Kris’s Comments (group member since Jul 26, 2012)

Kris’s comments from the The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov group.

Nataliya wrote: "Kris, I loved your review so much that I think it should be required reading for any Goodreader who decides to read the book. So comprehensive and with such clarity!"

Awww -- thanks so much, Nataliya.

Nataliya wrote: "Kris wrote: "For better or for worse, here it is: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/..."

Kris, you are amazing, simply amazing.
This may be the best review of this book that I've read."

I'm very moved Nataliya -- you are my resident expert and guardian of TM&M, so I am relieved and so glad that you liked the review.

For better or for worse, here it is: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

Valerie wrote: "I just got done chapter 9, and I'm really loving the book so far. I don't know a lot about Pontius Pilate, so I feel like I might be missing something there. I hear this part of the story feels mor..."

I'm so glad you are loving the book, Valerie. Behemoth is a highlight for me as well.

The Pilate chapters do feel really different in tone, but I think the parallels in themes with the Moscow storyline become more apparent the further you get in. http://www.masterandmargarita.eu/en/ has some very useful annotations and background information if you decide you need more context for the Pilate chapters.

Jess wrote: "Hi Kris,

Would I be able to grab a copy of the Lovell article too please? My access through university archives only goes back to 2001, unfortunately! I'll have a look on the JSTOR database later ..."

Absolutely, Jess! I have lots of articles, so if you feel like you'd like me to send you a whole bunch, just let me know. PM me your email address, and I'll send it/them right along to you.

Aloha wrote: "I am loving these background articles you got for me, Kris. Such a wealth of information. I don't mind delaying my review just to read these. My reviews are basically a record of what I learned ..."

I'm so glad, Aloha. I included some of the articles from the Weeks volume, and then expanded my search. There's so much amazing research on the novel.

I don't understand why I am not getting notifications on group posts - very aggravating. Great choices Jim and Aloha - will add them to our playlist shortly.

Aloha - if you are interested in some articles I have on TM&M and manichaean and gnostic interpretations, and other approaches to dualism in the novel, let me know.

B0nnie wrote: "For the polonaise at Satan's ball:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzgAIe..."

Perfect - thanks, Bonnie! :)

I am loving it, but one of my cats is a bit alarmed. :)

Mikki wrote: "I'm not a fan of Margarita's or any other women whose only participation in life is to prop up another. And the entire rampage on Latunsky's apartment seemed vindictive in a childish way and served no purpose as he would never relate the damage with his previous actions.

Now, with all that being said, I'm conflicted because I also view her as a strong character! She gives her life for what she believes in and will not be wavered in her decisions. For me, much of the nudity also played into this inner strength and conviction that we see in many of the female characters -- compared to the men, they are more open in voicing their needs and desires and then act on them while the men seem more covert and "covered" in what they do. "

Well said, Mikki. I also was interested in the very different reactions I had to Margarita's strength. I wonder what place her revenge on Latunsky has in mapping out the moral landscape in TM&M. You, Nataliya and I all had similar reactions to the revenge scene - I wonder how Bulgakov envisioned that kind of action within the overall context of the balance of good and evil, etc. in TM&M.

Mary wrote: "Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Red Right Hand: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RrxePK..."

<3

Nathan "N.R." wrote: "Did someone say poodle?

Frank Zappa, The Poodle Lecture. Seriously, folks:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFcHde...

. . . she said, "Give me your dirty love.""

Seriously awesome, Nathan.

Nathan "N.R." wrote: "I can only assume that no one has yet posted something from Behemoth. I've got something for Ariman, too, if this one's popular.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXFjZv..."

Excellent addition, but sadly spotify doesn't have this album, although it does have others from Behemoth. Let me know if you want me to try any alternate tracks from them, Nathan.

Mark wrote: "bizarrely, in UK, we call that 'Chinese whispers' "

That is fascinating, Mark. I feel compelled to research that.

Moira wrote: "So he basically becomes this divine pet until the end times, which....seems appropriate for a cat! "

Liam just jumped up here to say that he agrees!!

Moonbutterfly wrote: "Slow poke here. I'm on chapter chapter 4. I'm the type of person who makes everything into a symbol, so I have to check myself with reality.

In the scene were Ivan takes a swim and looses his clothes. Did anyone take that as a type of baptism gone wrong? This is also the first chapter the cat appears as well. Am I reading too much into things? Did anyone also notice this? "

MB, Mikki wrote just what I was about to. Well done, both of you!

Mary wrote: "Stephen M wrote: "I'm at page 50, still wondering what the hell that Pontius Pilate thing was all about."

The Pontius Pilate parts were my least favorite. Soldier on, it gets better, I promise!"

A Pilate pun!!! :)

Do you have B&O now, MB?

I will probably start on Tuesday or Wednesday.