You and Emma has been one of the main reason why I started reading classics and I am so grateful that you encourage us all to try it though it might be quite overwhelming at first. I am definitely enjoying my adventures with Anna Karennina and Count Dracula, and Im excited to read more and hear from you about books.
I totally agree. I always wanted to read anna karenina but it is one of the most intimidating books. Your videos encouraged me to read it. Finally this month i read it. It was truly amazing adventure. I loved it. Thanks a lot .🥰
I just have finished another Russian classic book, which is called “Oblomov” by Goncharov….and for me it was just a mind-blowing book. So, I really recommend it to all. I was surprised a lot about the finish of the book and I cried a lot. All of us must read this book
I just mentioned it to Carolyn too, before I saw your comment. It happened to be the very first Russian classic that I’ve ever read, and to this day, it’s still my favorite. It’s the book that got me started on the Russian Classics kick. I think Oblomov is more famous in Russia than it is outside of it.
As a russian, who was obliged to read all these books during school, I find it so inspiring to watch videos like this and discover people, who love russian classics. I’m so happy that you truly enjoy reading them! Found this channel 10 minutes ago and it’s already one of my fav❤️
Russian Literature is special to me when I read it , it just grasps me into the story and I am never let down by Russian authors. This year I read Anna Karenina, Eugene Onegin, The Kreutzer Sonata , I also just finished "The Torrents of Spring" by Turgenev and it was incredible. Everytime I finish a good book it just holds a special place in my heart. I will read even more books from Russian Literature like "War and Peace", "The Gambler", "White Nights" etc.
All I can say is that I am really really sorry for being a hour late for this lecture and I am really excited about watching this video please stay safe and enjoy your reading love your Australia fan John xx
You are such a wonderful person, Carolyn. The way you talk about different kind of books is so interesting to listen. I have read a lot of Russian books in school (I was studying in Russian school) and after that as well, and I have same feelings about Leo Tolstoy, Fyodor Michailovich Dostoevsy, Bulgagov and etc.. All those writers had so much to say and share with the World! You are absolutely right, when you say about the history of Russia - it is well written in the pages of Russian books. Im not quite sure what tips could be given to those who never read or afraid for some reason to read Russian literature, but I can just say one thing - give it a shot! Try it! Im quite sure that you will love it. Of course, I will not point on each Russian writer and say that he or she is amazing, but there are a lot of them who can be called - outstanding writers. The explanation about "slap in the face" was the best, makes me laugh - amazing)))) Ones again, thank you Carolyn for being such an amazing person and thank you for talking about Russian authors on your channel. Good luck to those who just started the journey around Russian literature. Enjoy every moment! :) P.S. Im thinking now to add Akhmatova to my collection.
I hope you become insanely wealthy doing videos. THIS (imo) is what the internet should be used for. It was you who started me reading Russian literature. I have not read the comments section and I am sure you get a lot of compliments, so I will just say thank you. I know how much work you have invested in your videos 🌷
Always so happy to hear how passionate you are about Russian literature, about Tolstoy and Pushkin! It is so inspiring! And I agree, watching adaptations definitely helps with huge books and also makes you want to re-read them ("War and Peace" definitely does, it's one of my favourites!). "Woe from Wit" is amazing, can't wait to hear your thoughts about it, and so are Bulgakov's books ("Heart of a Dog" and "A Young Doctor's Notebook" are two short ones, that I could definitely recommend to anyone who wants to start reading Bulgakov with something smaller than "Master and Margarita"). From Russian non-fiction, I can recommend Andrey Zorin's biography of Tolstoy - it was actually written in English, it's small and a very interesting look at his biography and works!
Carolynnnnn!!!! Thank you so much for this, I cannot wait to start with my Russian bookshelf. Your passion just shines through and it is so heartwarming.
If the day includes an upload from Carolyn, otherwise known as Seriously Underrated, then it can't help but be a better day. I LOVE your channel more than anyone else's.
I have classic Russian books on my Christmas wish list, and I can’t wait to bring in the new year reading them! Thank you for the tips about where to start! I’m excited to start my Russian literature journey soon!
I really do appreciate that you're making these videos, it feels like being in my favourite class with my favourite professor but also listening to my best friend passionately talking about her favourite things... to be honest I thought russian literature was all about the sad face of reality put into beautiful words which made me a bit intimidated as you said, but as you have explained I feel now that it's approachable and enjoyable... I do think that I will start with Dostoevsky. and happy birthday in advance ^^
I adore you, really. I never would have trusted myself reading humongous books and also even just classics, thinking they'd be far too complex/intellectually difficult for me. Your descriptions of the epics and the shorter stories endear me because the thoughts you share are so relatable and they feel very accessible. I feel like the things you convey and also how you convey them are all your very individual own and that makes me so excited to read the Russian classics. Like really, a new world of happiness has opened up to me!!! Thank you so much:')
I don’t know if I can call myself “an expert”,but I’m Russian and I read a lot of classics(they’re all in school program, so I couldn’t not to do it). If smb have any question about Russian literature(not only classic), Russian language, pronunciation or some book, i think that I can help you:D
@@1siddynickhead Oh, I read more Russian classic authors than contemporary authors, but there are some, which I can mention. I really like works of Tatyana Tolstaya…and she’s a relative of Leo Tolstoy) (great granddaughter or something like this). And Zakhar Prilepin is a good writer too, I just have read a few short stories, but I liked them, and my teacher recommended it to me, so, I think I can tell you about him too. I hope this information will help you))
@@amodiekka thank you so much! This was very helpful! So far, the Russian authors I've read are Tolstoy, Dostoyevsky, Gaito Gazdanov, Andrei Bely and Nina Berberova. I've read some short stories by Gogol but found them to be too steeped in the era when they were written.
