Paul Koudounaris – The Empire of Death: A Cultural History of Ossuaries and Charnel Houses
224 Seiten
I didn't read this book completely, just skimmed through at the library. The pictures were fascinating and slightly unsettling. As for the text, I think you should have a special interest in that subject to pick this book up and enjoy.
I hesitated before starting this beautiful, timeless piece of art, because it was a verse novel written in the 19th century, and therefore, possibly boring, but I was so wrong.
The story is brilliant, a tragedy that can mock its subject matter and remain friendly instead of pedantic. It was enjoyable to read throughout, and Onegin is a character that's going to interest everyone who loves, interested in, or dislikes Romanticism. Pushkin's approach to Onegin feels very different from how English Romantics deal with their own heroes.
Only I think the ending was a bit abrupt, but original so it makes up for it.
I've read Mitchell's version and enjoyed this meticulous and literary translation a lot. Unfortunately I can't evaluate how faithful to its original Russian it was, but the notes in parts where changes took place made me feel assured as a reader.