Comments on: Book review: “The count of Monte Cristo” by A. Dumas

By: eliben

eliben — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 03:31:40 +0000

I couldn’t say – always try to read in the original language. I don’t recall reading Russian books in English, and I’ve only read War in Peace in Russian, both times.

By: José Hérnandez

José Hérnandez — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 12:32:35 +0000

Very nice review, by the way. Do you feel War and Peace (or is it War and Society?) is significantly better in Russian than in English? I’m currently reading Pevear’s and Volokhonsky’s translation, and I feel completely mesmerized by their work. I’ve heard that many Russian works are far too nuanced to be translated. Is there some truth to that?

By: eliben

eliben — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 14:05:22 +0000

José, here's my review of War and Peace

By: José Hérnandez

José Hérnandez — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 17:12:59 +0000

Have you considered reading War and Peace? I think you might enjoy Tolstoï, as he displays a great deal of depth and richness without romanticizing his characters, unlike Dumas. As a russophone, I’d expect you’d be predisposed to Tolstoï.