@@1siddynickhead you could try something from Victor Pelevin. He is one of the most famous russian authors in the postmodern genre ("Omon Ra", "The Life of Insects", "Generation P", etc.) But I must warn you that this is quite specific literature and you may not like it. Sergey Lukyanenko is known for his fantasy books (the "Night Watch" trilogy, etc.) Boris Akunin wrote the series of detective stories about the fictional character Erast Fandorin, set in the 19th century historical background.
@@user-ux6tt5hc2f Thank you so much! I will note these down and find the books😊 I really appreciate the insight and I'm excited to explore your suggestions and Russian fantasy!
Love your enthusiasm, reading Russian literature is not a walk in the park. But when you pull through, when you do salami tactics which is one slice at a time…. A whole world will open up. Reading for instance Turgenev means actually being then and there. Thats what is does, many thanks from the Netherlands.
Yay! I was so excited for a video like this. I just started reading my first Russian novel - I decided to begin this journey with Anna Karenina - and I’m loving it so far. Really looking forward to reading more Russian novels and joining you in this amazing journey
Tolstoy's short stories are a great start for those tackling Russian Literature for the first time. If you want a wider exposure to other authors I recommend the Penguin Classics "Russian Short Stories from Pushkin to Buida", many of which are only 10/15 pages long. Many of these authors I hadn't heard of and I have been reading Russian Literature for 50 years. It was nice to hear Life and Fate by Vasily Grossman mentioned though it is the follow-up to Stalingrad by the same author. Combined you are looking at close to 1800 pages, but what a journey! Good luck to one and all you will not be disappointed by the variety and emotional content of this genre.
Personal recommendation from russian who stumbled upon this video, if you want to read something russian and not as intimidating as War and Peace, try Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk District by Nikolai Leskov. I listened this book on the radio in pieces when I was 12 and really enjoyed it. It is quite short, reminds Madame Bovary a little and have movie adaptation named Lady Macbeth with Florence Pugh as female lead (she was great, I started to follow her career after that role).
A tip that has helped me - avoid cheap editions of Russian classics. Wordsworth, Dover / Thrift Editions etc. Not for snobby reasons, but just because of the typeface. The print is tiny, and can strain the eye. For me, at least. Of course, for the price of them you cannot complain, and the publishers have to economize somewhere. But, I have struggled to finish many of those editions in the past, so they are a false economy really. Better off even with an ebook format than some of them. 'Hadji Murat' is a great gateway Tolstoy book. It's at its heart an adventure story, full of derring do. Exotic locales (Chechniya) - even for the Russian readership, great characterisation, and importantly for beginners it is quite short, just 150 pages. Brilliant atmospheric writing.
I have never been a bookworm, I don't even remember what the last book I read was. I have not even read more novels than I have fingers on one hand! And yet...I dared to ask for crime and punishment in a bookstore about a month ago. (I am not even shure why. Maybe I just wanted to pride myself in having read at least one classic in my life) so thank you for complimenting my ambition😅. I am almost done, and holy moly have I been missing out! I was hooked immediadiatly. I am currently living in St.Petersburg the summer of the 1860s. My heart is pounding, I'm weeping... I have decided to read notes from underground next, and then mayyybeee brothers karamasov. If I am still hooked I will move on to tolstojs anna karenina. Subbing, but I think I'll be putting the anna karenina videos on hold until I catch up. I welcome any pointers anyone might have in my journey.
The operatic version of Eugene Onegin is really good too -and has so many great tunes that it's easy to appreciate even if you're not normally into opera.
I read the Garnett translation where possible. The thing about P&V translations is that their process is to use ghost translation initially, then get more involved in whittling down the final text of what we end up with. What we’re left with in this assembly line affair is something thoroughly modern, yet also stripped of all the music found in superior translations. Like many things today, P&V as an entity is the creation of public relations, clever marketing tactics, and a puppy mill like operation of workers handling the translation process - and that’s the feeling I get through the text. The idea they are being more faithful to the original Russian is also significantly overstated, and when that claim is made by their promoters it’s done with the understanding that what is considered “faithful” in translation often varies by definition, so they can make t he claim without really being made accountable for the claim.
I’ve enjoyed your videos for over a year now, great job!!! Other Audible choices that have a wealth of knowledge to help people out in their Russian lit journey are : Modern scholar-The Giants of Russian literature-Liza Knapp Great courses- Classics of Russian Literature-Irwin Weil Natasha’s Dance-Orlando Figes ( this book talks bout Russian culture and history though the centuries. Puts amazing context into the background of what u are reading in the Russian classics. Anything by Orlando Figes on Russia is very good to give background on Russia :). Hope this helps others :). I’m on my Russian lit journey too :)
would love if you delved into Indian literature (especially Bengali writers like Rabindranath Tagore) I promise you won't be disappointed . Due to India's colonial history, we have amazing English literature written by Indians.
