Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.79 AVERAGE
3.79 AVERAGE
This is a surprisingly humorous read that follows Chichikov, a middle aged gentleman who tours through the Russian countryside buying the rights of deceased serfs from the landowners. He gives the impression that he is doing them an immense favour when really he is out for his gains, although it doesn't necessarily work out all that well for him. Each of the landowners that he speaks to are caricatures of the greed, corruption and paranoia that Gogol implies is deep seated in the Russian government. The second half of the book finds Chichikov moving to another part of the countryside and leaving his dead souls behind where he tries to help another landowner gain favour with a General so he can marry the General's daughter. Once again Chichikov moves from estate to estate meeting many odd and eccentric characters before getting himself into hot water again. Although the second part finishes mid sentence it doesn't feel too unfinished and this seems to add to Chichikov's character of being able to escape by the skin of his teeth. A rather readable and entertaining book.
adventurous
funny
informative
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Growing up, I always read WELL above my expected reading level. I devour books. I can get through anything. Except this one.
I have never in my life not been able to finish a book until I encountered Dead Souls. I love Russian literature and I heard wonderful things about this book, but honestly, I have tried to get through it three times now and have been so beyond bored to death, it's like I could actually feel MY soul dying (ha, ha). I'm so sorry to everyone who has loved this book for insulting it, but honestly, props to anyone who could possibly get through this snooze fest.
Maybe I'll try reading it again in a few years. This book is my Everest.
I have never in my life not been able to finish a book until I encountered Dead Souls. I love Russian literature and I heard wonderful things about this book, but honestly, I have tried to get through it three times now and have been so beyond bored to death, it's like I could actually feel MY soul dying (ha, ha). I'm so sorry to everyone who has loved this book for insulting it, but honestly, props to anyone who could possibly get through this snooze fest.
Maybe I'll try reading it again in a few years. This book is my Everest.
This book contains too many eating scenes, don't read it while hungry. Its a pity we'll never read the complete trilogy, personally I really enjoyed drafts of the second book.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
funny
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
funny
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
DNF
Part love letter to Russia, part biting social commentary, this was a comic ride through the Russian countryside as Chichikov tries to pull through his somewhat morbid get-rich-quick scheme. It felt as if it lost something in translation though.
challenging
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes