Hello Cams and anyone else reading along. Matthew here. I am a retired sailor living in very rural western Tennessee in the U.S. I spend my days reading, writing, walking my dog, and listening to jazz. I rarely join read-alongs because I have so many of my own reading projects but this book has been on my TBR for a few years now. I have enjoyed other Russian lit I have read and am looking forward to this one. I made the decision to join a bit late so my copy doesn't arrive until Saturday but I will catch up quick. Looking forward to the discussions. All the best.
Hi all, I have seen such praise of this novel but have not picked it up until now. I am mostly a nonfiction reader — finding slow reads and reading groups has helped me tackle some great fiction the last couple of years.
I am reading the Burgin and O’Connor translation. And I am hooked after the first chapter!
I'm Deborah Craytor, but my friends (which include any serious reader on Substack) call me Brandie. I am a soon-to-be-retired (June 1) attorney in Atlanta, Georgia. I did not like the Pevear and Volokhonsky translation of War and Peace but will be reading their revised translation with the beautiful cover shown in Cams's post.
Hi Brandie, nice to have you with us. I have some very fond memories of visiting a friend in Conyers and going out in downtown Atlanta to a music joint called Northside Tavern. I used to visit every year to play guitar with a bunch of pals at his house.
Oh, and this is my first time reading this novel. I'm joining because I can never resist a group read of a piece of great literature, although my reading "mouth" is frequently bigger than my stomach!
I know, right! Style and format are important to book readers almost as much as content sometimes. I read the OWC edition of Brothers Karamazov last year and didn’t enjoy that edition at all. I wish that they’d published a hardcover edition as they did with Anna Karenina. I also have the Clothbound Classic and like the look and feel of that one, but I wanted to read the Avsey translation, so OWC it was.
I stumbled upon your site and I have had this book in my library for too many years and now is the time to dive in….hopefully I’ll keep up with the group as I am reading a couple of slow reads with Simon. I have been a reader all my life, just love books!!! I’m in Southern California.
Hi Margo; I’m reading War and Peace with Simon again this year too. I read it with him in 2024 and had a great time. Don’t worry if you fall behind on mine. The resources will still be there!
Hello Cams, this will be my first read with you. I’ve joined because I tried once and set the book down. Hoping that doing as a curated read with you and your community will help me read it to the end.
Nice one Steve! You’re not the only one to have put the book down and left it unread. I hope I can guide you through it and that you find the rewards that are due!
Hi my name is Ralph from Swansea in South Wales. I am retired and try to spend as much of my time reading as possible. I have been following Cams for a couple of years and can guarantee and insightful readalong experience for all of us. I haven’t read M&M before but I did read White guard with Cams last year and it was a great experience. It looks like there is a diverse community here from all over the world and I look forward to reading and learning together
Hello, I'm Chris from Minnesota (US). I am a Cardiothoracic transplant nurse. I am a life long reader but feel things have gotten away from me the last few years reading for quantity not quality. At the end of 2025 I did not feel very satiated by my current reading habits - I was consuming for the sake of consuming and not fully digesting what I read. This is my first time reading this book, although it has taken up residence on my book shelf/TBR for quite some time. The idea of reading this book is a bit intimidating thus I am excited to read it in community and grow my literary intellect. I am new to Russian Literature outside the typical layman exposure to Nabokov and Pasternak. I have a copy of this book translated by Mirra Ginsberg but am not against getting a different addition as I did not see this on the list provided of other translated edition's. Thoughts?
Hi Christen, it’s lovely to have you with us. I don’t know the Mirra Ginsberg translation, so can’t comment. I’ll just reiterate what I said in my introduction post, which is that the translation you already have is usually a good place to start. Of the four I’ve reviewed, I’m sure I could happily read any one of them. Having said that, I shall seek out the Ginsberg and cast my eye over it. It would be interesting to have another translation for comparison purposes.
Actually, I just learned that the Ginsburg translation is based on the original 1966–1967 Russian publication, which was censored and omits many important sections of the novel. I'll put a quick note out with more info as I can't share screenshots in replies.
Ugh omission like redaction gets my feathers in a dander. I want to read what the author intended me to read. I am off to get a copy of the version you are reading. I am glad I asked, I am sure it would have been confusing.
Yep, I'm totally with you on omission and redaction. My favourite series of books as a kid was the Magic Faraway Tree series and, naturally, I wanted my kids to read them too (they didn't). I ordered the first one from Amazon and was horrified to find many changes had been made, so I returned it and got an original used copy instead.
