Introduce Yourself : New Chapter

[J.M.]

Hello everyone,

I am a Russian-American author, who grew up on Russian literature and is now writing in English. My debut novel The Age of Ice has just been released by Scribner. The novel is a sort of historical, literary fantasy, which begins in Russia in 1740 and visits, among other places and times, Napoleonic wars, the Great Game in the Middle East, then St. Petersburg just before the World War One. There are echoes of Tolstoy and a tribute to the silver age of Russian poetry and Anna Akhmatova.
I am thrilled to find a community of connoisseurs of Russian literature here on Goodreads, and I'll be happy to -- within my ability -- discuss language, history, or tradition of Russian literary writing.

Kind regards,
J.M. Sidorova

[Marie]

Michelle wrote: "Hello,
My name is Michelle, I live in Edinburgh and I'm trying to learn Russian at the moment so I'm reading Russian literature, history, watching Russian films and documentaries... Really just an..."

Dobro pozhalovat Michelle! (Can't figure out how to type in Cyrillic)
Welcome to the group.
Interesting to see that you live in Edinburgh. Do you know about the Russian circle that meets there?
I am passionate about Russian literature having studied and taught it for many years. So many wonderful writers to choose from. My PhD was on the work of Mikhail Lermontov said to be descended from the Scottish bard & seer, Thomas the Rhymer. Now retired I'm writing historical fiction set in 16th century Scotland.
What are you reading now?

[Charles]

Hello everyone.

Like others in the group I have just started reading for my own enjoyment again, although I do struggle to find the time for it.

I first read A Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich when I was at school and cemented my interest in Russian history, art and literature while I did a module on Russian architecture at University.

I recently finished The First Circle and absolutely loved it but haven't gone beyond Solzhenitsyn yet. I am currently reading Asimov's finale in the Foundation trilogy but will eagerly look through this group for ideas of my next Russian read.

Would love to hear from any other Solzhenitsyn fans or anyone with recommendations for my next read.

Thanks,
Charlie

[Dave]

Charlie, "One Day..." and "The First Circle " are two of my favorite novels. 2 others are "Cancer Ward" and "August, 1914". The latter novel's central protagonist is Czarist Russia itself.

[Charles]

Thanks for your reply Dave. Glad you share my views on One Day and First Circle. Cancer Ward has been on my shelf for a while and I did notice that it's one of the book club reads. I don't think I'll have a chance of finishing it in time to make any contribution but will be interested in the discussion all the same! Thanks for recommendation of August, having a quick read of the synopsis on Goodreads has got me intrigued.

[Jordan]

I can't for the life of me remember if I have actually introduced myself on here or not...

Hi. I'm Jordan, I'm not Russian but I am nearly fluent in the language. I have a degree in Russian and in English and am currently working on my MA in Russian and East European studies. Lately, I have a very strong interest in the Balkans. Like all of you, I am fascinated by Russian literature and since I picked up Crime and Punishment when I was 12, even before than when I saw Anastasia as a child, Russia has been my passion. It's my past, present and future. I've been to Moscow, St. Petersburg, Vladimir and several other small Russian towns. Absolutely love Moscow. I've read so many Russian books its ridiculous. I've taken specialized courses on Nabokov, Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, Gogol, and Pushkin. I love Zamyatin. Bulgakov not so much. But am intrigued by Sologub. I am also a writer and blogger. I plan on visiting Croatia, Bosnia, and Serbia this upcoming summer. Nice to meet you all!!!

[Tim]

Hi Everyone. I am very interested in Russian literature and culture. I am of Russian heritage myself, but was born and raised here in Canada. Writers I've read so far - novels by Dostoyevsky, Tolstoy, and Bulgakov, and short stories by many other authors as well. Dostoyevsky is my favourite. I am curious about Russian philosophy; I have not read any yet, but am intersted doing so. I am a Humanities major. Мир

[Claudia]

Hello, my name is Claudia and I'm a Romanian student. My interest for Russia and Russian culture started in my childhood, when I discovered that I'm half Russian (unfortunately I don't speak the language). I started reading Russian literature when I was in high-school but I took a break from reading, but now I'm back in business. Looking forward to discovering new autors and new recomandations from you, guys!

