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A review by graypeape
Woe from Wit: A Verse Comedy in Four Acts by Alexander Griboedov
5.0
I admit, I was not expecting to enjoy this as much as I did. I credit that not only to Griboedov's writing, but also to Hulick's marvelous translation- I can't imagine it was easy to translate a play in verse, but to make it flow as this does is remarkable.
Before I get to the play, let me say that the reader should absolutely read the introduction and the translator's note before reading the play- I know, many people skip these things, but in this case, don't skip it. Knowing the historical and cultural context is important here, and the explanation of many bits of dialogue adds to the understanding of what's going on, as well as the reader's enjoyment. As someone who has skipped many introductions, let me say I'm so glad I didn't this time!
Now, for the play itself: no synopsis here, you can read the publisher blurb, and I don't want to spoil the fun of jumping into this without too much to go on. I'll say the dialogue was witty, biting, and delightful- I'd swear Griboedov was channeling Jane Austen, the lines were that chewy and delicious! There's a lot of scathing commentary on the lickspittle (I learned a new word!) fawning of Russian aristocracy for anyone above them who can be used to better one's position, some fun with a rumor mill, a love quadrangle, and discussion of revolutionary ideas that seem tame to today's reader, but managed to get the play banned in Russia for 40 years. If you are interested in Russian literature at all, or if you just like cracking good plays with snarky dialogue, do yourself a favor and read this!
#WoefromWit #NetGalley
Before I get to the play, let me say that the reader should absolutely read the introduction and the translator's note before reading the play- I know, many people skip these things, but in this case, don't skip it. Knowing the historical and cultural context is important here, and the explanation of many bits of dialogue adds to the understanding of what's going on, as well as the reader's enjoyment. As someone who has skipped many introductions, let me say I'm so glad I didn't this time!
Now, for the play itself: no synopsis here, you can read the publisher blurb, and I don't want to spoil the fun of jumping into this without too much to go on. I'll say the dialogue was witty, biting, and delightful- I'd swear Griboedov was channeling Jane Austen, the lines were that chewy and delicious! There's a lot of scathing commentary on the lickspittle (I learned a new word!) fawning of Russian aristocracy for anyone above them who can be used to better one's position, some fun with a rumor mill, a love quadrangle, and discussion of revolutionary ideas that seem tame to today's reader, but managed to get the play banned in Russia for 40 years. If you are interested in Russian literature at all, or if you just like cracking good plays with snarky dialogue, do yourself a favor and read this!
#WoefromWit #NetGalley