Publication
The Art of the Novella (2007), Paperback, 136 pages
Physical description
136 p.; 6.96 inches
ISBN
193363314X / 9781933633145
Language
Collection
Series
Description
"This lesser-known work is perhaps the perfect distillation of Nikolai Gogol's genius- a tale simultaneously animated by a joyful, nearly slapstick sense of humor alongside a resigned cynicism about the human condition. In a sharp-edged translation from John Cournos, an under-appreciated early translator of Russian literature into English, How The Two Ivans Quarrelled is the story of two long-time friends who have a falling out when one of them calls the other a goose. From there, the argument intensifies and the escalation becomes more and more ludicrous. Never losing its generous antic spirit, the story nonetheless transitions from whither a friendship, to whither humanity, as it progresses relentlessly to its moving conclusion."
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User reviews
LibraryThing member kidzdoc
This novella about two long time friends in early 19th century Russia was written in 1835 and recently re-released by Melville House Publishing as part of its "Art of the Novella" series. Ivan Ivanovich and Ivan Nikiforovitch are next door neighbors, long time friends and respected citizens in the
I found How the Two Ivans Quarrelled to be a quick and enjoyable read, one filled with good humor and entertaining characters, which I think that everyone would enjoy.
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town of Mirgorod. During one of their daily meetings a simple conversation turns ugly, as Ivan Nikiforovitch calls his neighbor a name that deeply offends him. The situtation escalates to a war of words, followed by actions by both Ivans that deepen the animosity each feels toward the other. The local authorities and townsfolk are caught up in the drama, particularly after each brings a lawsuit against the other, and a plot is hatched to bring the two old friends together before their cases come to trial.I found How the Two Ivans Quarrelled to be a quick and enjoyable read, one filled with good humor and entertaining characters, which I think that everyone would enjoy.
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LibraryThing member greeniezona
I've ben meaning to read Gogol ever since reading The Namesake, and this lovely Melville House novella seemed like a good way to jump in.
I WAS NOT EXPECTING THIS. I mean, I expected the skewering of aristocratic Russian society, sure. But I did not expect it to involve this almost slapstick level
Of course, the pitch of that absurdity peaks fairly early in the book, then slowly simmers down to shaking-my-head levels, but all the better to drive home the satire and class criticism, rather than leave it feeling just absurd.
I think it's safe to say I'll be seeking out more Gogol in the future.
I WAS NOT EXPECTING THIS. I mean, I expected the skewering of aristocratic Russian society, sure. But I did not expect it to involve this almost slapstick level
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of absurdity. When my over-the-top cackling drew raised eyebrows from the rest of my family and I tried to read some choice bits to them to explain, I was crying and gasping with laughter.Of course, the pitch of that absurdity peaks fairly early in the book, then slowly simmers down to shaking-my-head levels, but all the better to drive home the satire and class criticism, rather than leave it feeling just absurd.
I think it's safe to say I'll be seeking out more Gogol in the future.
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Original publication date
1834