The translations advice is so helpful! In your video where you compared the Anna Kerenina translations, I was immediately captured by the Maude translation, where I found the others okay but they might have become a “mashed potato” book
In fact I'm not sure about Griboedov's influence on Pushkin, because he started Onegin before he first heard Griboedov's play read by his friend. And when he got to know about that play he was already the major literature authority in Russia. Though he admired that play much. Pushkin was a very educated man, he perfectly knew several languages and mostly he was influenced by European literature. Maybe that's why he is considered the founder of modern russian language - he was the first writer/poet who connected russian literature tradition with the world's tradition) Sorry for that comment) but I admire both of them) Thank you for your vlog!) such a pleasure!) P. S. An interesting fact: Pushkin loved Griboedov, they were friends. Griboedov also was an ambassador in Persia, where he was killed by mad religious crowd. That time Pushkin traveled across southern parts of Russia where he met a caravan. He asked them what are you transporting and they answered - Griboedov. They transported dead body of Pushkin's friend Griboedov to his native land...
Not me thinking there was a riot or something outside for the first 30 seconds 😂 I was so confused. But got half way through the video, I can honestly say this was a great help as someone who’s trying to learn Russian. It’s strange though because I’m not remotely interested in the history or culture honestly as I was viciously robbed of that curiosity early on, but I watched in the pursuit of finding genuine literature as that’s what I’m using to learn. So I did gain a lot of areas to further my knowledge and I appreciate it. I’ve been trying to find audio books and tv series and such so I can have something to listen to that has like combination of historical speaking and modern day because I wanted to make sure my speech wasn’t outdated so to speak or entirely too formal. But it’s rather hard to search for accurate pieces from a different language and culture that doesn’t seem to be widely learned? Or I’m just an idiot and can’t use google properly? Lol I’m not sure but I’ll be definitely checking out your other video about the Russian books specifically. Thank you.
Hi Carolyn, Thanks to you I am currently reading Onegin and you were right: it is absolutely incredible and beautiful. Words cannot describe what this book achieves on so many levels. I am only half way through, but know for sure this is one of my favourite books of all time. I have read Shakespeare and Goethe, but the only other time that I have found a classic in verse so engaging, so accessible and so beautiful has been when I read Don Quijote. Anyway, because of your love for Russian Lit, I wanted to recommend to you “A Gentleman in Moscow” by Amor Towles. This is historical fiction, but it is gorgeously written, and evoques feelings very similar as to those you may have, when reading the Russian classics. It is set in Moscow, with an absolutely loveable protagonist and has quite bit of Russian history woven into the story. The protagonist is so loveable so are the side characters. I really think you would enjoy it just for the “Russian atmosphere”, if that makes sense. BTW The audiobook is also really nice. Take care and thank for your videos!
My first Russian classic was Crime and Punishment and that beautiful book was an experience, I felt like a different person after I finished it. I’m already halfway through The Brothers Karamazov and I don’t think I’ve ever sob so much while reading any other author before 😅 Dostoevsky keeps me in a endless loop of being heartbroken/loving humanity
I actually laughed out loud with your first point as the only Russian lit books I’ve got are AK, W&P and c&p 😂 I read W&P last year and I’m halfway through c&p right now, love the realism in RL!
I had an older translation of anna karenina that was terrible, I was hating that book!! Then I saw your videos saying how good the book is and it got me thinking... I bought the most popular translation and I must say, the problem was the translation 100% cause im loving it
I currently have War and Peace on my desk, and it's winning the staring contest... Some criticism on your video format if I may. Keep your slides brief. Something like a minimal title with the things that you would switch to bold for easy skim-reading. And keep the rest of your notes for your free-style commentary. I would perhaps even just overlay them on the video instead of changing to a black background
@@CarolynMarieReads Maybe. My fave author (who writes in english) in Michael Crichton. And in russian - Bulgakov. I wonder if you have read Master and Magrarita by him. Actually, after watching your video i went and read some Pushkin's stories, not the poetry. Thank you for your videos!
As an author, I also like to read other people's books sometimes too. I wrote a short Russian novel, but I am American, and the book is in English. I tried to read some from Russian writers, but I had a problem with how sad and hopeless some of it was, but I may try again with different authors. Also, Christmas is coming for 2022 so happy Holidays from Hollie
I don’t think I’ve ever heard you mention Goncharov’s Oblomov. Have you read it? It’s so hard to pick a favorite Russian classic, but if I had to pick just one, that would be it. Would love to someday hear your opinion on it. I never comment, but as always, I enjoyed your video. You provided terrific links that I, myself, have made use of in this past year as I’ve been reading these books. It seems that we’ve been down the same CZcams rabbit-hole and reading list. I know Anna Karenina is your favorite, so if you hadn’t already, check out the lecture by Julie Cassiday on CZcams called, “Tolstoy’s “Anna Karenina” and the Meaning of Life”
huge tip for master and margarita: read it after your are well versed in the writers that came before bulgakov, like Pushkin and Griboyedov, he mentions them relentlessly and I had a very hard time keeping track of all the references, much lass understanding them.
If I may just get my 2$s worth in on two books I can recommend on Russian history & culture that may help put Russian fiction in some context: I just read Adam Zamoyski's volume on Napoleon's invasion and retreat of Russia entitled "1812: Napoleon's Fatal March On Moscow". A gruesome account of that pivotal event in 19th century European history that could serve as a curtain-lifter to "War and Peace". Also a book by Orlando Figes called "Natasha's Dance: a cultural history of Russia" which spans from Peter the Great's founding of Saint Petersburg to the eve of the Bolshevik revolution in 1917. Both are bulky books weighing in at between 500 to 700 pages. Happy reading! Greetings from Ireland!
