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Title: The Master of Petersburg by J. M. Coetzee ISBN: 0-14-023810-7 Publisher: Penguin USA (Paper) Pub. Date: November, 1995 Format: Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $14.00 |
Average Customer Rating: 3.75 (8 reviews)
Rating: 3
Summary: Prose that reads like an authentic Russian text
Comment: What is amazing about this book is that Coetzee's prose reads like an authentic translation into English of an original Russian text. To some that may not seem like an impressive accomplishment, or even a desirable characteristic of a novel. But think about how difficult it must have been to do this. He had to have abandoned his practiced and perfected prose in order to learn an entirely different style of writing. He must have read countless translations of Russian novels, particularly Dostoevskiy's (and perhaps even the original texts?) in order to begin to feel the cadence and rhythm of the language. The result is a feeling of period and environment that rings of authenticity. The prose actually serves as a conduit for getting closer and more intimate with the story's main character of Dostoevskiy.
Other than that, this is a fairly mediocre book, certainly not worthy of mention in the same breath as Disgrace or several other works by this Nobel Prize winning author. But for lovers of things Russian or for fans of Dostoevskiy, it could be an interesting read.
Rating: 4
Summary: Correction on a previous review
Comment: Coetzee's novel is set after the publication of Crime and Punishment (certain characters even reference the novel, and its protagonist by name). A previous reviewer was mistaken, how I dont know, it is explicitly clear. If he had read "The Devils" he would recognize "the prototypes" are meant for that novel,(and to some extent "The Brothers Karamazov") not Crime and Punishment. This is not a novel for those with limited comprehension.
Excellent novel by the way. All Coetzee's books are worth reading.
Rating: 4
Summary: My first Coetzee book, and I loved it
Comment: I must say that the present tense of the book was shocking for me. It seemed to drive me relentlessly onto the next page and then the next....
While certainly, some of the facts aren't truly historical or necessarily accurate, that doesn't really affect the nature of the story. This book isn't concerned with being totally accurate in the details. It is the voyage that Dostoevsky makes internally from his initial knowledge of his step-sons death to his ability to release all the emotions, pain, fears etc associated with it.
This is about Dostoevsky (and maybe authors in general). It isnt about "the facts."
Anyway, I thought it was great. I look forward to reading more...
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Title: Waiting for the Barbarians by J.M. Coetzee ISBN: 014006110X Publisher: Viking Press Pub. Date: April, 1982 List Price(USD): $14.00 |
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Title: Life and Times of Michael K by J. M. Coetzee, Michael Coetzee ISBN: 0140074481 Publisher: Viking Press Pub. Date: February, 1995 List Price(USD): $13.00 |
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Title: Disgrace by J. M. Coetzee ISBN: 0140296409 Publisher: Penguin USA (Paper) Pub. Date: 31 October, 2000 List Price(USD): $13.00 |
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Title: In the Heart of the Country by J. M. Coetzee ISBN: 0140062289 Publisher: Viking Press Pub. Date: October, 1982 List Price(USD): $13.00 |
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Title: Age of Iron by J. M. Coetzee ISBN: 0140275657 Publisher: Penguin USA (Paper) Pub. Date: September, 1998 List Price(USD): $12.95 |
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