Monday, November 1, 2010

November's Theme: Russian/Soviet Literature

This month I'm going to do something different for me- a month-long reading challenge focused on Russian and Soviet literature. (I'm going to use the term "Russian" as a broad term though I realize it's not strictly speaking correct to do so. Please forgive me.)

Russian literature has been a lifelong interest for me. One of the very first adult books I read was Leo Tolstoy's The Death of Ivan Ilych and other Stories and I still have my beat-up paperback I bought at a used bookstore when I was probably 13. Next came Dostoevsky's The Idiot and from there I was hooked.

This month, I'm going to dig deep into my TBR pile and read as many Russian-authored and Russian-themed books as I can.There's the photo of the stack. The stack includes short stories, a graphic novel, and novel-length fiction long and short, old and new. Probably, Life and Fate will come last if I get to it at all.

I don't expect to finish it all!

Over the course of the month I'll blog reviews of books as I read them and also review a few other books that I've read and not reviewed that fit. (I will also post reviews of non-Russian books as needed to fill in gaps now and then.) Memes will be answered with Russian literature in mind. I also have a couple of great interviews lined up- one with an author with a great new book, and one with a fellow blogger. Hope to see you back often for this fun series!

20 comments:

Mystica said...

I am keen to follow you. I have read I think just two books which would qualify (both whilst in school) so would like to see what you come up with.

(Diane) Bibliophile By the Sea said...

Sounds like an ambitious plan. Have fun in the process.

Zibilee said...

This is too cool! I love Russian literature and am going to be eager to see what you think about all you will be reading in order to pick some good things for myself. Also, I love the pictures of the nesting dolls. I bought my daughter a set a few months ago, and she loves them.

Anonymous said...

Nonsuch Book is hosting a read-along of the new translation of Dr. Zhivago this month too: http://nonsuchbook.typepad.com/nonsuch_book/2010/10/sunday-salon-last-calls-for-zhivago-persephone-secret-santa-and-nyrb-reading-week.html

Bellezza said...

I adore Russian literature! I'll be joining in with you, especially as I'm reading Dr. Zhibavo along with Frances at Nonsuch Book. However, there can never be enough Russian lit for me! I'll see what else I can squeeze in around the last remaining books I've committed to review, and I look forward to hearing what you have to say about what you read.

Lisa C. Hayden said...

I'm looking forward to all these upcoming posts!

Trisha said...

Too funny. For the first time, I'm having a theme for a month on my blog too. I'm doing the ancient world though, not Russian lit. I highly recommend Dostoevsky's House of the Dead by the way. I read it this summer and loved it.

Anonymous said...

What an excellent stack you have built up. Good reading!!!

Tasha said...

I have not read any of those books, but quite a few caught my eye.

Sarah M. said...

Here is a recent publication that fits that theme: Russian Winter. I just read it last month.
http://libraryhospital.blogspot.com/2010/10/russian-winter-by-daphne-kalotay.html

Sarah M. said...

Oops, I see it's in your stack. I missed it at first. :)

Sarah M. said...

Oops, I see it's in your stack. I missed it at first. :)

Suzanne said...

This sounds like a great idea. I'm starting War&Peace this month (my book group will be discussing in January) and I have a few other Russian/Soviet novels on Mount TBR so I'll be with you in spirit. Look forward to seeing your reviews.

Amy said...

wow, what a stack of books! Happy reading and I hope you enjoy your theme month.

Kathleen said...

I'm really excited to hear more about what you've read throughout November. I've read very little of Russian/Soviet literature but feel quite sure you will inspire me to remedy that!

Anonymous said...

looking forward to it!

~L

Vasilly said...

Life and Fate has been on my TBR list for a while now. Happy reading! I can't wait to read your thoughts on everything!

Bellezza said...

You know I meant Zhivago, right? Just a little typing error there...

Erin said...

Whoa, what a tower of books! I'm looking forward to hearing what you have to say about the ones you get through. Enjoy your reading!

Gilion at Rose City Reader said...

What a great project! You might like this article that I just happened to read today comparing various translations of War & Peace. It made me realize that the copy I have and planned to read not only is not one of the better translations, it's ABRIDGED! So now I know what is going on my Christmas list.