Totally agree with you Nigel, I think a little dip into the period covered in a non-fiction book helps set the scene. Orlando Figes also wrote "A People's Tragedy" about the build-up and the events of the Russian Revolution. It helps give context to much of the Russian literature that came from those momentous years. Stay safe in the Emerald Isle.
You said that you're going to read "Quiet flows the Don" in 2022 - I'm reading it right now! I wonder, what do you think of it? (Have you ended up reading it?) I'm just both excited and horrified by how relevant it is today. I felt especially awkward when reading how characters discuss that their region D should become independent from both U and R (avoiding full country names just in case there is some weird youtube algorithm). Makes me think how issues of today are connected to the past!
And about the author of Woe from wit, Alexander Griboyedov. His surname is pronounced like Griboyeeeedov.In Russian is Грибоедов.So, I don’t really understand how to explain the pronunciation correct, maybe you just can hear it in translator….try to translate it to Russian and listen to how pronuncies Russian version. I hope you understand me, because I’m not speaking English very well and in my words can be mistakes, sorry;(
The emphasis is on the “ye”, not the “i”, which is where English speakers usually place it. It’s the same thing with the pronunciation of Tolstoy’s name. English speakers place the emphasis on the first “o”, Russians, on the last. None of it is important or makes any difference, however, imo.
Hey Carolyn, have you seen the War and Peace film directed by Sergey Bondarchuk? It won the oscar for the best foreign film in 1968 (1969). Its on youtube. If so, what did you think of it?
Peterson does a decent job explaining some of dostoevsky's text, but i can't help but feel he's using it more to further his work than to explain the intent of the author. I think that's unfortunately shown in comments as the very highly top voted comment on that video is a discussion having almost nothing to do with doestoevsky's commentary
You and Emma has been one of the main reason why I started reading classics and I am so grateful that you encourage us all to try it though it might be quite overwhelming at first. I am definitely enjoying my adventures with Anna Karennina and Count Dracula, and Im excited to read more and hear from you about books.
That’s wonderful! Honored to be part of your classics journey! Yay Anna Karenina 🤩
I totally agree. I always wanted to read anna karenina but it is one of the most intimidating books. Your videos encouraged me to read it. Finally this month i read it. It was truly amazing adventure. I loved it. Thanks a lot .🥰
I just have finished another Russian classic book, which is called “Oblomov” by Goncharov….and for me it was just a mind-blowing book. So, I really recommend it to all. I was surprised a lot about the finish of the book and I cried a lot. All of us must read this book
I just mentioned it to Carolyn too, before I saw your comment. It happened to be the very first Russian classic that I’ve ever read, and to this day, it’s still my favorite. It’s the book that got me started on the Russian Classics kick. I think Oblomov is more famous in Russia than it is outside of it.
It's on my tbr
Yes it’s on my TBR! I’ve heard great things about it, and now even more great things from you! I’ll have to move it up my priority list!
@@CarolynMarieReads You are pretty
Waiting in my book box to be read in 2022
Anna Karenina blew my mind, but The Brothers Karamazov changed the way I think.
--Also, I can't recomend The Master and Margarita enough
As a russian, who was obliged to read all these books during school, I find it so inspiring to watch videos like this and discover people, who love russian classics. I’m so happy that you truly enjoy reading them! Found this channel 10 minutes ago and it’s already one of my fav❤️
Aw reading this made me so happy! Being able to read Russian classics in their original is such a gift! ❤️ and Welcome! So happy to have you here :)
Russian Literature is special to me when I read it , it just grasps me into the story and I am never let down by Russian authors. This year I read Anna Karenina, Eugene Onegin, The Kreutzer Sonata , I also just finished "The Torrents of Spring" by Turgenev and it was incredible. Everytime I finish a good book it just holds a special place in my heart. I will read even more books from Russian Literature like "War and Peace", "The Gambler", "White Nights" etc.
The torrent of spring hits you hard when you really can sympathise with Sanin(with the weak hearted people)
All I can say is that I am really really sorry for being a hour late for this lecture and I am really excited about watching this video please stay safe and enjoy your reading love your Australia fan John xx
My first Russian classic was The Death of Ivan Ilych by Tolstoy and it was GOOD !
You are such a wonderful person, Carolyn. The way you talk about different kind of books is so interesting to listen. I have read a lot of Russian books in school (I was studying in Russian school) and after that as well, and I have same feelings about Leo Tolstoy, Fyodor Michailovich Dostoevsy, Bulgagov and etc.. All those writers had so much to say and share with the World! You are absolutely right, when you say about the history of Russia - it is well written in the pages of Russian books.
Im not quite sure what tips could be given to those who never read or afraid for some reason to read Russian literature, but I can just say one thing - give it a shot! Try it! Im quite sure that you will love it. Of course, I will not point on each Russian writer and say that he or she is amazing, but there are a lot of them who can be called - outstanding writers.
