Discovering Russian Literature discussion

Here's where we can discuss Part 1 of this novel. Please place any specific comments about plot twists or things that happen towards the end of part 1 under a spoiler cut. No spoilers from parts 2 or 3 in this thread, please.

If anyone needs any help understanding the background behind the story, this Wikipedia article about the Ukrainian War of Independence might be helpful.

I've only read the first one and a half chapters so far, but already I feel as though I'm getting to know the Turbin family. I'm sure I'll have more comments to make as I go along. :)

I'm into Chapter 3, and I really like it so far. Although I read "The Master and Margarita" when I was a teenager, I didn't expect this novel to be so witty, too.

I also noticed that Bulgakov repeatedly uses the word "white" in different meanings; maybe opposed to the color "red", which is being used much less, but it is implied when the author mentions blood which symbolizes Apocalypse, the end of the world the Turbins knew (the end of Ch. 1). And he uses "white" describing snow, the storm that was coming. So nothing good either way.

It's interesting how Talberg, Elena's husband is portrayed: he seems like such a coward but Mikhail Bulgakov's sister was really angry with him because of this. Since all the characters are based on real people, it's safe to assume this is the way Bulgakov saw his brother-in-law's behavior during this difficult time. I was shocked with the way Talberg brought up his career when he was leaving everyone (including his young wife) behind.

And it's actually hard to believe how young the Turbins were. Alexei is 28, and Elena is 24, but Bulgakov often uses their full names, sometimes with the patronymic, so they seem to be older than they in fact were. (Well, at least to me.)

I hadn't noticed his use of "white" until you mentioned it, Olga. I'll look for instances of that while I'm reading now.

I just finished reading The Master and Margarita yesterday, my first Bulgakov. This novel has a very different, much more serious tone, but you can still tell that Bulgakov had a good sense of humour.

Maybe some of it is lost because of translation? He uses the word constantly:
the white coffin with their mother's body;
the white hand of the priest;
the white December;
the white tablecloth;
white bread;
white electric light;
white teeth;
white wine;
white forehead;
the White Sea
and so on.

I also noticed he uses the color "gold" to describe Elena. I'm sure it can be lost since it means not only the color but also sweetness, kindness of a person.

Now that I've read chapter 3, I see what you mean! He uses "white" a lot, and it must have been done on purpose. Bulgakov really seemed to love allegory.

I noticed the uses of "red," too. It all seems very significant.

I just realized that for some reason Nikolka reminds me of Tolstoy's Petya Rostov. Maybe this is because they're both so young and willing to fight. And there's also something tragic about both of them right from the beginning.

ive only just started this book and im getting the same vibe i got when i was reading Mumu, The acceptance of things to come and the struggle to keep things from changing.

I finished Chapter 6, and noticed that Bulgakov starts using another color - black - very often here. At this point I believe "white" symbolizes aristocratism, purity, sincerity, harmony and honour as opposed to "black" symbolizing death, evil, destruction, forthcoming darkness. Since in this chapter Bulgakov starts describing preparations for the possible combat , it is only logical. "Red" means hell, chaos, but also anger, embarrassment, rudeness etc.

And two different descriptions of the old school beadle Maxim (now: white; then: black) prove that white is old and weak while black is willing and strong.

I also made a quick research regarding Bulgakov's usage of colors in his works, and there are even theses dedicated to this subject. It's quite interesting to follow the changes in the tome of the narration depending of what (contrasting) colors dominate.

Wow, it's so amazing that colour played such a huge role in this book.

This is the first time I've read a novel that gives you a picture of (view spoiler)[the people's reaction to the death of the Romanovs from their own point of view (hide spoiler)], and I thought it was heartbreaking.

It's very interesting how he uses color in his writing.