A review by sirfrankiecrisp
The Captain's Daughter by Alexander Pushkin

Pushkin, in brilliant brevity, has lettered the vast snow-capped steppe with a historical romance, thoroughly dreamlike; though dignified, it captures that childlike awe - the wildness, the heroism, the adventure. Yet, the cruelty and indifference, the multitude of reality is ever present. A fairy tale, poignant and ever-lasting - magical.

The NYRB edition, wonderfully translated by Robert Chandler and Elizabeth Chandler, has two great afterword essays - on historical context and the nature of translation. Great additions, a model for classical editions.