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4.16 AVERAGE
4.16 AVERAGE
Leaning towards 3.5 stars. I think the book was very well translated and wasn’t too clunky. It is somewhat old, and obviously Russian, so that adds a little difficulty. A lot of the characters are referenced by 2-3 different names/titles. Additionally, a lot of the names LOOKED very similar to my ignorant American brain. I highly recommend making a character guide to keep them all straight.. unfortunately I didn’t think of that until the end.
The struggle aside, it was definitely worth reading. I took a lot of google side quests to learn about various things (such as why foreign currency was SO illegal in Russia under Stalin), which is why it took me so long to get through. It was a little stiff (?), as you might expect an older, translated novel to be, but regardless, the story was entertaining and original. Part 2 of the novel, once Margarita is properly introduced and all of the shenanigans are somewhat wrapped together, was definitely my favorite. I don’t usually recommend toughing books out if you aren’t enjoying them.. but I think this one is worth sticking with!
The struggle aside, it was definitely worth reading. I took a lot of google side quests to learn about various things (such as why foreign currency was SO illegal in Russia under Stalin), which is why it took me so long to get through. It was a little stiff (?), as you might expect an older, translated novel to be, but regardless, the story was entertaining and original. Part 2 of the novel, once Margarita is properly introduced and all of the shenanigans are somewhat wrapped together, was definitely my favorite. I don’t usually recommend toughing books out if you aren’t enjoying them.. but I think this one is worth sticking with!
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Re-reading this while touring Russia, specially Moscow, was a treat and a luxury.
adventurous
challenging
funny
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
dark
funny
mysterious
reflective
medium-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
One of my top three favourite books of all time.
I love a good magical realism satire and this was crazy good! Everything from the parallels and deliciously trippy episodes, to the humour. As someone who writes and appreciates many forms of art, I particularly enjoyed the depiction of "true" art as something that could withstand suppression so long as the idea lives on, or as Woland would say:
"Manuscripts don't burn."
I love a good magical realism satire and this was crazy good! Everything from the parallels and deliciously trippy episodes, to the humour. As someone who writes and appreciates many forms of art, I particularly enjoyed the depiction of "true" art as something that could withstand suppression so long as the idea lives on, or as Woland would say:
"Manuscripts don't burn."
A russian classic and a very good one. I laugh more than one time and I stan Behemot the cat
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
challenging
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
One of the most enjoyable reads of any classic. Full of what I can only describe as a dark whimsy. So incredibly witty and had me constantly laughing out loud.