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Archive In Translation > 2021 September/October: Oblomov

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message 1: by Rosemarie, Northern Roaming Scholar (new)

Rosemarie | 15629 comments Mod
Our Russian classic, Oblomov Oblomov by Ivan Goncharov by Ivan Goncharov Ivan Goncharov , led to the creation of a new word-Obomovism.
If you read the book, you'll know what it refers to.

Who's in?


message 2: by Kathy (new)

Kathy E | 2345 comments I listened to Oblomov in August. I like Russian classics and this was no exception. It was a serious and humorous study of character. Tragedy and comedy together.


message 3: by Rosemarie, Northern Roaming Scholar (new)

Rosemarie | 15629 comments Mod
That is so true. I liked Oblomov, who didn't have a mean bone in his body.


message 4: by Piyangie, Classical Princess (new)

Piyangie | 3569 comments Mod
I was going to join in, Rosemarie. Then I found the copy to which I had access is an abridged version. That dampened my enthusiasm.


message 5: by Rosemarie, Northern Roaming Scholar (new)

Rosemarie | 15629 comments Mod
That is too bad, Piyangie.
But the thread will still be open if you do get a chance to read it.
I think I know which section was left out-the whole section where Oblomov does not appear, and it's also the only boring section!


message 6: by Piyangie, Classical Princess (new)

Piyangie | 3569 comments Mod
Rosemarie wrote: "That is too bad, Piyangie.
But the thread will still be open if you do get a chance to read it.
I think I know which section was left out-the whole section where Oblomov does not appear, and it's a..."


Do you think reading the abridged would be okay, Rosemarie? I was afraid I might lose on important parts.


message 7: by Rosemarie, Northern Roaming Scholar (new)

Rosemarie | 15629 comments Mod
The section that was abridged is really boring, so I think the abridged version would be okay.
I read it not that long ago, so if you outline the main plot lines, I should be able to tell you if you're missing anything important.

Oblomov is a likeable character, in his own special way.


message 8: by Piyangie, Classical Princess (new)

Piyangie | 3569 comments Mod
Thanks, Rosemarie. The synopsis of my copy says that the story is about the midlife crisis of a man. So I figure this copy may be confined to that interestng part of the story where Oblomov is present. I'll read it anyway a little later in the month. If I have questions while reading, I'll certainly turn to you. Thanks for your kind offer.


message 9: by Rosemarie, Northern Roaming Scholar (new)

Rosemarie | 15629 comments Mod
The first part of the book deals with a much younger Oblomov. The description you mentioned sounds wrong. I wonder if it's even the same book?
I read this version:Oblomov.


message 10: by Rosemarie, Northern Roaming Scholar (new)

Rosemarie | 15629 comments Mod
Piyangie wrote: "Thanks, Rosemarie. The synopsis of my copy says that the story is about the midlife crisis of a man. So I figure this copy may be confined to that interestng part of the story where Oblomov is pres..."

That is completely different from the synopsis of the book I read-see link above.


message 11: by Piyangie, Classical Princess (new)

Piyangie | 3569 comments Mod
Rosemarie wrote: "The first part of the book deals with a much younger Oblomov. The description you mentioned sounds wrong. I wonder if it's even the same book?
I read this version:Oblomov."


My god yes, Rosemarie. It looks like a completely different book. What you've read is way too different from the copy I have. I think I'll postpone the reading till I can buy a proper unabridged version.


message 12: by Rosemarie, Northern Roaming Scholar (new)

Rosemarie | 15629 comments Mod
I recommend the Penguin version. I bought an ebook version that was reasonably priced, and I enjoyed the translation. Of course, the paperback version is available as well, but I think it cost more.


message 13: by Piyangie, Classical Princess (new)

Piyangie | 3569 comments Mod
Rosemarie wrote: "I recommend the Penguin version. I bought an ebook version that was reasonably priced, and I enjoyed the translation. Of course, the paperback version is available as well, but I think it cost more."

I'll have to resort to the ebook. It's difficult to order physical copies these days from this part of the world. Not to mention whether I'll properly receive them with so many delays in the local postal service. Thanks for the recommendation, Rosemarie. I'll check it out.


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Oblomov (other topics)
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Ivan Goncharov (other topics)