How does it compare to audio works by the same author?
Excellent
Advantages:
Witty, Flowing Prose
Disadvantages:
May Be Better in the Russian Language
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
Aleksandr Pushkin has often been labelled as the founder of modern Russian literature and is described by James Falen, in the Oxford World Classics version, as not only revered as the supreme national poet, but as 'a kind of cultural myth, an iconic figure around whom a veritable cult of idolatry has been fashioned.' Eugene Onegin is one reason these accolades have been attributed him.
Born in Moscow in 1799 into an aristocratic family, Pushkin developed a fondness for poetry whilst at boarding school and was 'recognised as a poetic prodigy by prominent older writers' (J.Falen). Pushkin's great talent, built upon by experiences within his disrupted life, is perhaps better appreciated in his native language and not, as I will describe later on, in the translations since. I have to admit that I was slightly disappointed with what i read. It may be that I had heard such compliments forwarded regarding Pushkin's epic work, yet these appeared unaffirmed in the English language. Yet, Eugene Onegin remains a delightful 'novel-in-verse' and cannot be discounted for the effect it has had on Russian literature since.
Eugene Onegin is the first novel-in-verse I have ever read. It struck me, at first, as a most difficult way of telling a story although, a short while through, the story and fantastic verse suddenly seemed to kick into life. It is possible that the more educated one is the easier Pushkin's work will appear. By educated I don't mean in a scholastic sense, but in a literary sense. For those amongst us who are used to a standard text, Pushkin's most famous work alters the usual flow and, once it starts to grip the reader, it becomes a joy to read; it takes time to master the beat and intonation, yet once the tambourine kicks in, Eugene Onegin you'll find hard to resist.
The story tells of 'the emotions and destiny of three men... and the fates and affections of three women...' (J.Falen) and, although concentrating, naturally, on Onegin, the protagonist, introduces the characters in a clear and attractive way:
"As all applaud, Onegin enters- And treads on toes to reach his seat; His double glass he calmly centres On ladies he has yet to meet. He takes a single glance to measure These clothes and faces with displeasure; Then trading bows on every side With men he knew or friends he spied, He turned at last and vaguely fluttered His eyes toward the stage and play- Then yawned and turned his head away: It's time for something new, he muttered, I've suffered ballets long enough, But now Didelot is boring stuff."The book contains a sadness within but not one which can be pinned to any particular character or situation. Onegin's sadness may appear at the very end of the novel when his love for Tatyana is not reciprocated, despite her girlish affections previously within the story, thus depicting a usual story of love flourishing too late. Lensky's death may appear to some to be the real tragedy, rating death above continued human emotions relating from sadness. In my eyes, Lensky's death serves as a reminder of the tragedies that occur around us, yet are of lesser significance than the main story that is our life, despite their impact on others.
The duelling that comes from jealousy, in Eugene Onegin, and which leads to the death of Lensky is perhaps ironic as a duel was the manner in which Pushkin died after becoming jealous of another man's affections towards his wife. It is this vague parallel that adds poignancy to Pushkin's work.
By changing the pattern at times during the novel, Pushkin forces the reader to lose their rhythm somewhat, thus making them sit up, take a breath and contemplate a little about the novel's story and how well written it truly is.
The translator offers an excellent introduction to the novel, where we can learn more about Pushkin's work, life and how the novel was written, including poetic deconstruction of the stanzas and verse within. Explanatory notes finish the novel off and help explain some of the terms used by Pushkin as well as explaining the works of numerous authors mentioned with the text.
Through the mentioning of many sophisticated items, such as French Champagne, and the citing of small fragments from renowned authors of his epoque, Pushkin does show his aristocratic background a little too much, but does so in a way that negates not from his exceptional work. There are often French passages or sayings included, as was the tendency to prove one's knowledge and love of the French language at the time, which add spice to the text. Falen provides a translation of the French terms and one can see the greatness Pushkin's mind by their very use.Conclusion
To enjoy Eugene Onegin one has to learn to appreciate the way it is written, hence the mixed message I give in this review. I found the novel appealing, the story charming and quaint, and the author an inspiration. It manages to alter the way one thinks by allowing the verse pattern to enter into normal thought and actually makes life a little more interesting for a while after putting the book down. Even a few days after finishing I feel the need to rhyme in Pushkin style.
I did feel that the story ends a little too suddenly and that it could have been drawn out a little more, but who am I to complain in the presence of a master's words. James Falen has omitted a few lines throughout the novel as he explains, in his introduction, that it would have been a crime to translate poorly or simply for the sake of rhyme. This is also one reason I am convinced that the text should probably be read in Russian. For those who cannot read this language, J. Falen's translation is as close as they will get.
--------------- Published by Oxford University Press (http://www.oup.com) Translated from its original by James E. Falen 240 pages in total. ISBN: 0-19-283899-7 RRP: £6.99
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