[Alan]

I was in London this past summer and wandered into a book store in Picadilly Circus which is part of a chain, I think it's Wetstones, something like that, anyways to my amazement there is now an entire floor devoted to Russian literature. Most of the books are in Russian but there are quite a few translations also
plus magazines and newspapers. I spoke to the woman in charge of the section and she told me it's new and very popular. She offered me to take a newspaper that was apparently free but I don't read Russian so there was no point. I was so impressed by the holdings. There were some titles which don't really belong, such as Gorky Park. I guess they lump everything that has to do with Russia in one section, but it was still very impressive and to get to this area of the bookstore you had to take this really lovely winding staircase.

[Courtney]

Hello I'm new to the group! Within the last couple of years I realized I really like reading Russian authors. It started with the works of Nabokov (his prose is wonderful), then I branched out and read Brothers Karamazov and I'm currently reading Dead Souls, which is apparently the novel that made the 'Russian novel' what it is... Next I want to read Anna Karenina, I found one with a really cool cover. I'm a sucker for a slick looking book cover.

[Aleksandr]

I'm Alek. My family heritage is Russian and I've taken a great interest in it. I've studied English and Russian at the university level with an emphasis on Russian literature. Mostly satires. My favorite Russian author would be Bulgakov, closely followed by Gogol.

[Joseph]

Hello, I'm Joe from Texas. I've recently read Crime and Punishment and have since developed an intense curiosity for Russian Literature. I just began reading The Brothers Karamazov yesterday, which I'm excited about. This is the first group I've joined on Goodreads.

[Daisy]

Hello everyone!

Russian literature has always fascinated me. I haven't read any Russian literature just yet, but this group will certainly help achieve my goal of devouring some Russian!

I am currently attempting to learn Russian :)

[Bigollo]

Apollonia wrote: "Hello everyone!

Russian literature has always fascinated me. I haven't read any Russian literature just yet, but this group will certainly help achieve my goal of devouring some Russian!

I am c..."

Welcome Apollonia! I only hope it won't be me..:)

[Daisy]

Bigollo wrote: "Apollonia wrote: "Hello everyone!

Russian literature has always fascinated me. I haven't read any Russian literature just yet, but this group will certainly help achieve my goal of devouring some..."

Thank you for the warm welcome! May I ask, what do you mean by "I only hope it won't be me?"

[Bigollo]

I am Russian and I don't want to be devoured :)

[Daisy]

Bigollo wrote: "I am Russian and I don't want to be devoured :)"

Oh gosh! Haha :) I meant devouring Russian literature darling! Haha

[Bigollo]

Apollonia wrote: "Bigollo wrote: "Apollonia wrote: "Hello everyone!

Russian literature has always fascinated me. I haven't read any Russian literature just yet, but this group will certainly help achieve my goal o..."

You've created a good pun. That's all. I hope i didn't come across mean to you:)

[Bigollo]

Apollonia wrote: "Bigollo wrote: "I am Russian and I don't want to be devoured :)"

Oh gosh! Haha :) I meant devouring Russian literature darling! Haha"

Oh, I know:)

[Daisy]

Bigollo wrote: "Apollonia wrote: "Bigollo wrote: "I am Russian and I don't want to be devoured :)"

Oh gosh! Haha :) I meant devouring Russian literature darling! Haha"

Oh, I know:)"

Okay! Haha. WOW

[Teresa]

Hi. I just joined tonight. I'm still working my way around the group page. I am from St. Louis, Missouri. I have been reading Russian Literature for awhile now and am never disappointed. I am glad to have found this group and to be able to share my love of Russian Lit.

[Botic]

Hi!

My name is Botic and I live in Sweden. I have only read two russian books so far. Fyodor's Crime and Punishment was okay. I loved Bulgakov's The Master and Margarita!

I am currently reading The Brothers Karamazov and I am really enjoying it so far.

[Teresa]

Sounds good. I'm looking forward to reading them both. I particularly like Solzhenitsyn. Not sure my spelling is right. At the moment I'm waiting for 2 books I ordered by him to come in the mail. August 1914 and The Gulag Archipelago.

[Lisa]

Hullo all

[Holly]

Hi everyone, I'm Holly.

I'm an English A-Level student hoping to start my English Literature degree next September. I recently introduced myself to Russian Literature by reading Crime and Punishment and I really really loved it. I'm hoping to make some more progress in the world of Russian lit, I'm just at a dead end on where to start really. It was hard enough choosing to start with C&P.