Hello all, I’m Kelly and I am a primary/elementary school teacher by trade and book-tuber by hobby - my channel on YT is @curatoriallyyours
I’m what you could call an eclectic reader, as I read a very broad range of things! I would say, however, that my most prominent reading categories would be literary fiction and poetry. I am keen to read more new to me classics in 2026.
I’ve never read TM&M but I own two copies of it - the Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition and a Vintage Classics edition which uses the Glenny translation. I’ve roped my husband in to buddy read with me - he’ll be reading the Vintage and I’ll be reading the Penguin. Looking forward to it!
Hello, I’m Grace, a retired community nurse, and live in deepest rural Devon almost into Cornwall.
Looking forward to reading a book that’s been on my shelf unread for years. Much as I covet that gorgeous special edition I’m making do with the ordinary Penguin Classics one with a rather spooky cover.
Hi Grace, thanks for joining! My wife is from Cornwall and we’re looking at moving down there this year. It’s a nice part of the world. I have the Penguin Twentieth Century Classic with a big fish on the cover. That’s the one I’d have read first back in the 90s.
Well, greetings from Germany to all of you and a thank you to Cams for initiating this readalong! I will read it in German, and it will be my second time reading it - the first time was years ago. Looking forward to reading in community!
Hello from Pennsylvania USA! I picked up a copy of the P&V translation a few months ago on a whim at a library used book sale. I don't know much about this book aside from some recent mentions on social media. In 2026 I want to read more Eastern European authors that aren't as well known. This feels like a good starting place.
I’m Donna from Southern California. I was hyperlexic as a child and books and reading have been my lifelong passion. I remember hiding in the corner behind my dad’s armchair, reading To Kill a Mockingbird, looking up the words in his two-volume New Century Dictionary, at a very inappropriate young age, thinking no one could see me, haha. They took me to see the movie too. I remember walking right past the “For Adults Only” sign at the theater door.
This will be my third time reading M&M. The first time was a Spanish debolsillo edition and the second was the P&V that Simon is using. I’m not a P&V fan, but the cover art and paper quality of the Penguin Classics editions makes for a nice reading experience. This time I am going with the Burgin and O’Connor, like Ann-Marie. I absolutely adore the novel-within-the-novel in this book. Bulgakov’s use of language is delicious!
What an excellent introduction, Donna! I hadn’t heard the term hyperlexic so looked it up and turns out I had that too. My son though is way ahead of me. He narrated the nativity play at nursery school when he was 3. The term you describe possibly at least partly explains my lifelong passion for reading. Glad to have you aboard!
I just saw this read along today, so will have to pick up the book! I’ve loved other Russian novels, and had this on my list for awhile, so I’m delighted to find a little community to read it with. I’m a Californian living in Amsterdam, and write about my journey to opening a bookshop in Narni, Italy. Looking forward to getting to know everyone.
You did? That's excellent! I couldn't find one, so maybe my search skills just weren't up to the task. Also WOB tends not to list translators. Is it the green cover with the black cat on it? I'm listening to the Karpelson on audiobook and really enjoying it.
Yes, that’s the cover! I’m in the Netherlands, so maybe their selection is regional. It was the cheapest version I could find, but I also really liked the excerpt you posted (btw, it was incredibly helpful to be able to compare the editions. I liked the rhythm of the Karpelson when read aloud).
I read the book in the late 1980s, and I remember the opening scene very vividly, when they .... well .... drink warm apricot juices.
I don’t remember the plot, and I expect that as I read, it will feel familiar again.
I am looking forward to understanding more of it with Cam’s guidance.
I read The White Guard with Cam’s help, and I especially liked when he wrote, “now pay attention, this will be important later.”
My english is not the best, my first language is Hungarian. I am reading a Hungarian translation published in 1981.
It’s lovely to have you back with us, Christina! Your input into the White Guard enhanced my reading, and I loved seeing your stationery as well.
Hello Cams and anyone else reading along. Matthew here. I am a retired sailor living in very rural western Tennessee in the U.S. I spend my days reading, writing, walking my dog, and listening to jazz. I rarely join read-alongs because I have so many of my own reading projects but this book has been on my TBR for a few years now. I have enjoyed other Russian lit I have read and am looking forward to this one. I made the decision to join a bit late so my copy doesn't arrive until Saturday but I will catch up quick. Looking forward to the discussions. All the best.
