11 Comments
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Strabo's avatar

Such a helpful recap, Cam and the added contextual info and photos /images are really valuable too. The different translations of the woman hurling insults were great to see. H&H much more earthy and pithy (and therefore more convincing) than P&V's wordier and less cutting take!

Cams Campbell's avatar

Thank you! I'm not P&V's biggest fan, haha.

Saudith Durango's avatar

The Pasha Antipov reveal was something I didn't see coming. Did he simply renounce his family to become Strelnikov or did he become Strelnikov and renounced his family? I fear a second encounter between Yuri and Strelnikov, I wouldn't take his threats as lightly as Yuri.

And Tyagunova and Ogryzkova's fight. .. heavy stuff

Rhiannon Hart's avatar

These essays/videos are so helpful in helping me gain a greater understanding of the text. But boy, do I still struggle with all the name changes 😂

Cams Campbell's avatar

That's just part and parcel of Russian literature, I'm afraid. Have you tried reading War and Peace? You really need a list of names beside you for that one! Thankfully, some editions include one.

Rhiannon Hart's avatar

Yes, I'm also doing the slow read with Simon, but it's the first time reading Russian literature.

Cams Campbell's avatar

Ah, of course you are. I think I knew that and just forgot. You'll know what I mean about the names then 🤣

Rhiannon Hart's avatar

Yes it’s so confusing 🫤🤪

Margo's avatar

You can visualize the landscape from Pasternak’s description. Really a good chapter!!

Cams Campbell's avatar

I love the landscape descriptions, too. For me, they juxtapose the worries of human life with the indifference and immutability of the universe. It gives me comfort. Why worry? Be happy!