I hope none of you will get frustrated at my relatively non-existent knowledge about Russian Literature, and that I can gain some valuable insights into them from people who love them!

[Eyre]

Hi, I'm Chris.

I am an English Studies graduate from France. I mostly read American and British literature (and I am a big poetry nerd) but I used to read Russian literature when I was in high school and I really want to re discover that literature now that I am supposed to be a grown up.

I am really excited about joining this bookclub :)

[Lisa]

Welcome Eyre! Do you also like comics? (rouge is your avatar)

[Eyre]

Thanks Lisa :) I do read a lot of comics and Rogue is one of my favorite. But I actually took this avatar because it is Merida (from Pixar film Brave) dressed up as Rogue, and I have a huge obsession for Scotland.

[Lisa]

O cool, I see it now. I'm actually part Scotts (although live in SA) and love Xmen comics:-) Welcome!

[Andrew]

Hello All! My name is Andrew and I live in the United States. I read Dostoevksy's Notes from Underground while I was a senior in college and my reading interests changed ever since. I've read a fair amount of the classics from the Golden Age, and am sifting my through novelists of the Soviet Era. As a side note, I'd love to read Russian poetry but, considering that I am not that proficient in Russian (yet!), I have some reservations about reading it in translation (though Mandelstam's stuff seems great even in English).

I am currently reading Vasily Grossman's Life and Fate, and will probably tackle Everything Flows and The Road shortly thereafter. I also LOVE a lot of Russian/Eastern European films as well, though I still have a long way to go. Anyway, I'm glad I found this group!

[dely]

Andrew wrote: "Hello All! My name is Andrew and I live in the United States. I read Dostoevksy's Notes from Underground while I was a senior in college and my reading interests changed ever since. I've read a fai..."

Welcome Andrew!
I have read Life and Fate last year and I still think about it. It's such a deep book, one of those that stay with you for a long time or all life long. Hope you are enjoying it!

[Anabanana]

Hey everyone! My name is Ana and I'm from Slovenia. I study Russian language and literature. I've been a huge fan of Russian literature ever since I was a child (seriously, I read Crime and punishment when I was like ten) :) My favourite book by a russian author is Gogol's Dead Souls with Dostoevsky's Notes From the Underground at a close second. I also enjoyed immensely Bulgakov's Master and Margarita. I look forward to participating in this group!

[S.]

Anabanana wrote: "Hey everyone! My name is Ana and I'm from Slovenia. I study Russian language and literature. I've been a huge fan of Russian literature ever since I was a child (seriously, I read Crime and punishm..."

Nice to meet ya Ana!

[S.]

Hello Russian Literature Enthusiasts,

My name is Marty Shelton. I have been fascinated with the Romanov regicide since I was a young nipper.

I am a retired Navy captain who spent a lot of time studying Soviet and Far East affairs.

I published my first novel, St. Catherine's Crown, which begs the question, what if Anastasia survived the regicide?

I look forward to interacting with the group.

[Andrew]

dely wrote: "Andrew wrote: "Hello All! My name is Andrew and I live in the United States. I read Dostoevksy's Notes from Underground while I was a senior in college and my reading interests changed ever since. ..."

Thanks for responding Dely! I just finished Life and Fate and you are absolutely right. I have a lot of thinking to do about such an immense story. In any case, I agree with many of the reviews that regard it as a sort of War and Peace of the twentieth century, but it stands on its own. Onto Everything Flows.

[dely]

Andrew wrote: "dely wrote: "Andrew wrote: "Hello All! My name is Andrew and I live in the United States. I read Dostoevksy's Notes from Underground while I was a senior in college and my reading interests changed..."

I liked Life and Fate much more then War and Peace. Perhaps because the events are more recent, we know them much better, we can feel more involved. But also because Grossman looks deeper into human feelings and emotions rather than Tolstoj in War and Peace. From this point of view I didn't like a lot Tolstoj because I felt he wasn't very able to watch inside a human being; he was more "spiritual" and interested to underline a inner struggle between spirituality and superficial life, while Grossman looked at every aspect of human emotions, he is more "human" and so I appreciated him much more.

