayn Rand, but I've heard of her and I know her book Atlas Shrugged is available in my closest public library so I'll keep an eye on it. I'll include some of her books on the to-read list so we don't forget. I've read Crime and Punishment but some years ago, I remember I loved it. Of contemporary authors, I love Vladimir Nabokov and Boris Pasternak's Doctor Zhivago
Hope we can help each other to discover great books! :)
Hi, everyone. My name is Amy. I graduated with literature and special education undergrad degrees a few years back, and now I work with a lot of struggling readers at the high school level. I took one course in Russian lit in college, but I think I was doing it as an independent study because of my schedule, so I missed a lot of the lectures. I did read a few good stories then, but I wouldn't mind re-reading a few because of course I was cramming then and I don't remember everything.
I've since read a few of Dostoevsky's longer novels, and find him fascinating.
I'm glad this group came along because I've been hoping to find a place to share and discuss my reading experiences!
Amyjzed wrote: "Hi, everyone. My name is Amy. I graduated with literature and special education undergrad degrees a few years back, and now I work with a lot of struggling readers at the high school level.
I to..."
You are really welcome Amy :) My interest on Russian lit is purely personal. I did a degree on English literature, but my knowledge on Russians is based on having read and loved Tolstoy and Dostoevsky.
I've read by him Crime and Punishment and The Gambler. Both like ten years ago so wouldn't mind at all re-reading!
I to..."
You are really welcome Amy :) My interest on Russian lit is purely personal. I did a degree on English literature, but my knowledge on Russians is based on having read and loved Tolstoy and Dostoevsky.
I've read by him Crime and Punishment and The Gambler. Both like ten years ago so wouldn't mind at all re-reading!
Hi, everybody. My name is Natalie, and I live in Russia.I am certainly acquainted with Russian classic literature, but I'm interested in other people's attitude to Russian authors and their books. I'm a member of the other GR groups relating to this topic,and I'm not sure if I am able to be active sufficiently. Time will tell... :)
Natalie wrote: "Hi, everybody. My name is Natalie, and I live in Russia.
I am certainly acquainted with Russian classic literature, but I'm interested in other people's attitude to Russian authors and their books...."
Welcome Natalie! I live in Spain and my knowledge of russian literature is based basically on the most famous classics, but I'm looking forward to learn more. I hope you will have fun with us. In case you weren't around when poll was posted yesterday, you are welcome to participate in our first group read.
I am certainly acquainted with Russian classic literature, but I'm interested in other people's attitude to Russian authors and their books...."
Welcome Natalie! I live in Spain and my knowledge of russian literature is based basically on the most famous classics, but I'm looking forward to learn more. I hope you will have fun with us. In case you weren't around when poll was posted yesterday, you are welcome to participate in our first group read.
Thanks, Antia! I think I'll read whatever you've chosen.
Hello there Patrice!It's nice to see a ton of students coming about on here. I'm about in the same boat as you are with the class an all...the only difference is that I assume your class is taught in English :)
If you care to, we could start a thread for each of those books and see where it goes.
Patrice wrote: "Hi everyone. I am a grandma enrolled in a continuing studies program. Last Fall we read Brothers Karamazov and this spring it will be War and Peace. It is a daunting project and I was hoping I c..."
Welcome Patrice! I'm currently reading (before starting the group, but I'm reading it slowlly) The Brothers Karamazov.
I love Tolstoy, I've just read Anna Karenina and War and Peace, but I loved both, specially W & P. I read both in fall 2009, one after another. My memory of it, specially of War & Peace might not be very fresh, but I loved it so would be glad to comment and hear your thoughts about it.
Welcome Patrice! I'm currently reading (before starting the group, but I'm reading it slowlly) The Brothers Karamazov.
I love Tolstoy, I've just read Anna Karenina and War and Peace, but I loved both, specially W & P. I read both in fall 2009, one after another. My memory of it, specially of War & Peace might not be very fresh, but I loved it so would be glad to comment and hear your thoughts about it.
Patrice wrote: "That would be great! I'm glad to hear that you liked W & P so much.
I'm having a difficult time with it. Which translations did you read?
We're supposed to read the Pevear but I bought the Garnet..."
