The six stories in this collection from the work of Ivan Turgenev are almost novella length. Beginning with “The Diary of a Superfluous Man” I will review them separately.
The format is of a diary written by a dying man, an unrequited lover, more significantly a self identified redundant human being. The author’s fine descriptive prose; incorporating all the senses, notably sight, smell, and hearing; presenting the environment the natural world, and personalities in the most crucial stages of his life. The weather plays its part in setting the mood.
He begins with childhood bereavement and consequent lifelong grief pervading his last two weeks. Above all, Turgenev offers the deepest thoughts of his protagonist, As a child his “tears would flow down effortlessly just like water from a brimming glass.” As an adult he becomes tongue tied at important moments.
We are treated to a fine uplifting account of the emotions of the diarist at the moment he fell in love with an ordinary, attractive young girl who herself falls for a dashing military man who inevitably leaves her. The surprise is that the ultimate winner is a perhaps equally insignificant character.
A duel provides further conviction to the diarist’s interpretation of his superfluity.
The introduction by the translator, Richard Freeborn is thorough, insightful, and covers the range of Turgenev’s work, putting this medium in the context of his shorter sketches, stories, and full length novels. He presents me with a considerable challenge.
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The title page and frontispiece above feature Elisa Trimby’s lithographs. The header picture is of the boards and spine from her design.
This evening we were joined by Ian who returned in time to partake of succulent roast chicken; crisp Yorkshire pudding and roast potatoes, sweet and white; crunchy carrots; firm cauliflower, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts, with meaty gravy. Our son-in-law drank Hoegaarden, Jackie drank more of the pinot Grigio, and I finished the Fleurie.
Good book and good food – it doesn’t get much better than that.
Thanks very much, GP
Methinks you are on a Russian tangent right now 🙂 Sounds like a good read.
Thanks very much, Dale
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I greatly enjoy your reviews, Derrick — very thought-provoking!
Thanks very much, Donna
Another thoughtful, thorough review and interesting illustrations.
Thank you very much, Merril
Such beautiful review Derrick.
Thank you very much, Arlene
Your book review is very interesting Derrick and I am very envious of your delicious meal …
Thanks very much, Ivor
You’re welcome ☺️
Interesting review. The persistent drama of love and death reminds us we are not alone in our struggles.
Quite so, JoAnna. Thank you very much
“The Diary of a Superfluous Man” sounds right up my alley. It brought to mind Tolstoy’s “The Death of Ivan Ilyich.”
Thank you very much, Liz. That’s one Tolstoy I haven’t read
I need to remind myself to never read your posts when I feel hungry. Off to the kitchen….
Thanks very much, Bridget 🙂
I want to read that one right now. Especially with that wonderful food.
Thanks very much, Gary
I see that your reading adventure with the Russian classics continues, Derrick. I don’t have much to say about this one, other than it was required reading at school.
I am with Jackie on Pinot Grigio; it’s one of my favorite wines, as long as it is a true Venetian, rather than a compilation.
Thank you very much, Dolly
I enjoy your reviews, Derrick. Feeling superfluous is an entire topic in itself.
Indeed. Thank you very much Lavinia
At the moment, in this cold, I feel like that insignificant diarist. Redundant, good for nothing, lazy to the core, purposeless.
That is very hard. Thanks very much, Geeta
Your choice of reads is very heavyweight. Yet your reviews incites interest in exploring these classics.
Thank you very much, Geeta
He lived a very large part of his life in Paris,I believe, and was very aristrocratic in his outlook. I look forward to the reviews of some others of his work.
Thanks very much, John
Sounds like a story filled with deep emotions and wild happenings!
And those facial expressions are saying much!
(((HUGS))) ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Thank you very much, Carolyn XX
I agree with Lavinia. The illustration looks very familiar.
Thank you very much, Sue
An intense story!
Indeed. Thanks very much, Riba
A tale of regret and longing? Many of us have such stories in our lives. Fortunately, duels aeem to be rarer.
Indeed, Laurie. Thank you very much
Your reviews are enjoyable, Derrick. Always interesting and eloquently written.
Thank you very much, Eugi
You are most welcome, Derrick.
Great review and superior drawings. The usual excellent dinner by the Culinary Queen.
Thank you very much, Pat