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3.79 AVERAGE
3.79 AVERAGE
I really liked each of the main sections of this book, with interesting and often funny characters, but the transitions from one section to the other... well, they made it easy to put the book down at those times.
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
reflective
slow-paced
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
challenging
funny
informative
slow-paced
This is Gogol's example of a 19th century Russian get-rich-quick scheme. The protagonist, Chichikov, in order to inherit his uncle's property, set himself up in society, and marry well has come upon a plan. He'll buy up all of the dead souls - serfs who have died since the last census was taken, but are still costing the land owners tax. As Chichikov purchases these dead souls - for a fraction of their original value - his value as a property owner increases until the next census; he's rich with assets!
I can see why Gogol was highly regarded by later writers such as Dostoevsky. He had a gift for caricature, and this story is a prime example.
I can see why Gogol was highly regarded by later writers such as Dostoevsky. He had a gift for caricature, and this story is a prime example.
funny
informative
relaxing
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Basically a series of short stories where our main character stops at different estates and tries to swindle the landowners into giving or selling him “dead souls”— serfs that are technically dead but legally still on the books and able to be mortgaged to the state (he is trying to make a quick fortune & keeps getting caught and run out of town). Each place he stops the characters are extreme, and extremely funny— Gogol portrays the silliness and foolishness in human nature. The narrator talks directly to the reader in a way that is hilarious. Critiques of Russian society and corruption are interesting. Unfortunately it is unfinished, but you can read volume 1 which is complete and be satisfied. Also lots of lovely descriptions of the countryside
Les chapitres sont extrêmement longs et très répétitifs, et malgré l'humour c'est barbant. Je ne suis pas assez curieuse pour continuer.