Patrice, you can find a thread for discussing War and Peace in another folder of the group, I've just posted comment on it, so it should appear as fresh.
I can't help you with editions, because I read a spanish translated directly from russian.
I'm having a difficult time with it. Which translations did you read?
We're supposed to read the Pevear but I bought the Garnet..."
Patrice, you can find a thread for discussing War and Peace in another folder of the group, I've just posted comment on it, so it should appear as fresh.
I can't help you with editions, because I read a spanish translated directly from russian.
Patrice wrote: "Thank you.
Where in Spain do yo u live? I have a daughter in Madrid.
Are there many Russians in Spain? It's become such a small world.
Where I live there are many, many Russians. I used to ..."
Patrice, I live in Vigo, a town on north-west coast, very close of the frontier with Portugal. I've been in Madrid anyway, I hope your daughter enjoys it there.
No I haven't known any Russian here. There is a group here called "Gorki Society" that offer russian language courses taught by native teachers. I tried doing last year but with work and study couldn't get enough time. Maybe this summer! I want to improve my English and I'm also studying German but Russian next :)
Where in Spain do yo u live? I have a daughter in Madrid.
Are there many Russians in Spain? It's become such a small world.
Where I live there are many, many Russians. I used to ..."
Patrice, I live in Vigo, a town on north-west coast, very close of the frontier with Portugal. I've been in Madrid anyway, I hope your daughter enjoys it there.
No I haven't known any Russian here. There is a group here called "Gorki Society" that offer russian language courses taught by native teachers. I tried doing last year but with work and study couldn't get enough time. Maybe this summer! I want to improve my English and I'm also studying German but Russian next :)
Patrice wrote: "So you are not Russian?"
No haha, not a drop of Russia in my blood, as far as I know :) My reason for being here is that Johanna and me thought it would be a fun "personal project-challenge" for 2011 to focus on Russia. That's good for me as lately I was developing an obssession with Victorian fiction and specially the Bronte sisters, so I was needing a change :)
No haha, not a drop of Russia in my blood, as far as I know :) My reason for being here is that Johanna and me thought it would be a fun "personal project-challenge" for 2011 to focus on Russia. That's good for me as lately I was developing an obssession with Victorian fiction and specially the Bronte sisters, so I was needing a change :)
Patrice, did you enjoy the film? I'm looking forward to watch it but it won't be released in Spain until next October!
Patrice wrote: "Sheesh! And I thought I had to wait a long time until movies came from California!
I liked the movie. The scenery was incredible. The music was beautiful. I think the acting was good. I was ..."
Yes, well, I read Jane Eyre first time when I was maybe 15-year-old or little more and I was of the ones that fell in love with Mr Rochester (still a little bit haha) I re-read it several times, last time some months ago and I admit (I'm now 31) that I still love it, but I understand what you mean about it being Cinderella.
That's so fun you are watching Woody Allen's film with the russian group!!
I liked the movie. The scenery was incredible. The music was beautiful. I think the acting was good. I was ..."
Yes, well, I read Jane Eyre first time when I was maybe 15-year-old or little more and I was of the ones that fell in love with Mr Rochester (still a little bit haha) I re-read it several times, last time some months ago and I admit (I'm now 31) that I still love it, but I understand what you mean about it being Cinderella.
That's so fun you are watching Woody Allen's film with the russian group!!
Patrice wrote: "I think that the casting of the movie did bother me a bit, now that I think of it. Rochester was a little too old and aggressive for my taste. Jane was so sweet and innocent. But I won't say mor..."
I'm so looking forward to watch I'm just afraid it will disappoint me. Still, all fans I know that have already watched it told me positive things of it. Rochester too old and agressive? I actually thought on first reaction that actor was too young for how I imagined him..
I'm so looking forward to watch I'm just afraid it will disappoint me. Still, all fans I know that have already watched it told me positive things of it. Rochester too old and agressive? I actually thought on first reaction that actor was too young for how I imagined him..
