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Ilse's Reviews > The Master and Margarita
The Master and Margarita
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Love leaped out in front of us like a murderer in an alley leaping out of nowhere, and struck us both at once. As lightning strikes, as a Finnish knife strikes! She, by the way, insisted afterwards that it wasn’t so, that we had, of course, loved each other for a long, long time, without knowing each other, never having seen each other�
I experienced this magical novel as an unrivalled ode to love and reveled in its delectable burlesque and hilarious scenes. It knocked me off my feet and pointed me to read Goethe’s Faust.
Somewhere around 1930, the devil and his cronies descend on Moscow, putting the entire city on edge by their diabolical humor and ditto magic tricks. The authorities can only look on, powerless. Before the arrival of the devil, a “Master� wrote a novel about Pontius Pilate (this serene novel within the novel is entirely integrated in the story), which was dismissed by the regime, therefore sending the Master into a mental asylum. Margarita, the Master’s clandestine lover, makes a pact with the devil to save her companion writer. If she agrees to act as a hostess at the witches' Sabbath of the devil- naked - the devil will free her master, and Margarita and her Master will be together for all eternity and live happily ever after.
By far one of the most brilliant novels I have ever read, these insipid sentences were all I was capable of writing about this astounding and greatly allegorical novel when I got a few lines in a free newspaper 10 years ago in order to promote reading, and specifically to lure ((hence the revealing of Margarita’s nakedness) readers into reading what has been thematized by the paper as former cult books - now The Master and Margarita is strongly established amongst the greatest Russian novels of the twentieth century. My copy has been residing with friends for 11 years now, and noticing write-ups on it popping up this forum almost every day, I am craving to revisit it.
(Paintings by Danila Zhirov)
I experienced this magical novel as an unrivalled ode to love and reveled in its delectable burlesque and hilarious scenes. It knocked me off my feet and pointed me to read Goethe’s Faust.
Somewhere around 1930, the devil and his cronies descend on Moscow, putting the entire city on edge by their diabolical humor and ditto magic tricks. The authorities can only look on, powerless. Before the arrival of the devil, a “Master� wrote a novel about Pontius Pilate (this serene novel within the novel is entirely integrated in the story), which was dismissed by the regime, therefore sending the Master into a mental asylum. Margarita, the Master’s clandestine lover, makes a pact with the devil to save her companion writer. If she agrees to act as a hostess at the witches' Sabbath of the devil- naked - the devil will free her master, and Margarita and her Master will be together for all eternity and live happily ever after.
By far one of the most brilliant novels I have ever read, these insipid sentences were all I was capable of writing about this astounding and greatly allegorical novel when I got a few lines in a free newspaper 10 years ago in order to promote reading, and specifically to lure ((hence the revealing of Margarita’s nakedness) readers into reading what has been thematized by the paper as former cult books - now The Master and Margarita is strongly established amongst the greatest Russian novels of the twentieth century. My copy has been residing with friends for 11 years now, and noticing write-ups on it popping up this forum almost every day, I am craving to revisit it.
(Paintings by Danila Zhirov)
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The Master and Margarita.
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Reading Progress
January 1, 2003
–
Started Reading
January 1, 2003
–
Finished Reading
January 12, 2015
– Shelved
Comments Showing 1-50 of 141 (141 new)
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Jun 16, 2016 12:09PM
Thank you for this, my friend :-) When I get a bit more time in a week or so and through some piles of others, THIS will be moving up the TBR ladder more quickly. :-)
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I experienced this magical novel as an unrivalled ode to love and reveled in its delectable burlesque and hilarious scenes. It knocked me off my feet plainly I am also insipid as you precisely described my own first reaction to reading this book! Thank you for the picture of my memory!I am a little curious that the newspaper tried to lure in readers with the mention of the heroine's nakedness, unless they were promoting an illustrated edition of the book, since surely one can imagine naked people whenever one wants!
This sounds mighty alluring, Ilse. I read Goethe's Faust a long long time ago and I remember I liked it very much. An epic theme of one of the greatest classics in the hands of a Russian writer? There is really not much that could go wrong, I presume ;-). I hope I'll somehow manage to get to this one as well. Thank you for your nice review!
We share that love for the masterpiece, Ilse!
Jan-Maat wrote: "I experienced this magical novel as an unrivalled ode to love and reveled in its delectable burlesque and hilarious scenes. It knocked me off my feet plainly I am also insipid as you precisely desc..."I was disappointed with what I wrote because I didn't even try to explain why this is such a brilliant novel :-/ unlike what you did so smartly in your write-up on it! I simply took the easy way out: describing its deep impact on me (and for the paper, presuming that nudity sells, visually exposed or not, no doubt that the book would be read now :)).