The explanation about "slap in the face" was the best, makes me laugh - amazing)))) Ones again, thank you Carolyn for being such an amazing person and thank you for talking about Russian authors on your channel. Good luck to those who just started the journey around Russian literature. Enjoy every moment! :)
P.S. Im thinking now to add Akhmatova to my collection.
Oh wow!!! Thank YOU for such a lovely comment!!! 😄
I hope you become insanely wealthy doing videos. THIS (imo) is what the internet should be used for. It was you who started me reading Russian literature. I have not read the comments section and I am sure you get a lot of compliments, so I will just say thank you. I know how much work you have invested in your videos 🌷
"There is no surer foundation for a beautiful friendship than a mutual taste in literature." P.G. Wodehouse
Start small does not go with me. I picked up the grandest of the grands. My first Russian classic was The Brothers Karamazov. 🤩 The rest is history.
Oh wow! Very brave 😆
Always so happy to hear how passionate you are about Russian literature, about Tolstoy and Pushkin! It is so inspiring! And I agree, watching adaptations definitely helps with huge books and also makes you want to re-read them ("War and Peace" definitely does, it's one of my favourites!). "Woe from Wit" is amazing, can't wait to hear your thoughts about it, and so are Bulgakov's books ("Heart of a Dog" and "A Young Doctor's Notebook" are two short ones, that I could definitely recommend to anyone who wants to start reading Bulgakov with something smaller than "Master and Margarita"). From Russian non-fiction, I can recommend Andrey Zorin's biography of Tolstoy - it was actually written in English, it's small and a very interesting look at his biography and works!
This is so well done. Thank you for the effort put into preparing and executing this.
Carolynnnnn!!!! Thank you so much for this, I cannot wait to start with my Russian bookshelf. Your passion just shines through and it is so heartwarming.
I hope you have a wonderful Russian lit reading journey!
If the day includes an upload from Carolyn, otherwise known as Seriously Underrated, then it can't help but be a better day. I LOVE your channel more than anyone else's.
Awww thank you sooo much! That truly means the world!!! 🥰
I’m so excited for this!! I just bought my copy of Crime & Punishment and am looking forward to getting into it!
I'm currently reading it and it's Amazing!
Oh my gosh. I adore your enthusiasm in this video. And I also love the Folio Society books. I’m a big fan - and subscriber - of you and Emma. 🥰
I have classic Russian books on my Christmas wish list, and I can’t wait to bring in the new year reading them! Thank you for the tips about where to start! I’m excited to start my Russian literature journey soon!
I really do appreciate that you're making these videos, it feels like being in my favourite class with my favourite professor but also listening to my best friend passionately talking about her favourite things... to be honest I thought russian literature was all about the sad face of reality put into beautiful words which made me a bit intimidated as you said, but as you have explained I feel now that it's approachable and enjoyable... I do think that I will start with Dostoevsky.
and happy birthday in advance ^^
Aww it’s my absolute pleasure!!! 😄 yes!
And thank you so much!!!
I adore you, really. I never would have trusted myself reading humongous books and also even just classics, thinking they'd be far too complex/intellectually difficult for me. Your descriptions of the epics and the shorter stories endear me because the thoughts you share are so relatable and they feel very accessible. I feel like the things you convey and also how you convey them are all your very individual own and that makes me so excited to read the Russian classics. Like really, a new world of happiness has opened up to me!!! Thank you so much:')
This just made my day! I’m so glad my passion for these stories comes across and has made you equally excited to give them a read! :)
I don’t know if I can call myself “an expert”,but I’m Russian and I read a lot of classics(they’re all in school program, so I couldn’t not to do it). If smb have any question about Russian literature(not only classic), Russian language, pronunciation or some book, i think that I can help you:D
Hey! Who would you say are the best contemporary Russian authors?
@@1siddynickhead Oh, I read more Russian classic authors than contemporary authors, but there are some, which I can mention. I really like works of Tatyana Tolstaya…and she’s a relative of Leo Tolstoy) (great granddaughter or something like this). And Zakhar Prilepin is a good writer too, I just have read a few short stories, but I liked them, and my teacher recommended it to me, so, I think I can tell you about him too. I hope this information will help you))
@@amodiekka thank you so much! This was very helpful! So far, the Russian authors I've read are Tolstoy, Dostoyevsky, Gaito Gazdanov, Andrei Bely and Nina Berberova. I've read some short stories by Gogol but found them to be too steeped in the era when they were written.
@@1siddynickhead you could try something from Victor Pelevin. He is one of the most famous russian authors in the postmodern genre ("Omon Ra", "The Life of Insects", "Generation P", etc.) But I must warn you that this is quite specific literature and you may not like it.
Sergey Lukyanenko is known for his fantasy books (the "Night Watch" trilogy, etc.)
Boris Akunin wrote the series of detective stories about the fictional character Erast Fandorin, set in the 19th century historical background.
@@user-ux6tt5hc2f Thank you so much! I will note these down and find the books😊 I really appreciate the insight and I'm excited to explore your suggestions and Russian fantasy!
Great recomendations! I can listen forever to Jordan Peterson speaking about Dostoyevsky.
Love your enthusiasm, reading Russian literature is not a walk in the park. But when you pull through, when you do salami tactics which is one slice at a time…. A whole world will open up.
Reading for instance Turgenev means actually being then and there. Thats what is does, many thanks from the Netherlands.