I'm so glad you've joined, Matthew! I've enjoyed your work on Homer very much, and I hope I can be as helpful to you as you've been to me!
Hi all, I have seen such praise of this novel but have not picked it up until now. I am mostly a nonfiction reader — finding slow reads and reading groups has helped me tackle some great fiction the last couple of years.
I am reading the Burgin and O’Connor translation. And I am hooked after the first chapter!
Great to have you with us, Ann-Marie. Slow reads have helped me too, particularly with War and Peace and The Brothers Karamazov.
I'm Deborah Craytor, but my friends (which include any serious reader on Substack) call me Brandie. I am a soon-to-be-retired (June 1) attorney in Atlanta, Georgia. I did not like the Pevear and Volokhonsky translation of War and Peace but will be reading their revised translation with the beautiful cover shown in Cams's post.
Hi Brandie, nice to have you with us. I have some very fond memories of visiting a friend in Conyers and going out in downtown Atlanta to a music joint called Northside Tavern. I used to visit every year to play guitar with a bunch of pals at his house.
Oh, and this is my first time reading this novel. I'm joining because I can never resist a group read of a piece of great literature, although my reading "mouth" is frequently bigger than my stomach!
I am not a huge fan of P&V as translators either but I couldn't resist the cover of this book!
I know, right! Style and format are important to book readers almost as much as content sometimes. I read the OWC edition of Brothers Karamazov last year and didn’t enjoy that edition at all. I wish that they’d published a hardcover edition as they did with Anna Karenina. I also have the Clothbound Classic and like the look and feel of that one, but I wanted to read the Avsey translation, so OWC it was.
I stumbled upon your site and I have had this book in my library for too many years and now is the time to dive in….hopefully I’ll keep up with the group as I am reading a couple of slow reads with Simon. I have been a reader all my life, just love books!!! I’m in Southern California.
Hi Margo; I’m reading War and Peace with Simon again this year too. I read it with him in 2024 and had a great time. Don’t worry if you fall behind on mine. The resources will still be there!
Hello Cams, this will be my first read with you. I’ve joined because I tried once and set the book down. Hoping that doing as a curated read with you and your community will help me read it to the end.
Nice one Steve! You’re not the only one to have put the book down and left it unread. I hope I can guide you through it and that you find the rewards that are due!
Hi my name is Ralph from Swansea in South Wales. I am retired and try to spend as much of my time reading as possible. I have been following Cams for a couple of years and can guarantee and insightful readalong experience for all of us. I haven’t read M&M before but I did read White guard with Cams last year and it was a great experience. It looks like there is a diverse community here from all over the world and I look forward to reading and learning together
It’s lovely to have you with us Ralph. Perhaps a Zoom call for this book would have a bigger spread of experience rather than just academics!
Hello, I'm Chris from Minnesota (US). I am a Cardiothoracic transplant nurse. I am a life long reader but feel things have gotten away from me the last few years reading for quantity not quality. At the end of 2025 I did not feel very satiated by my current reading habits - I was consuming for the sake of consuming and not fully digesting what I read. This is my first time reading this book, although it has taken up residence on my book shelf/TBR for quite some time. The idea of reading this book is a bit intimidating thus I am excited to read it in community and grow my literary intellect. I am new to Russian Literature outside the typical layman exposure to Nabokov and Pasternak. I have a copy of this book translated by Mirra Ginsberg but am not against getting a different addition as I did not see this on the list provided of other translated edition's. Thoughts?
Hi Christen, it’s lovely to have you with us. I don’t know the Mirra Ginsberg translation, so can’t comment. I’ll just reiterate what I said in my introduction post, which is that the translation you already have is usually a good place to start. Of the four I’ve reviewed, I’m sure I could happily read any one of them. Having said that, I shall seek out the Ginsberg and cast my eye over it. It would be interesting to have another translation for comparison purposes.
Thank you. I appreciate your insight and will just carry on with what I already own.
Actually, I just learned that the Ginsburg translation is based on the original 1966–1967 Russian publication, which was censored and omits many important sections of the novel. I'll put a quick note out with more info as I can't share screenshots in replies.
Ugh omission like redaction gets my feathers in a dander. I want to read what the author intended me to read. I am off to get a copy of the version you are reading. I am glad I asked, I am sure it would have been confusing.
Yep, I'm totally with you on omission and redaction. My favourite series of books as a kid was the Magic Faraway Tree series and, naturally, I wanted my kids to read them too (they didn't). I ordered the first one from Amazon and was horrified to find many changes had been made, so I returned it and got an original used copy instead.
