On another cold, drab, day I stayed inside and read some more.
Here we have the fifth and sixth stories in The Folio Society’s Gogol collection.
“Old-World Landowners” demonstrates how an apparently insignificant event, coupled with ancient beliefs, can destroy a lifetime’s idyllic existence.
The writer treats us to lovely bucolic descriptions of the life of an elderly devoted couple, dedicated to a traditional existence typical of their class, their generosity, and their lack of real involvement in the upkeep of their estate, delegated to their untrustworthy serfs more interesting in gaining as much for themselves as for their masters.
Quite suddenly this all changes in an instance. Nothing can be taken for granted as permanent.
The writer also explores how grief turning to melancholy can bring about a further unhappy demise.
There is no illustration by Peter Sturt to this story written in Gogol’s delightfully fluid prose. I have therefore paired it with “Viy” which, according to translator Constance Garnett is based on an age-old peasant belief of colossal imagination.
Again, it is the skilled description of place and persons which holds our attention as we learn the outcome of a student philosopher’s battle with a devilish gnome and his witchy daughter.
The student takes up the challenge of the father, setting his wits and determination, prayers and exorcisms against paralysing mystic powers evoked by the daughter capable of raising from death.
Conflict between students of various levels spills over into the streets of the town where they are subject to the temptation of female purveyors of cakes and goodies.
Later temptations of the more carnal kind overcome our philosopher, when his weakening contains more erotic images and he is carried off, to continue fleeing further nights, each more testing that the last.
The metaphor I choose to quote from this episode is “He crawled through the prickly bushes, paying a toll of rags from his coat on every thorn”. This story also uses sound, such as that of a creaking gate, distant howling of wolves and barking of dogs, wild shrieks, a whirlwind, and even silence between companions, to build the atmosphere towards the tumultuous denouement.
PS. Please note Dolly’s important information and film trailer in koolkosherkitchen comments below
This evening we all dined on Jackie’s chicken and vegetable stewp and fresh crusty bread, with which she drank more of her Spanish rosado and I finished the shiraz
Another intriguing review and stunning illustration.
Thanks very much, Merril
The illustration is captivating, and I admire the skill in that quote. Still, I am more interested in the first story. I think I like how realistic these kinds of stories are. They help me focus a lens on my life or the lives of those around me. Your description made me think of the characters of Wallace Stegner, who brings regular fictional people to life for me.
Thanks very much, Crystal
“Old-World Landowners” sounds particularly intriguing to me.
It is, Liz. Thank you very much
You’re welcome, Derrick.
Gogol’s collection is filled with surprises.
Thank you very much, Rosaliene
Another fascinating review, Derrick. We’d gotten spoiled by lots of pictures.
Thank you very much, Pat
Sounds like you have an interesting collection of book for the long cold winters in the UK! The quote evokes great images of crawling through the brambles!
Thank you very much, Dwight
You are welcome.
That illustration looks like it would also be fitting of a Sci-Fi novel! A fascinating image from the artists’s mind.
Thank you very much, Lavinia
Such beautiful review of the book Derrick. Keep safe always.
Thank you very much, Arlene
“Subject to the temptation of female purveyors of cakes and goodies” is something I understand! Never mind those other temptations; I’ll be at the dessert table.
Thanks very much, Linda
Thanks for introducing me to Gogol – I did not know about this Russian novelist and short story writer, but of course I just looked him up. I think I would like reading some of his storie.
You would, Barbara. Much appreciated
From your intriguing description of the story, you did an excellent job pairing it with “Viy,” a fascinating image.
Thank you very much, JoAnna
Fabulous illustration. This story has raised a huge controversy, to the point of Gogol being accused of blasphemy. The church and the icons in it were believed to serve as protectors of the evil forces and black magic. Gogol himself, having suffered from necrophilia, found his strict religious upbringing in conflict with his adult perception of the world and eventually burned his latest manuscript and committed suicide.
https://youtu.be/nV2EKQI7BKs?si=luSxHD-yi83QaPs0
Kuravlyov is one of the most prominent Russian actors.
Thank you so much, Dolly, for another superb supplement to my review. Once again I will add a PS to alert readers to it.
The pleasure is mine, Derrick. I am pleased to be of help.
Sounds like a good day to stay inside. We had frost this morning for the first time in a month.
Thanks very much, Quercus
🙂
This is definitely the weather for staying indoors, reading and writing reviews! I am enjoying your thoughts on Gogol and the illustrations are superb!
Thank you very much, Clare
It’s cold here in Ohio, the right weather to curl up with a book. Enjoy your reading time and get well.
Thank you so much, Bridget
My husband is reading a lot as he recovers from broken ribs. Less time for me, the home-maker and nurse. I put my foot down (gently) last night, poured a generous glass of Cape Blend and settled down to finish a novel I had begun a week ago before he fell. It was so satisfying being able to close the covers at last. Keep reading, Derrick – we enjoy knowing what you are delving into.
Thank you so much, Anne
As always, Gogol seems to give the reader a very wide range of stories. And thank you for some very detailed reviews of them. Derrick.
Much appreciated, John
Thank you for sharing your great review and that captivating illustration!
(((HUGS))) ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Much appreciated, Carolyn XX
Very interesting review
Thank you very much, Sherry
You have a marvellous collection of books, Derrick.
I think you did the right thing to stay indoors. It’s due to get chillier, too. Though not quite as bad as Canada! 🙂
Oh wow, sounds like a deep story!
Yes. Thank you very much, Riba
Really amazing illustrations
Thank you very much, Sheree