THE MASTER AND MARGARITA

[PARADOJAS]

Anyone else read this classic by Mikhail Bulgakov?

Here's a good link for it: <http://cr.middlebury.edu/public/russian/bulgakov/public_html/>

RJ

[PARADOJAS]

Okay, since no one else has chimed in here yet, I will.

THE MASTER AND MARGARITA may very well be one of the most outstanding pieces of fiction produced in the 20th century. Bulgakov was a playwright, and before the Bolsheviks started cracking down on intellectuals, he was prolific. There was a 20-25 year period in Russia between the time when Nicholas II began relinquishing power (early 1900s) until when Stalin was in firm control (second half of the 1920s) that the movements of futurism annd modernism flourished. Artists, playwrights and directors, who had been shackled under the czar to produce only "classical" works, now felt free, and a wave of innovation and creativity burst forth in Russia similar to the Renaissance.

Bulgakov was at the forefront. That is until Stalin's censors started cracking down on any work of art that was not geared toward communist ideals. So Bulgakov wrote a multi-layered satire: THE MASTER AND MARGARITA. It's a bit like an onion and Russian culture (and yes, FSUW)...you have to peel the layers away.

[mendeleyev]

You can also see the original screenplay on YouTube (Russian with English subtitles). In 5 parts if memory serves, and very, very, very LONG.

But a classic. If you can make it thru the movie (you won't do it in one sitting) the practice of associating Russian language alone is worth the experience.

Whether in book or film form, highly recommended.

[erudite]

When I was contacting women in Ukraine to find my dream lady (now I have her thankfully), the subject of reading and favorite books frequently came up.  This book was the favorite of quite a number of Ukraine women I had contact with. 

[Anotherkiwi]

When I was contacting women in Ukraine to find my dream lady (now I have her thankfully), the subject of reading and favorite books frequently came up.  This book was the favorite of quite a number of Ukraine women I had contact with. 

Not just Ukraine - I had the same experience in Russia.

[erudite]

Here is a copy for sale:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120597985152&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

[PARADOJAS]

That was my experience too. About ten years ago I was conversing with someone from Piter, and after I'd mentioned I'd been reading Dostoyevskii, Tolstoy, Gogol and Turgenev, she mentioned Bulgakov. THE MASTER AND MARGARITA has acquired a cult following. Two of his other novels are WHITE GUARD and HEART OF THE DOG. I haven't read either of these, and I can't think how Bulgakov could top his masterpiece. Someday I hope some western independent film producer will attempt to make a film version. Unfortuantely, I think most of Bulgakov's metaphors will be lost in translation. Probably it would be better to do something like the Coen brothers did with OH BROTHER WHERE ART THOU as a take on THE ODYSSEY.


While we're here discussing Russian lit, anyone else heard of skaz? Here's a link for it:

<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skaz>

I believe Gogol was the first Russian proponent oF skaz, but I think Pushkin might have used it too. A good American example is Mark Twain, especilly in HUCKLEBERRY FINN and TOM SAWYER. Bulgakov definitely did a bit of "skazing" as did Ilf and Petrov in THE TWELVE CHAIRS, another great satire of Soviet life. Mel Brooks even made a movie of it.

RJ

[Saltheart]

I am reading this currently as it's my RW's favorite book.  Around chapter 6, so far it's fantastic.

Thanks for the youtube link!