Hey everyone. I'm Damion. I'm gaining a slow interest in reading and along with that Russian Lit. Looking forward to diving deeper and deeper into what is available. So far I've read, The Duel, We, C&P and Anna Karenina. The Brothers K is next on my list for Russian Lit, but after making way my though AK I'm going to wait before moving on that way I don't get burnt out.[edit] P.S. The Duel totally spoils Anna Karenina. So don't do what I did and go read a short story while reading Anna K (or before) and then have Anna K be spoiled for you. However, knowing what happened certainly didn't sully the experience of reading the book. Just would have been nice to avoid being spoiled. Since no body warned me, I'll try to warn other people that might be interested.
Thanks for the warning on Anna K, Damion-- and welcome to the group!I actually watched the Tolstoy movie The Last Station the other day, and I think Sofia says something in the film that's another big Anna K spoiler. Oh well!
For some of these longer books, I could just as well use a road map with spoilers to keep the plot straight as I go! :)
We have been tossing around the idea of reading some shorter works, too, so maybe some of those will be a nice break for you.
Damion wrote: "Hey everyone. I'm Damion. I'm gaining a slow interest in reading and along with that Russian Lit. Looking forward to diving deeper and deeper into what is available. So far I've read, The Duel, We,..."
Welcome Damion. Hope you feel comfortable with us. I haven't read so many russian literature myself so don't worry.
I have read Anna Karenina but didn't heard before of "The Duel", so I can't judge. When I read Karenina I already knew the ending of the story because I had seen a film version, and I didn't really care. I will search for The Duel as I'm now curious, so thanks for warning/recommendation :)
Damion, this group is just starting but we are setting our first group reads. We will be reading "War and Peace" during next months (April to June or longer if we need time) and also planning other shorter readings, Nabokov's Lolita, "The master and Margarita" and novellas by Dostoyevsky. Order still not set, but you will be more than welcome in any discussion.
@Amyjzed, yes, in The Last Station" Sofia Tolstoy gives a HUGE spoiler of Anna Karenina!
Welcome Damion. Hope you feel comfortable with us. I haven't read so many russian literature myself so don't worry.
I have read Anna Karenina but didn't heard before of "The Duel", so I can't judge. When I read Karenina I already knew the ending of the story because I had seen a film version, and I didn't really care. I will search for The Duel as I'm now curious, so thanks for warning/recommendation :)
Damion, this group is just starting but we are setting our first group reads. We will be reading "War and Peace" during next months (April to June or longer if we need time) and also planning other shorter readings, Nabokov's Lolita, "The master and Margarita" and novellas by Dostoyevsky. Order still not set, but you will be more than welcome in any discussion.
@Amyjzed, yes, in The Last Station" Sofia Tolstoy gives a HUGE spoiler of Anna Karenina!
Welcome, Damion. Who is the author of "The Duel" read by you? I know two "duels' - by Chekhov and by Kuprin. What are you talking about?
Sounds like fun. Looking forward to reading and being able to discuss, since not many of my friends read much I have to have an outlet to share somewhere! Oops, yeah, It's The Duel by Chekhov.
I read Lolita back in December, but I could definitely use a re-read with that as I'm sure I missed a lot (read both sections, months apart). The Master and Margarita is on my list - and shelf at home - waiting to be read. So I've got myself a nice little stack ready to go. Although, I'm not ready to dive into War and Peace yet, so I probably won't start that till you guy's are winding down, but I'll get to it. I can't force those big books like that, I kind of have to resolve myself to reading them and tell myself "ok, now I think is a good time to start I have time coming up and blah blah" then I can get through them, but if I blindly jump into it I'll lose interest or get stressed with other things and forget about it by other distractions. Anna Karenina sat on my book shelf for a few months till I was ready and I'm glad I waited for the right time.
Damion wrote: "Sounds like fun. Looking forward to reading and being able to discuss, since not many of my friends read much I have to have an outlet to share somewhere!
Oops, yeah, It's The Duel by Chekhov.
I..."
I understand what you mean about diving into long books. Sometimes it's better to give it your own pace instead of forcing. I'm currently reading "Brothers Karamazov" but I was having some problems.. great book but just not in the right mood for it right now. So I decided to give it a break when I was around half of it and coming back to it later.
Feel free to join us with War and Peace when you are in mood for it, Johanna said in another post she wanted to read it but not right now, so I don't think the time schedule for it as group should be too strict.
ps. I had a slight problem with Anna Karenina.. awesome, lovely story.. but not so interested in the agriculture topic.
