Feeling somewhat better today, I still couldn’t face venturing out in this much colder yet sunny weather, but I was able to concentrate on reading another story.
There is more of Gogol’s dry wit in this fourth tale in the Folio Society’s collection than in the earlier ones. As usual his fluid descriptive post is most engaging, especially when describing a woman as “a coffee pot in a cap”, or his image of an embarrassed young man who “sat on his chair as though on thorns, blushed and cast down his eyes” when expected to engage in conversation with the young woman marked out for him by his formidable aunt and her fellow matchmaker, the “coffee pot” mentioned above.
Ivan had joined the army when much younger and this aunt had cared for his inheritance until he returned home. Aunt Vassilissa did her best to carry out her task to the end, including thwarting an attempt to cheat him out of a large portion of it.
This story is more amusing then the first three, although it does feature a dream many would see as a nightmare which has been so
accurately depicted by Peter Sturt.
This evening we dined on roast gammon; Mac and cheese; red cabbage; orange carrots; and green broccoli stems – all of which were perfectly cooked. I drank Mighty Murray shiraz.
I’m glad that you are feeling a bit better, Derrick. I get the cold thing, my birdbath actually froze last night! And yet it can be 115F here in summer!
That is a surprise, John. Thanks very much
Glad you are feeling better.
Love those turns of phrase you shared!
Thanks very much, Dale
Glad to hear about the improvement in your personal comfort even if the weather was not very comforting.
Thanks very much, Tootlepedal
I don’t blame you for wanting to stay home in the warmth.
You need to get well and relaxing at home and remaining warm is the way to do it. 🙂
Thank you so much, Sue
That illustration definitely seems like a dream/nightmare. I hope you feel much better soon.
I’d enjoy the mac and cheese and colorful sides (with a glass of the Shiraz.) 🙂
Thank you so much, Merril
Once I saw the Russian title of this post, I figured we were getting another excellent book review. Glad you are feeling better.
Thank you so much, Pat
I’m glad you’re feeling a bit better today, Derrick. This illustration is very surreal, as befits a dream.
Thank you very much, Liz
You’re welcome, Derrick.
So sorry to learn you have not been so well Derrick.. I have not been travelling in WordPress much since the New Year… I have been busy with other things… Keep warm, I hear we could be in for a cold snap with a little snow next week..
I am sure Jackie will keep you fit and strong with all of her wonderful cooking…. The gammon sounded delicious xx <3 xx
Thank you vey much, Sue X
❤️
Glad you ate feeling better. What a wild illustration!
Thank you so much, Laurie
I am glad you are feeling better. The illustrations are something else !
Thank you so much, Sylvie
That is good news, Derrick! Glad you are recovering and up for a good dinner prepared by Jackie.
Thank you for the book review. The illustrations are unique!
Much appreciated, Lavinia
Discretion is the better part of valour etc . . . There is much to be gained from waiting a day or two before tackling the cold weather.
Thanks very much, Quercus
That’s one bizarre dreamscape! I’m very glad you’re on the mend and taking it easy!
Thank you so much, JoAnna
The illustrations in this collection are really intriguing. I read a slew of Russian authors many years ago, but do not recall Nikolai Gogol – interesting that although he is regarded as a Russian novelist, he is Ukranian-born. It wouldn’t have mattered then … a very different situation now!
Quite so, Anne. Thank you very much
It’s nice to see you getting better, Derrick. You’ll not be able to resist the sunshine when it gets here!
hanks very much, John
So glad you are feeling better! But a good day to stay in and get lost in an adventurous story!
Your meals sounds delicious and colourful! Some of my fave veggies! (Okay, well, I like all the veggies I’ve met!!! And I’ve met a lot of them!!! 🙂 )
(((HUGS))) ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Thank you so much, Carolyn XX
I love the art-work Derrick! Surreal.
As a finale to this lovely, sunny day in Spain, my husband will cook pork chops, apple sauce, runner beans, carrots and creamed potatoes. Am smacking my own chops in anticipation…Whatever you’re having, enjoy!
Thanks very much, Joy. I could certainly enjoy yours. This post should give you an idea of my penchant for pork chops: https://derrickjknight.com/2015/02/10/chamberlayne-road/
I’m so glad you’re feeling better. We’re about to join you in terms of cold weather; below freezing, and a little rain. It was bound to happen!
Thanks very much, Linda
I am glad you are feeling better, Derrick. The images are fascinating and a bit haunting.
Thanks very much, Eugi
You’re welcome, Derrick.
Glorious illustrations
Thank you very much, Sue
A meal as colorful as your illustrations, Derrick!
Thank you very much, Judy
Wow! These are some interesting illustrations!
Thank you very much, Riba