[Shruti]

Hello there, I just finished reading Anna Kerenina and am really happy to have stumbled upon this group. :-)

[S.]

Shruti:

Welcome aboard.

Marty

[Roman Adriel]

Hello!

Roman here. I'm kind of becoming an insane fan of russians but only because of Dostoyevsky. I admire everything he has done and all the references he makes along his novels to russian masters such as Gogol or Pushkin have made me want to get a little more into russian literature.

I happened to find out Fiodor when my sister gave me Notes From Underground for my birthday. I used to be sort of depressed for no apparent reason and the only thing my sister knew about Fiodor was he had such a psychological writing style he could get to me very intensely at that moment. Well, she was right. I've read Notes From Underground, The Gambler and The Idiot by the moment and I'm absolutely in love.

Hope to learn a lot from this group.

[Bigollo]

Welcome Roman.

Just FYI, Short & Sweet Treats group is reading/discussing Notes from Underground this month.

[Marija]

Hi,there!
My name is Marija (or Maria in English). I'm 26 years old from Serbia.
I love Russian literature. It all started ih high school when i read Crime and Punishment, Master and Margarita, Eugene Onegin... My mother is a great Dostoyevsky fan, so my house is ful of his books. I read The Gambler, few of his short stories and recently The Karamazov brothers witch is my favourite. My next to -read book is Idiot.
I'm looking forward to join this group and disscusion.

[S.]

Welcome aboard, Marija. Delighted to have you aboard.

Marty

[Robert]

Hi Amalie,

I'm Robert, and I'm not Russian, but have a passion for Russian authors such as Dostoevsky, Tolstoy and Solzhenitsyn. I became enamored with Russian literature after having read "Crime and Punishment" as a young teenager. I remember how the writing was so intense, that I actually felt like I was inside the mind of Rodya! Just finished "In the First Circle", and will begin Gulag Archipelago, shortly. Thanks!

[Gerard]

My name is Larry. I am trying to read again. Reading once made me feel and think as a man whose greatest desire and love was to remain in a 'conversation' that brought me joy, peace and contentment. I have lost the thread. I have lost my voice. To read as C.S. Lewis remarked is know that we are not alone. True. But for many years without being apart of the conversation-- I have been filled with loss and loneliness. I place Dostoyevsky alongside Dante and Shakespeare. Despite the suffering of the soul that is insinuated to the historical and philosophical and literary endeavors of the Russian character-- I find peace. I simply don't know where to begin again. So if anyone is reading or re-reading The Brothers Karamazov, again-- or the oeuvre of Solzhenitsyn which I read too long ago-- let me know.

[Ann]

I am currently reading Master and Margarita and wish to read more of Russian literature.

[Margaret]

I am currently reading Crime and Punishment and I am in love.....in love....oh, I already said that. C&P is my first book ever by a Russian author. I have always had a fascination with Russia, the people and the history. I decided that this year I will be delving full force into Russian Lit. and with much enthusiasm. btw, I am from Northern California.

[Andrey]

Hi All,

My name is Andrey Kneller. I was born in Moscow but grew up in New York and Boston. I'm a huge fan of Russian literature and Russian poetry specifically. I have my own website dedicated to Anna Akhmatova, one of the greatest female Russian poets (www.annaakhmatova.com). I've also self-published a few collections of translations including Alexander Pushkin, Vladimir Mayakovsky, Boris Pasternak, Marina Tsvetaeva, among others. I'm a goodreads author, so if you click on my name, you'll be able to see all of the books I've published. I'm happy to join this group and share my passion with you, as well as learn and discover more great literature from all of you. Looking forward to it!

Andrey

[[deleted user]]

HI,
My name is Jamie and I just love to read. I try to read 100 books every year. I've been doing this since I was 8. (I think) My mom loves the Classic Russian writers and I thought this would be a great group to help me find some good Russian literature. I'm sorry to say I have only read Anna Karenina. So I hope with the help of this group to change that. Jamie

[Jenny]

Hi, I'm Jenny. New to Goodreads and happy to find this group. I studied Russian language and have always wanted to read Russian literature so I look forward to discovering it with you all.

[Merlin]

Hello!
I am from Estonia and 've reading Russian literature quite a lot while highscool, as it was a part of our scool programme. Now after a while I would like to start again and discuss it also with you ;)