Hello all, I’m Kelly and I am a primary/elementary school teacher by trade and book-tuber by hobby - my channel on YT is @curatoriallyyours
I’m what you could call an eclectic reader, as I read a very broad range of things! I would say, however, that my most prominent reading categories would be literary fiction and poetry. I am keen to read more new to me classics in 2026.
I’ve never read TM&M but I own two copies of it - the Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition and a Vintage Classics edition which uses the Glenny translation. I’ve roped my husband in to buddy read with me - he’ll be reading the Vintage and I’ll be reading the Penguin. Looking forward to it!
I got you on YouTube!
Hi Kelly, thanks for joining us. I love that you’re buddy reading with your husband! Nice to hear that you got dibs on the Penguin Deluxe!
Forgot to say I am based in Sydney, Australia.
Hello, I’m Grace, a retired community nurse, and live in deepest rural Devon almost into Cornwall.
Looking forward to reading a book that’s been on my shelf unread for years. Much as I covet that gorgeous special edition I’m making do with the ordinary Penguin Classics one with a rather spooky cover.
Thanks for organising this Cams.
Hi Grace, thanks for joining! My wife is from Cornwall and we’re looking at moving down there this year. It’s a nice part of the world. I have the Penguin Twentieth Century Classic with a big fish on the cover. That’s the one I’d have read first back in the 90s.
Well, greetings from Germany to all of you and a thank you to Cams for initiating this readalong! I will read it in German, and it will be my second time reading it - the first time was years ago. Looking forward to reading in community!
Hi Zagorka, glad to have you with us.
Hello from Pennsylvania USA! I picked up a copy of the P&V translation a few months ago on a whim at a library used book sale. I don't know much about this book aside from some recent mentions on social media. In 2026 I want to read more Eastern European authors that aren't as well known. This feels like a good starting place.
Hi Michelle, this is indeed a good starting place! I'm sure you'll enjoy it.
I’m Donna from Southern California. I was hyperlexic as a child and books and reading have been my lifelong passion. I remember hiding in the corner behind my dad’s armchair, reading To Kill a Mockingbird, looking up the words in his two-volume New Century Dictionary, at a very inappropriate young age, thinking no one could see me, haha. They took me to see the movie too. I remember walking right past the “For Adults Only” sign at the theater door.
This will be my third time reading M&M. The first time was a Spanish debolsillo edition and the second was the P&V that Simon is using. I’m not a P&V fan, but the cover art and paper quality of the Penguin Classics editions makes for a nice reading experience. This time I am going with the Burgin and O’Connor, like Ann-Marie. I absolutely adore the novel-within-the-novel in this book. Bulgakov’s use of language is delicious!
What an excellent introduction, Donna! I hadn’t heard the term hyperlexic so looked it up and turns out I had that too. My son though is way ahead of me. He narrated the nativity play at nursery school when he was 3. The term you describe possibly at least partly explains my lifelong passion for reading. Glad to have you aboard!
It's our super power!
I just saw this read along today, so will have to pick up the book! I’ve loved other Russian novels, and had this on my list for awhile, so I’m delighted to find a little community to read it with. I’m a Californian living in Amsterdam, and write about my journey to opening a bookshop in Narni, Italy. Looking forward to getting to know everyone.
Hi Sarah, thanks for joining us! A bookshop in Italy sounds idyllic. I shall follow with interest!
I scored a £3.12 copy of the Wordsworth Karpelson translation from World of Books, so once it arrives in the mail, I'm excited to get reading.
You did? That's excellent! I couldn't find one, so maybe my search skills just weren't up to the task. Also WOB tends not to list translators. Is it the green cover with the black cat on it? I'm listening to the Karpelson on audiobook and really enjoying it.
Yes, that’s the cover! I’m in the Netherlands, so maybe their selection is regional. It was the cheapest version I could find, but I also really liked the excerpt you posted (btw, it was incredibly helpful to be able to compare the editions. I liked the rhythm of the Karpelson when read aloud).
Better link for the EU site:
https://www.masterandmargarita.eu/en/index.html
Hi Cams. These websites look like they might be useful
https://cr.middlebury.edu/bulgakov/public_html/index.html
https://www.masterandmargarita.eu/mobile/en/index.html
https://masterandmargaritamap.blogspot.com/
though I haven't spent much time exploring them yet.
Very useful links. Thanks ML.