Eugene Onegin (Penguin Classics)

This is undoubtedly one (short but) marvelous exploration of love and jealousy. From the start I knew the story ended in tears but I could not prise myself from the grip of the narrator's clarity of voice and the poet's lyrical finesse. Yes, plot is non-existent but this is verse and not a novel and the reader must ingest the story as s/he rides the waves thrown by the meter's boisterous rhythm.

I was there with the central actors much like I had been where they were: keen-lite on an adoring lover but pining for some other who cared little if I existed. The poem is quick-witted, charming and clever. Normally I find poems much hard work to decipher but this reads like a story. Pushkin (Russia's greatest poet) deliciously serves up a timeless classic whilst discreetly slipping us tasteful hor'dourves from eighteenth century Russian glitterati. This was the book that established russian as a language fit for serious literature. I will never know how well this English translation does justice to the original but it's fine enough to show up how brilliant the original must have been.

Read it if you must pig out on fine literature.

A masterpiece of Russian literature (6/6 people found this helpful)

Eugene Onegin is a classic which can be enjoyed by readers of Russian literature, or those who are new to the genre completely. Pushkin's style is fluent and filled with character, and reflections on Russian literature and culture; a style which is uniquely his own. The story appeals to all readers as it addresses those most fundamental of human emotions; love and jealousy, and their effects upon our lives. I would recommend this book to any fan of Pushkin's works, but also to anyone new to Russian literature; this is a perfect introduction which also discusses the culture and history of Russia. A fantastic read.

Facinating (11/13 people found this helpful)

I read this book after watching a movie on the story. One thing for sure is that James Falen did a perfect job on the translation of EUGENE ONEGIN. Much of the Russian nature of glows in this English translation, brining out the humor, wittiness, emotions, grief, sadness and vitality of the original story, which mirrored the Russian society at the time Pushkin lived.

The lessons from the story are strong. Never fight against somebody who is not out to hurt you even if you feel he hurt your pride. That was the case between Eugene and his friend and neighbor Vladimir Lensky, which ends tragically over a nonexistent rivalry over Olga Larin: Another lesson is to appreciate the genuine and selfless love of others for, especially when we are lost in life. That was the case of Olga's sister Tatiana, whom Eugene initially rejects, only to fall in love with her later at a time when she had lost faith in him and had committed herself to a man she did not love but respected. Pushkin himself could be seen in the writing. The loss of what we did not know we loved is the overriding theme in this book. In this direction, there are many lessons to learn from Russia .We can see that in UNION MOUJIK, WAR AND PEACE.I enjoyed reading this book, so if you are undecided about reading it, pick it up and do yourself a favor by knowing about this great work of art.

Aleksandr Sergeevich Pushkin

Reader Reviews:

Marvelous (3/3 people found this helpful)

A masterpiece of Russian literature (6/6 people found this helpful)

Facinating (11/13 people found this helpful)

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