HN Books @HNBooksMonth

Thanks for mentioning an amazing book of literature. The Master and Margarita is my favorite fiction book! I've read it in two translations and I prefer the Burgin & O'Connor to the Glenny, but both are great.

Everytime I read it I gain more insights. I absolutely recommend reading this book alongside a readers guide which gives more background and depth, there are many biblical, historical, and author-related references that won't be understood otherwise. The author's own life is massively relevent to the events of the novel. I recommend this guide:

https://www.amazon.com/Master-Margarita-Critical-Companion-A...

⬐ virtuexru

Was amazed when I saw the recommendation on the top comment. My fiancé recommended me this book and I just finished it on my commute this morning (this specific translation). Still thinking about it! Wonderful book, super engaging and just absolutely beautifully written. I couldn't put it down. Highly recommended!

⬐ chupasaurus

About depth of the book: we've studied it in literature class in Russia for a month, because it's a kaleidoscope of interpretations, one would definitely miss too much without a guide (especially in 17 y.o. as myself). The only piece with more class time is War and Peace for obvious reasons.

⬐ ninjaa

What about Almost Zero? How does that stack up? I am dying to read that https://inpatientpress.bigcartel.com/product/almost-zero-by-...

⬐ p1esk

I've never heard about this book. What can you tell us about it?

⬐ chupasaurus

It's good but nothing outstanding, the ending is particulary weak. But that's fine because the author is not a professional writer.

⬐ devindotcom

Any particular reason for preferring that translation? I'm always curious to hear others' thoughts before picking one to read.

⬐ saberience

I did a meta review of translations before trying that particular translation. I found it extremely readable, and the humor comes through nicely, while also maintaining some of the long sentences Bulgakov liked and remaining faithful in general to his style.

⬐ Tomte

My experience with secondary literature about MaM is negative. I went to the University Library and checked out a massive commentary on it and a book about its interpretation.

The latter argued that, contrary to a common notion, Woland is emphatically not the Devil. I did not get far in trying to understand it, but this and the similarly non-understandable commentary really took away some fun out of reading the book, because I constantly felt I was too stupid to get it.

Reading commentary is good, but maybe on a way lower level than literature professors trying to make a name.

⬐ saberience

I can sympathize with this, however, if you read my recommended guide, it absolutely isn't "that kind" of criticism. It's very readable and made a lot of sense to me. :)

⬐ ak217

I just wanted to point out the hilarity of this in the context of the book's literary critic thread :)