Yay! I was so excited for a video like this. I just started reading my first Russian novel - I decided to begin this journey with Anna Karenina - and I’m loving it so far. Really looking forward to reading more Russian novels and joining you in this amazing journey
Yay!!!
Tolstoy's short stories are a great start for those tackling Russian Literature for the first time. If you want a wider exposure to other authors I recommend the Penguin Classics "Russian Short Stories from Pushkin to Buida", many of which are only 10/15 pages long. Many of these authors I hadn't heard of and I have been reading Russian Literature for 50 years. It was nice to hear Life and Fate by Vasily Grossman mentioned though it is the follow-up to Stalingrad by the same author. Combined you are looking at close to 1800 pages, but what a journey! Good luck to one and all you will not be disappointed by the variety and emotional content of this genre.
I'll check that out, thank you!
@@taaptee Good luck and I hope you find a few to your liking.
Personal recommendation from russian who stumbled upon this video, if you want to read something russian and not as intimidating as War and Peace, try Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk District by Nikolai Leskov. I listened this book on the radio in pieces when I was 12 and really enjoyed it. It is quite short, reminds Madame Bovary a little and have movie adaptation named Lady Macbeth with Florence Pugh as female lead (she was great, I started to follow her career after that role).
Oh loved that film but never ended up reading the source material, thank you!
A tip that has helped me - avoid cheap editions of Russian classics. Wordsworth, Dover / Thrift Editions etc. Not for snobby reasons, but just because of the typeface. The print is tiny, and can strain the eye. For me, at least. Of course, for the price of them you cannot complain, and the publishers have to economize somewhere. But, I have struggled to finish many of those editions in the past, so they are a false economy really. Better off even with an ebook format than some of them.
'Hadji Murat' is a great gateway Tolstoy book. It's at its heart an adventure story, full of derring do. Exotic locales (Chechniya) - even for the Russian readership, great characterisation, and importantly for beginners it is quite short, just 150 pages. Brilliant atmospheric writing.
ahhh another fantastic lecture!!!!!! can't wait for more russian lit videos!
Thank you Marta! ❤️
First video that I am watching from your channel, very excited to watch the rest :)
Aaah, this is such a nice video :) I love the format of these and it's so great to see you gush over Russian classics!
I’m so glad!
I have never been a bookworm, I don't even remember what the last book I read was. I have not even read more novels than I have fingers on one hand! And yet...I dared to ask for crime and punishment in a bookstore about a month ago. (I am not even shure why. Maybe I just wanted to pride myself in having read at least one classic in my life) so thank you for complimenting my ambition😅. I am almost done, and holy moly have I been missing out! I was hooked immediadiatly. I am currently living in St.Petersburg the summer of the 1860s. My heart is pounding, I'm weeping...
I have decided to read notes from underground next, and then mayyybeee brothers karamasov. If I am still hooked I will move on to tolstojs anna karenina. Subbing, but I think I'll be putting the anna karenina videos on hold until I catch up. I welcome any pointers anyone might have in my journey.
And I wanted to say that I’m your fan, and you helps me a lot in learning English)))
I also liked pushkins the tale of tsar salten. That inspired rimsky korsakov to write his tsar salten suite.
The operatic version of Eugene Onegin is really good too -and has so many great tunes that it's easy to appreciate even if you're not normally into opera.
Love these "lectures" 😄📚
I’m so glad! Thank you Eric! 😄📚
I actually getting ready to take 19th century Russian Lit in English at my college so this video is very helpful😁😁
Lmao love those School intros and that t-shirt 10/10
I read the Garnett translation where possible. The thing about P&V translations is that their process is to use ghost translation initially, then get more involved in whittling down the final text of what we end up with. What we’re left with in this assembly line affair is something thoroughly modern, yet also stripped of all the music found in superior translations. Like many things today, P&V as an entity is the creation of public relations, clever marketing tactics, and a puppy mill like operation of workers handling the translation process - and that’s the feeling I get through the text.
The idea they are being more faithful to the original Russian is also significantly overstated, and when that claim is made by their promoters it’s done with the understanding that what is considered “faithful” in translation often varies by definition, so they can make t he claim without really being made accountable for the claim.
You're literally the most sweetest girl i know on CZcams. Love your videos.
I’ve enjoyed your videos for over a year now, great job!!! Other Audible choices that have a wealth of knowledge to help people out in their Russian lit journey are :
Modern scholar-The Giants of Russian literature-Liza Knapp
Great courses- Classics of Russian Literature-Irwin Weil
Natasha’s Dance-Orlando Figes ( this book talks bout Russian culture and history though the centuries. Puts amazing context into the background of what u are reading in the Russian classics. Anything by Orlando Figes on Russia is very good to give background on Russia :). Hope this helps others :). I’m on my Russian lit journey too :)
would love if you delved into Indian literature (especially Bengali writers like Rabindranath Tagore) I promise you won't be disappointed . Due to India's colonial history, we have amazing English literature written by Indians.
Omg !! I've been wanting a video like this💕
The translations advice is so helpful! In your video where you compared the Anna Kerenina translations, I was immediately captured by the Maude translation, where I found the others okay but they might have become a “mashed potato” book
In fact I'm not sure about Griboedov's influence on Pushkin, because he started Onegin before he first heard Griboedov's play read by his friend. And when he got to know about that play he was already the major literature authority in Russia. Though he admired that play much. Pushkin was a very educated man, he perfectly knew several languages and mostly he was influenced by European literature. Maybe that's why he is considered the founder of modern russian language - he was the first writer/poet who connected russian literature tradition with the world's tradition)
Sorry for that comment) but I admire both of them)
Thank you for your vlog!) such a pleasure!)
