The snow blizzard setting the atmosphere of this story on which a devil snatches the moon owing much more to Ukrainian folklore than to the date of the Christian festival. We have witches as well as devilry, a love sick jealous blacksmith, the seductive self-obsessed village beauty, her possessive parent, gleeful girls and lively lads celebrating the night, and rich elements of traditional farce.
Much of the Western world merges pagan traditions with the modern religious festival. In that sense Gogol’s work is not that unusual, yet he does weave original magic.
The comings and goings of hidden characters, and almost pantomime searching are reminiscent of a Whitehall Farce from Brian Rix – not one of the modern parliamentary kind.
A devil steals the moon, yet the darkness outside looks bright light from inside.
My review of the first story in this collection offers an example of one of Gogol’s many similes. Today I give one of a metaphor – “the blizzard soaped his beard”. We also have details of clothing and practices of the time, for example we learn what young girls wore and that the poorer peasants shaved with a broken piece of scythe blade.
It was only as we neared the denouement that I realised this was set in the time of Catherine the Great and Potemkin.
The frontispiece, already posted as the earlier header, illustrates “The triumph of his art was a picture painted on the church wall in the chapel”
I wondered why you were writing about Christmas Eve! 🙂
Sounds like a masterful weaving of themes and images–and another stunning illustration.
Me too!!
Thank you very much, Merril. I was happy about the coincidence 🙂
You’re welcome. It’s a wonderful coincidence.
Indeed
Ditto Derrick
Very tantalizing review, Derrick. Lovely graphics.
Thank you very much, Pat
I’ve only read “The Nose,” but I might need to read this collection.
Thanks Derrick. Here’s to a healthy New Year to you all, and the continued excellent cooking of your dear wife! (I cooked for five of us for around 30 years, then – when eldest son left home, four – which I thoroughly enjoyed.) Also sharing with husband, while running a small hotel in Bournemouth, but now we are retired, HE COOKS FOR ME! Bless him. Cheers.
Thank you very much, Joy. I did the cooking when Jackie was still working.
Thank you, Derrick. I never heard of this book, but it sure sounds interesting.
Thanks very much, GP
I just can’t get over the wonderful illustrations. Thank you for taking the time to share them with us.
Much appreciated, Crystal
This is wonderful Derrick. Thank you for sharing this!
Thank you very much, Holly
There are often lots of twists and turns merging together Myth and traditions Derrick.. often with a grain of truth hidden among them 🙂 x
Thank you very much, Sue X
Your review is very intriguing!
Thank you very much, Liz
You’re welcome, Derrick.
You always share good books based on your reviews Derrick.
Thank you very much, Arlene
You wrote, “Much of the Western world merges pagan traditions with the modern religious festival. In that sense Gogol’s work is not that unusual, yet he does weave original magic.” Yes, many pagan traditions are mixed in with modern religion. I have always found that interesting.
Thank you very much, Lavinia
Ooh, sounds like a captivating would-keep-me-up-late-at-night reading story!
Amazing illustration…the reds sure bring the power and emotions.
(((HUGS))) ❤️❤️❤️ ❤️❤️
Thank you very much, Carolyn XX
Gogol would have been very surprised to see two Christian, Russian Orthodox, countries fighting each other as they do today. What a waste of everything it all is! Men, women, civilians, resources, infrastructure. And for what?
Thank you very much, John
I, too, like how the pagan is woven in with our celebrations.
Thank you very much, Laurie
“the blizzard soaped his beard”…what a great line! I’m a little late to the party so I hope you had as Happy a Christmas as possible and that you are feeling somewhat better today (9 Jan 24) <3
Thank y7ou so much, Donna X