Reading Russian literature says a lot about a person—good things, of course. However, these books can be challenging even for a Russian speaker. The plot complexity and length are not to everyone’s taste. In this article, we will help you start reading Russian literature with some lighter storylines that aren’t too long and will prepare you for more serious books like “War and Peace” and others.
Here are our top picks if you have never tried reading Russian literature:
1. “The Belkin Tales” by Alexander Pushkin
This collection of short stories showcases Pushkin’s talent for storytelling and his keen insight into human nature. Each tale, narrated by the fictional Ivan Belkin, offers a unique glimpse into Russian life and society in the early 19th century.
This psychological drama follows the story of Rodion Raskolnikov, a destitute student in St. Petersburg, who commits a murder and struggles with guilt and redemption. Dostoevsky delves deeply into the complexities of the human psyche, making it a gripping and thought-provoking read.
3. “Dead Souls” by Nikolai Gogol
This satirical novel follows the adventures of Chichikov, a con man who buys deceased serfs’ names to exploit a loophole in the Russian legal system. Gogol’s sharp wit and social critique paint a vivid picture of provincial Russia and its flaws.
4. “The Master and Margarita” by Mikhail Bulgakov
This imaginative and multi-layered novel intertwines the story of the Devil visiting Soviet Moscow with a retelling of the trial of Jesus in Jerusalem. Bulgakov’s masterpiece explores themes of love, power, and the nature of good and evil in a surreal, fantastical style.
5. “Eugene Onegin” by Alexander Pushkin
A novel in verse, this work tells the story of a disenchanted aristocrat, Eugene Onegin, and his interactions with the passionate Tatyana. Pushkin’s elegant poetry and keen observations of Russian society make this a cornerstone of Russian literature.
6. “Lolita” by Vladimir Nabokov
This controversial and beautifully written novel explores the obsession of Humbert Humbert, a middle-aged professor, with a twelve-year-old girl named Lolita. Nabokov’s intricate prose and provocative themes challenge readers to grapple with complex moral questions.
Enjoy your reading and be proud of yourself. Russian literature is an incredible journey!