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4.16 AVERAGE
4.16 AVERAGE
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Ugh, that was fun. Even the Pontius parts I weren't overly bored with. If you are uninitiated to surrealism and absurdism, this will be weird and boring and confusing. But if you are initiate, then this will be an absolute delight.
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I feel so unintelligent because I didn't understand half of what was going on in this book. Maybe my reading comprehension has gone to shit or maybe it's a Russian classic and I'm not used to the style.
I wish I was more engaged with this text whilst I was reading it but I found it so difficult to concentrate on the plot, mainly due to a poor translation and the confusion of Russian names (found this with Anna Karenina too). I'm a little embarrassed to say that the names and confusion over who was who and what was happening to who was a main barrier, mainly because I know its a cultural thing for Russian names to have 3 elements to them, but for example, I was constantly getting Ivan Nikolayich and Nikanor Ivanovich mixed up (they're exactly the same name but the other way round!!!!! WTF) and every character also had a nickname so I just got completely confused. This is my fault entirely, I should have just written them down as I went along, and next time I read I think I will do this because I do want to enjoy this novel, rather than just tick it off a long awaited TBR list.
It has helped for me to watch YouTube videos and listen to podcasts on analysis and summary of the story. The plot is magical, occult, witchy, political, engaging, in short everything I would want from a classic, but my ignorance and impatience got the better of me with this one, and I really hope to revisit it.
It has helped for me to watch YouTube videos and listen to podcasts on analysis and summary of the story. The plot is magical, occult, witchy, political, engaging, in short everything I would want from a classic, but my ignorance and impatience got the better of me with this one, and I really hope to revisit it.
I was fascinated by reviews of this book and determined to read it. I was not disappointed. The book is an imaginative tour de force, recounting the visit of the devil, in the guise of a magician - Woland, and his entourage to Moscow. Or perhaps it really is the story of 'the master', a writer, and his lover, Margarita, to me the most powerful character in a book full of memorable people. The master has written, and then destroyed, a manuscript recounting an alternative but hyper-realistic story of Pontius Pilate and the crucifixion. This story is interspersed with the main one of the devil's visit. Margarita herself makes a pact with the devil and hosts a fantastic ball in order to enable the master to complete his novel and for them to live together in eternity.
There is much to reflect on in this novel, from issues such as the desperate search for apartments in Moscow - a harsh reality in Soviet times - to people's innate longing for something fine encapsulated in the fashion show at the theatre. Then there are the asylum scenes which cause one to reflect on who are the sane. Rather than instigating evil, Woland is more of a vehicle to identify people's venality and ensure their desserts.
This might sound somewhat overwhelming. Yet the book is actually very funny in parts, from the antics of the huge black cat, Behemoth, who accompanies Woland, to the broomstick rides of Margarita and Natasha.
It is a book to be savoured and will certainly merit another read as there is just so much to appreciate and enjoy.
There is much to reflect on in this novel, from issues such as the desperate search for apartments in Moscow - a harsh reality in Soviet times - to people's innate longing for something fine encapsulated in the fashion show at the theatre. Then there are the asylum scenes which cause one to reflect on who are the sane. Rather than instigating evil, Woland is more of a vehicle to identify people's venality and ensure their desserts.
This might sound somewhat overwhelming. Yet the book is actually very funny in parts, from the antics of the huge black cat, Behemoth, who accompanies Woland, to the broomstick rides of Margarita and Natasha.
It is a book to be savoured and will certainly merit another read as there is just so much to appreciate and enjoy.
review to come. made me rethink how i visualize a books setting when i read it.
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes