In this fifth story of the Folio Society’s collection of Ivan Turgenev’s stories, the author, with his usual descriptive detail, has in essence, translated Shakespeare’s tragic king to his own time and place, with the identity of the massively strong giant landowner, Harlov, brought down by the response of his two daughters to his generosity prompted by confronting thoughts of his eventual death.
There is no Cordelia to remain loyal to Harlov and to die in his arms; this hero has only two daughters, one of whom does at least repent for taking advantage of the old man’s division of his wealth and household, possibly, as suggested by the narrator, to the end of her days.
Driven mad by the self-interested isolation and suppression of his personal needs by his family the larger than life owner of a number of serfs to whom he is not himself kind, brings about his own early death, in this way earning their sympathy and disapprobation towards the family.
In bringing his conclusion to an increasing crescendo our author has deviated quite a bit from Shakespeare’s own ending.
As usual, Turgenev’s exquisite, simply and fully detailed characterisation; pictures of the changing landscape, the weather and its effects, clearly sets the scene and carries along the narrative.
Elisa Trimby has produced faithful, ultimately dramatic, illustrations.
In addition to reviewing this book, this morning I watched a recording of last nights Six Nations rugby match between France and Ireland; and this afternoon, today’s matches between England and Italy and between Scotland and Wales.
This evening we all dined on Jackie’s classic cottage pie; crisp carrots; and firm Brussels sprouts, with which she drank Hoegaarden and I finished the Carménère.
A sad tale. The illustrations are well done.
Thank you very much, Lavinia
I suppose just as Shakespeare borrowed from other sources, so authors have continued to write their own versions of his plays. Such expressive illustrations.
Thank you so much, Merril
The illustrations are quite magnificent.
Thank you very much, John
Impressive story telling and drawings.
Thank you very much, Pat
This sounds like another compelling story! It seems I should have been introduced to Ivan Turgenev’s works in school, but I wasn’t. I just bookmarked them on Project Guttenberg to delve into them at some point.
Thank you so much, Liz
You’re welcome, Derrick.
Outstanding illustrations. The story is reminiscent of Turgenev’s own turbulent relationship with his mother who was a cruel slave owner.
Thank you so much, Dolly
You are very welcome, Derrick.
An interesting combination of reading Turgenev’s tragic story and watching the rugby matches.
Thanks very much, Ivor
Those illustrations are amazing!
Thank you very much, Diane
I can see uou’had the same time organisation as TWM. He wanted France and Wales to win, so a difficult rugby day.
Thanks very much, Sylvie
I like how Turgenev used Shakespeare’s Lear as a starting point and then went his own way.
Thank you very much, Laurie
It has been said that there are only a few original tales and that all others are variations of those. I have enjoyed reading Turgenev in the past and, after your glimpses in these posts, I am tempted to reach for him once more. I enjoy your reviews very much.
Thanks you very much, Anne
A wonderful review, Derrick! I can see how amazing the writer and the illustrator are…by your words about them and their talents.
(((HUGS))) ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Thank you very much, Carolyn XX
I love the way she has added just a hint of colour to the illustrations.
Elissa Trimby has captured the anguish of the protagonist in graphic detail. Thank you for introducing the book.
Much appreciated, Uma
KIng Lear seems to pop up all over the place, including “Ran”, a wonderful piece of cinema from the late Akira Kurosawa.
Thanks very much, John
I love that you are so well-read you can make comparisons between authors like this. Love these books with wonderful drawings.
Thank you very much, Dale
Thank you, Derrick, for sharing more of Turgenev’s exquisite drawings and writing such a captivating summary of this story. Very enticing!
Much appreciated, Jan
You do a good job educating me, Derrick!
Thanks very much, Barbara
Cracking start to Six Nations Trophy
Indeed. I’ll bet your Beloved enjoyed it, too
He did though he would’ve preferred a French win ????