David Rice > Recent Status Updates

I didn’t realize when I ordered this edition of the book that it was a 50th anniversary edition from the UK. I was wondering why it was taking so long to get it until I realized that. It has a nice chronology of the time period of Bulgakov’s life, and what appears to be a good introduction, and suggestions for further reading.

Decided to just dip my toe in Tolstoy after reading so much Dostoevsky with apprehension as to how different his style might be. It is definitely different, however, I am enjoying it so far.

So i just started part 4 and just like at the beginning of part 3 he digresses for a few pages to explain types of people and their involvement in the story. In part 3 it was practical vs original persons and now it’s ordinary people in 4. He’s quite good at capturing thoughts about these things.

Part Two continues to be a bit of a slog but I’m one chapter away from finishing it. Almost gave up but will try a bit longer into part 3 to see if things get better.

Well part two has been a bit of a change from part one. It is a bit harder to stick with. However, I will continue to persevere with the hope it will return to more of the feel of BK or C&P but more slowly than before.

Finished part one. Started a bit slow but my oh my the typical Dostoevsky twists and turns in the plot are in full swing now.

Well, though the rabbit trail of reading Don Quixote was tempting, I decided I didn’t want to wait to read the Idiot. 1st chapter down. This translation reads well so far.

I have read all the introductory material, all by Katz, and find his writing style very readable and helpful and am hopeful this will extend to his translation. There is a helpful list of main characters. Unfortunately, Katz mentions in the intro that Dostoevsky was very much preoccupied with ‘Don Quixote’ and it played a part in the character development in the Idiot. Should I go down the rabbit trail?

I decided to try starting it again but I am still feeling like I don’t have the gumption at this point to finish it. He is a very good writer but I’m just not getting into the story yet.

The last time I read Steinbeck was on HS many years ago where we read Travels With Charley. Hence I remember very little about his writing and am basically experiencing it anew. His prose is very good and he looks to be a very good storyteller. This one looks like it’s going to be dark and I’m trying to decide if I’m ready for that right now or to shelve for another time.

I’ve finished part one of the book which ended on an apparently delineating event that leads into the second and final part of the book. The first person narration of the main character is sort of like a stream of consciousness dialogue over a few days in his life. The tone of the first part seems to be very muted in that nothing really moves him. He seems to have no capability of any meaningful relationships.

I’m having a hard time getting back into it. I sort of wanted to get through the allegory of the cave since everyone talks about it and I just finished it. I think I’ll put it back on pause and mull the cave for a while.

I actually started this book some time ago but only made it to page 182. Decided i should go ahead and finally try to finish it.

Some interesting thoughts and information so far but nothing earth shattering. I’m growing inclined to put this aside for now and move on to something that is calling me a bit more.