A review by insearchof_wonder_
Eugene Onegin by Alexander Pushkin

challenging emotional slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

🪆 As much as he was not an admirable character by any means, at least in most cases, I was sympathetic to Onegin. I feel like Russian literature tends to focus on the darker aspects of the human soul, creating a sort of understanding of certain behaviors and actions that would otherwise merely draw forth your judgment. In a different story, Onegin could be the villain. But here we are concerned for him rather than critical.

🪆 Tatiana one the other hand, is pure heroine. There is only room for empathy where she is concerned.

🪆 I liked the translation but Falen. He seems to have done an excellent job of preserving the wit, flow, conversational tone,and sparkling nature of Pushkin's poetry.

🪆I could have done without some of the tangents. Also, in chapter 7 I would have liked more about Onegin and in chapter 8, more of Tatiana. Otherwise, thoroughly enjoyable!