P. S. An interesting fact: Pushkin loved Griboedov, they were friends. Griboedov also was an ambassador in Persia, where he was killed by mad religious crowd. That time Pushkin traveled across southern parts of Russia where he met a caravan. He asked them what are you transporting and they answered - Griboedov. They transported dead body of Pushkin's friend Griboedov to his native land...
Love the vid and the shirt. My start and one of my top favorites is Notes from the underground- FD. Very powerful and very convicting.
Not me thinking there was a riot or something outside for the first 30 seconds 😂 I was so confused.
But got half way through the video, I can honestly say this was a great help as someone who’s trying to learn Russian. It’s strange though because I’m not remotely interested in the history or culture honestly as I was viciously robbed of that curiosity early on, but I watched in the pursuit of finding genuine literature as that’s what I’m using to learn. So I did gain a lot of areas to further my knowledge and I appreciate it. I’ve been trying to find audio books and tv series and such so I can have something to listen to that has like combination of historical speaking and modern day because I wanted to make sure my speech wasn’t outdated so to speak or entirely too formal. But it’s rather hard to search for accurate pieces from a different language and culture that doesn’t seem to be widely learned? Or I’m just an idiot and can’t use google properly? Lol I’m not sure but I’ll be definitely checking out your other video about the Russian books specifically. Thank you.
Hi Carolyn,
Thanks to you I am currently reading Onegin and you were right: it is absolutely incredible and beautiful. Words cannot describe what this book achieves on so many levels. I am only half way through, but know for sure this is one of my favourite books of all time. I have read Shakespeare and Goethe, but the only other time that I have found a classic in verse so engaging, so accessible and so beautiful has been when I read Don Quijote.
Anyway, because of your love for Russian Lit, I wanted to recommend to you “A Gentleman in Moscow” by Amor Towles. This is historical fiction, but it is gorgeously written, and evoques feelings very similar as to those you may have, when reading the Russian classics. It is set in Moscow, with an absolutely loveable protagonist and has quite bit of Russian history woven into the story. The protagonist is so loveable so are the side characters. I really think you would enjoy it just for the “Russian atmosphere”, if that makes sense. BTW The audiobook is also really nice. Take care and thank for your videos!
Thank you so much for such an interesting video!!! You are amazing!
Love seeing your passion for russian literature. There is nothing like it!
My first Russian classic was Crime and Punishment and that beautiful book was an experience, I felt like a different person after I finished it. I’m already halfway through The Brothers Karamazov and I don’t think I’ve ever sob so much while reading any other author before 😅 Dostoevsky keeps me in a endless loop of being heartbroken/loving humanity
Thank you for the video ❤️
I love Russian lit, and am a beginner too lol
My pleasure!
Best of luck on your reading journey!
The cutest prof. I've ever had.
I actually laughed out loud with your first point as the only Russian lit books I’ve got are AK, W&P and c&p 😂 I read W&P last year and I’m halfway through c&p right now, love the realism in RL!
Yay. To see and hear you again, awesome!
Thank you for another great helpful video. Can't wait to go and try my first Russian novel. Don't know which one to pick first.
You can’t go wrong with any of them! May just pick which type of story you’re in the mood for!
I just got a collection of Dostoevsky. I haven’t read any classics but want to get into them so this should be a great help!
That’s wonderful! I hope you enjoy :)
Carolyn, i hope you and everyone reading this is doing well!!!! 💞
I had an older translation of anna karenina that was terrible, I was hating that book!! Then I saw your videos saying how good the book is and it got me thinking... I bought the most popular translation and I must say, the problem was the translation 100% cause im loving it
I currently have War and Peace on my desk, and it's winning the staring contest...
Some criticism on your video format if I may. Keep your slides brief. Something like a minimal title with the things that you would switch to bold for easy skim-reading. And keep the rest of your notes for your free-style commentary. I would perhaps even just overlay them on the video instead of changing to a black background
Thank you for the great suggestions!
I wish your channel a million subscribers. You are so sweet, inspiring and talented 🎉
Aw thank you so much!
Being a russian myself, I wish i was as enthusiastic about classic rus lit as you are. Unfortunately they killed any joy about it in High school.
That’s how I feel about a lot of American literature! Maybe we should both try again 😆
@@CarolynMarieReads Maybe. My fave author (who writes in english) in Michael Crichton. And in russian - Bulgakov. I wonder if you have read Master and Magrarita by him. Actually, after watching your video i went and read some Pushkin's stories, not the poetry. Thank you for your videos!
They taught it in some very wrong way speaking implicitely more about Marxism-Leninism than Rus lit.
Thank you for this awesome video!
umm I love your t-shirt! Also, this video was highly informative. Do you mind telling me where you got this shirt from?
Thank you for the recommendations, I hugely appreciate it 🧡
My pleasure!
I'm new to your class professor. But you're my favorite now! 😁
Aw welcome! You are among friends! 😄
I love the books in the back ah, I can’t wait to get this book as I wanted to get into modes russian classics even french this year b
What a treasure for CZcams ...
