Gogol Collected Tales

Oct 27, 2024 2:24 PM

Author:Nikolai Gogol,Richard Pevear,Larissa Volokhonsky,Richard Pevear

Collected here are Gogol's finest tales - stories which combine the wide-eyed, credulous imagination of the peasant with the sardonic social criticism of the city dweller - allowing readers to experience anew the unmistakable genius of a writer who paved the way of Dostoevsky and Kakfa. All of Gogol's most memorable creations are here: the minor official who misplaces his nose, the downtrodden clerk whose life is changed by the acquisition of a splendid new overcoat, the wily madman who becomes convinced that a dog can tell him everything he needs to know. The wholly unique blend of satire and realism that Gogol crafted established his reputation as one of the most daring and inventive writers of his time.

Reviews

Ha Jin has the kind of effortless command that most writers can only dream about

—— New York Times Magazine

Ha Jin's eye for detail, his great storytelling talent, suffuse his work and make The Bridegroom a genuine pleasure

—— New York Times Book Review

Beautifully understated short stories-Some of them are likely to break your heart

—— People Magazine

A genuine pleasure

—— New York Times Book Review

The Bridegroom...showcases [Ha Jin's] mastery of craft, the consummate restraint and nearly telegraphic objectivity with which he paints difficult truths

—— Boston Globe

This new series of Central European Classics is important well beyond simply providing 'good reads'.

—— Stephen Vizinczey , Daily Telegraph

Enright writes beautifully about the distance of desire

—— Financial Times

Dazzling ...These narrative snapshots are skilfully framed and in-focus, the language forthright and fresh

—— Time Out

This short story collection gives those new to her oeuvre a chance to delve into gems from her past...precociously vibrant

—— Melissa McClements , Financial Times

All the elements of Welsh's best work remain in tact here: the brilliant imagination, the phonetically-transcribed Scots dialect, the humour, the gritty realism

—— Woman's Way

What's striking about these early stories is that the thicker Welsh was steeped in the primordial goo of his Edinburgh Scots phonetics, the better the storytelling got

—— Alexander Linklater , Observer

As you would expect, the stories in this collection involve a certain amount of cultural tourism to the lower depths, undertaken with black humour... Welsh's relish for degradation covers up a strong sentimental streak

—— Victor Sebestyen , Sunday Times

Welsh's transcription of Scots dialect is brilliant... Welsh also has a fabulous sense of the absurd... The overall vibe of these stories is dark and grim. And fierily, fiercely funny

—— Brandon Robshaw , Independent on Sunday

A sparkling and adventurous writer

—— Dennis Potter

Previous Article：The Bridegroom Next Article：The Pleasant Light of Day

Comments

Welcome to zzdbook comments! Please keep conversations courteous and on-topic. To fosterproductive and respectful conversations, you may see comments from our Community Managers.