I’m completely impressed with translations of poetry that preserve both the rhyme scheme and meaning of the original. Major props to Dorothea Prall Radin and George Z. Patrick for accomplishing this unimaginable task! As someone unaccustomed to reading verse, this book was quite an undertaking, and I enjoyed and was distracted by the poetry of this novel in equal measure. ⁣⁣
I admit I never grew at all attached to our protagonist, Eugene, but fortunately for me the star of this novel is arguably the wonderful Tatyana, who makes it all worthwhile. It took me around half the book to become interested and engaged, but then how captivating this novel became! I encourage anyone attempting this text to persevere, there’s a lot of setup followed by excellent action and gripping emotion.⁣
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I complained a lot about this book to my husband as I trudged through the first half, but now I'm already itching to read it again. I feel swept up by the story, and my brain beats in time with the verse. I know a reread will improve my understanding and pull out more of the richness of this great novel. Maybe meet me back here same time next year?