As an author, I also like to read other people's books sometimes too. I wrote a short Russian novel, but I am American, and the book is in English. I tried to read some from Russian writers, but I had a problem with how sad and hopeless some of it was, but I may try again with different authors. Also, Christmas is coming for 2022 so happy Holidays from Hollie
Charming Professor 🤗
read master and margarita when I was 17. obsessed with bulgakov and just russian lit in general ever since
Where are you. I truly miss your videos
I don’t think I’ve ever heard you mention Goncharov’s Oblomov. Have you read it? It’s so hard to pick a favorite Russian classic, but if I had to pick just one, that would be it. Would love to someday hear your opinion on it.
I never comment, but as always, I enjoyed your video. You provided terrific links that I, myself, have made use of in this past year as I’ve been reading these books. It seems that we’ve been down the same CZcams rabbit-hole and reading list.
I know Anna Karenina is your favorite, so if you hadn’t already, check out the lecture by Julie Cassiday on CZcams called, “Tolstoy’s “Anna Karenina” and the Meaning of Life”
Love the fit, professor!
huge tip for master and margarita: read it after your are well versed in the writers that came before bulgakov, like Pushkin and Griboyedov, he mentions them relentlessly and I had a very hard time keeping track of all the references, much lass understanding them.
Thank you for this video!
Thank you for watching it!
nooo we need access for the course material 😭 also can you do more of these? they're so interesting and just what I needed!
Sorry about that! Just updated the link, so you should be able to access it! :) thank you for letting me know!
Great video! Thank you.
Thank you Wiktor!
If I may just get my 2$s worth in on two books I can recommend on Russian history & culture that may help put Russian fiction in some context: I just read Adam Zamoyski's volume on Napoleon's invasion and retreat of Russia entitled "1812: Napoleon's Fatal March On Moscow". A gruesome account of that pivotal event in 19th century European history that could serve as a curtain-lifter to "War and Peace". Also a book by Orlando Figes called "Natasha's Dance: a cultural history of Russia" which spans from Peter the Great's founding of Saint Petersburg to the eve of the Bolshevik revolution in 1917. Both are bulky books weighing in at between 500 to 700 pages. Happy reading! Greetings from Ireland!
Totally agree with you Nigel, I think a little dip into the period covered in a non-fiction book helps set the scene. Orlando Figes also wrote "A People's Tragedy" about the build-up and the events of the Russian Revolution. It helps give context to much of the Russian literature that came from those momentous years. Stay safe in the Emerald Isle.
The Course Material. It says, "You need access
Ask for access, or switch to an account with access."
Sorry about that! Just updated the link, so you should be able to access it! :) thank you for letting me know!
I love that you actually wrote and printed a syllabus packet. You magnificent bastard.
Nearly all books written by Dostoevsky have a murder (or multipal murders) in it
Hopefully I get over my fear of Russian Lit and pick up a book and just give it a go
That’s all you have to do! Just pick one up and give it a try! 😄
Thanks for sharing
So much lucky cz I found ur video 😍❤️
You said that you're going to read "Quiet flows the Don" in 2022 - I'm reading it right now! I wonder, what do you think of it? (Have you ended up reading it?) I'm just both excited and horrified by how relevant it is today. I felt especially awkward when reading how characters discuss that their region D should become independent from both U and R (avoiding full country names just in case there is some weird youtube algorithm). Makes me think how issues of today are connected to the past!
Alexander gribo-yedov which means the eater of mushrooms
Grib is mushroom
Yedov is eater
☺️
And about the author of Woe from wit, Alexander Griboyedov. His surname is pronounced like Griboyeeeedov.In Russian is Грибоедов.So, I don’t really understand how to explain the pronunciation correct, maybe you just can hear it in translator….try to translate it to Russian and listen to how pronuncies Russian version. I hope you understand me, because I’m not speaking English very well and in my words can be mistakes, sorry;(
The emphasis is on the “ye”, not the “i”, which is where English speakers usually place it.
It’s the same thing with the pronunciation of Tolstoy’s name. English speakers place the emphasis on the first “o”, Russians, on the last.
None of it is important or makes any difference, however, imo.
Omg love the shirt. Love your lecture videos well all your videos. Lol
Thank you so much!
Love that T-shirt.
Awesome channel!!which book should I start reading in russian literature?from india.
Perfect! Btw. Your "homeboy" is cute! lol
If you're interested in relatively recent Russian history you should read Solzhenitsyn's The Red Wheel.
I need a break from Russia as I am getting addicted to it - time to look around in France, Spain, Italy and Norway, Japan for me. :)
What’s your favorite translation of War And Peace?
I’ve only read the Maude translation! I loved it!
Hey Carolyn, have you seen the War and Peace film directed by Sergey Bondarchuk? It won the oscar for the best foreign film in 1968 (1969). Its on youtube. If so, what did you think of it?
I will watch any video about Russian lit you make haha
Thank you 😆
Yes, sorry I was late! 😅
Peterson does a decent job explaining some of dostoevsky's text, but i can't help but feel he's using it more to further his work than to explain the intent of the author. I think that's unfortunately shown in comments as the very highly top voted comment on that video is a discussion having almost nothing to do with doestoevsky's commentary
How to read crime and punishment as a beginner?
I like your t shirt. I would like to have one of Poe.
Girl! What do you use on your skin?
Great question 😂 I use a mix of CeraVe cleanser and face cream! As well of lush face masks!