Oops, yeah, It's The Duel by Chekhov.
I..."
I understand what you mean about diving into long books. Sometimes it's better to give it your own pace instead of forcing. I'm currently reading "Brothers Karamazov" but I was having some problems.. great book but just not in the right mood for it right now. So I decided to give it a break when I was around half of it and coming back to it later.
Feel free to join us with War and Peace when you are in mood for it, Johanna said in another post she wanted to read it but not right now, so I don't think the time schedule for it as group should be too strict.
ps. I had a slight problem with Anna Karenina.. awesome, lovely story.. but not so interested in the agriculture topic.
I agree with you on Anna Karenina. The Brothers Karamazov was the next one of my 'big list' to read. All in all, I'll get around to them eventually!
Привет!
My name is Logan, as my username might suggest. I live in America, though I am by no means an American. The primary focus of my life is both the reading and eventual writing of Literature and Language. I am a decided classicist in my writing and literary theory, and a lover of specifically English and Russian novels. The two best authors ever to exist, as far as I am concerned, are William Shakespeare and Lev Tolstoy.
I am a student of some 14 languages, and I might be called fluent in Classical Latin, though some might contend with me, as it is a dead language. Eis potestatem meam Latinae non latam esse aut profundam dicam, sed ego Caesari colloqui potuerim, si mihi casus datus esset.
I don't mean to be pretentious; I am merely having fun. I have recently become a student of Russian purely so that I might enjoy and study Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, Chekhov, &c. in their original languages. This looks like a group that is right up my alley, especially as, at the time I find myself joining, I have just finished War and Peace and am in the middle of Lolita. I look forward to being in this group.
My name is Logan, as my username might suggest. I live in America, though I am by no means an American. The primary focus of my life is both the reading and eventual writing of Literature and Language. I am a decided classicist in my writing and literary theory, and a lover of specifically English and Russian novels. The two best authors ever to exist, as far as I am concerned, are William Shakespeare and Lev Tolstoy.
I am a student of some 14 languages, and I might be called fluent in Classical Latin, though some might contend with me, as it is a dead language. Eis potestatem meam Latinae non latam esse aut profundam dicam, sed ego Caesari colloqui potuerim, si mihi casus datus esset.
I don't mean to be pretentious; I am merely having fun. I have recently become a student of Russian purely so that I might enjoy and study Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, Chekhov, &c. in their original languages. This looks like a group that is right up my alley, especially as, at the time I find myself joining, I have just finished War and Peace and am in the middle of Lolita. I look forward to being in this group.
Logan wrote: "Привет!
My name is Logan, as my username might suggest. I live in America, though I am by no means an American. The primary focus of my life is both the reading and eventual writing of Literature..."
Welcome Logan! Just curious, is spanish one of the languages you study? :) Feel welcome to join the discussions on War and Peace and Lolita (or any other that interests you)
ps. I wish I could remember some Latin to reply yours.. but I stopped studying it years ago..
My name is Logan, as my username might suggest. I live in America, though I am by no means an American. The primary focus of my life is both the reading and eventual writing of Literature..."
Welcome Logan! Just curious, is spanish one of the languages you study? :) Feel welcome to join the discussions on War and Peace and Lolita (or any other that interests you)
ps. I wish I could remember some Latin to reply yours.. but I stopped studying it years ago..
Welcome Logan! Добро пожаловать!Your ardour for languages (as well as literature) is worthy of respect!
No, Antía, I'm sorry, I don't study Spanish (or Portuguese). The closest I could come to that would be Italian: for some reason, the Spanish language never really has interested me (probably because it's too widely studied in my resident country for my taste).
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Discovering Russian Literature
Books mentioned in this topic
Doctor Zhivago (other topics)Crime and Punishment (other topics)
My name is Val and I'm a college student here in Ohio [the worst place in the world to live since there's nothing exciting here, which is another reason why I'm on here everyday]. I'm majoring in Physics and Math with two minors in French and Russian. I'm hoping to get some good and positive feed-back on whatever Russian Lit. we come across.
So far, Crime and Punishment is one of my favorites in terms of Russian Classics, and anything by Ayn Rand when it comes to more modern ideals.