Ilse wrote: "Jan-Maat wrote: "I experienced this magical novel as an unrivalled ode to love and reveled in its delectable burlesque and hilarious scenes. It knocked me off my feet plainly I am also insipid as y..."chances are that my review has scared off as many potential readers as your has enticed to it - perhaps the newspaper was wisest in sticking to nudity?
I have been tempted again and again by the novel, but I believe your ebullient review has convinced me to read it. :) Thank you.
This is a brilliant book!
Scarlett wrote: "This sounds mighty alluring, Ilse. I read Goethe's Faust a long long time ago and I remember I liked it very much. An epic theme of one of the greatest classics in the hands of a Russian writer? Th..."If you have read Faust, I guess Boelgakov's novel will only be more exciting, Scarlett, as you could draw the parallels between both works, and it is fun to spot the many references in it to Faust. It is a truly mesmerising and humorous book (on which I think many readers would agree).
Jean-Paul wrote: "Well your far from insipid sentences incited me to add it, chère amie. I loved the artwork!"I admit it is one of my favorite novels, cher ami, and I feel frustrated as words fail to render how it entirely overwhelmed me. This novel has inspired a multitude of works of art, films, and plays, which enhanced the pleasure of trying to find an apposite visual evocation of it - of which I chose a quite dreamy one instead of one of the more cutting illustrations. I am happy the artwork appealed to you, and even more delighted you consider reading it!
Lisa wrote: "We share that love for the masterpiece, Ilse!"As it is so full of life and humor, I am not surprised to hear that, Lisa, and I am happy we do :).
I am ashamed to confess my copy of this classic sits unread on my shelves, but reading your pithy praise of it (and being enchanted by your selection of paintings) I resolve to get to it this year once and for all. Sumptuous piece of writing, Ilse.
Jan-Maat wrote: chances are that my review has scared off as many potential readers as your has enticed to it - perhaps the newspaper was wisest in sticking to nudity?I think your extended review makes the book utterly irresistible now!
Steve wrote: "I have been tempted again and again by the novel, but I believe your ebullient review has convinced me to read it. :) Thank you."I would be utterly pleased if my missionary zeal would contribute to lead you into the temptation to read Bulgakov, Steve, the book so deserves it. Thank you for this very generous comment!
Great review, Ilse. Got to admit i struggled with this but perhaps it's time to reread it, now I'm a bit older and hopefully a bit wiser.
Thank you Ilse for this lovely and exiting review, of you experiencing this novel as magical and of being an unrivalled ode to love, and exclaiming it to be: “By far one of the most brilliant novels I have ever read�.
This sounds absolutely fascinating, beautifully enhanced and enriched by those magical paintings, which are like glimpses into distant, dreamlike worlds.
This sounds absolutely fascinating, beautifully enhanced and enriched by those magical paintings, which are like glimpses into distant, dreamlike worlds.
Michael wrote: "This is a brilliant book!"Couldn't agree more, Michael, a truly intoxicating book which when read in the apposite mood could have the effect of a mind-altering substance.
Another exceptional review of a book I desperately want to read! *sighs*
Part II soars, but I also liked the Faustian element in Part I. My wife has my copy and I bought copies for each of my kids.
Jean-Paul wrote: "Ilse wrote: "Jean-Paul wrote: "Well your far from insipid sentences incited me to add it, chère amie. I loved the artwork!"I admit it is one of my favorite novels, cher ami, and I feel frustrated ..."
Wonderful image, I am struck by the very weary look of Margarita (so unlike her pictured as a witch on a broom), thank you for perusing the web, dear Jean-Paul :). I love art nouveau style, both in architecture and in decorative arts, I enjoyed looking at art nouveau houses in Brussels, Nancy, Prague, Budapest or Vienna...
Ilse wrote: "Jan-Maat wrote: chances are that my review has scared off as many potential readers as your has enticed to it - perhaps the newspaper was wisest in sticking to nudity?I think your extended review ..."
Are you thinking I'd be best mentioning nudity in all the books I review then ;)
Marita wrote: "What beautiful images!"Thank you, Marita! As the search of Jean-Paul shows, there are plenty of works of art inspired by this novel. I picked these for their suggestive appeal. Apparently, there is also a graphic novel inspired by the novel, I should look for it...
Dolors wrote: "I am ashamed to confess my copy of this classic sits unread on my shelves, but reading your pithy praise of it (and being enchanted by your selection of paintings) I resolve to get to it this year ..."Never let our shelves crush or pressure us, Dolors - that's another delectable quality of books, unlike people they tend to stay even if we neglect them for a while:). It's a intense and cheerful novel, and although I'd love to hear your opinion on it, I am sure it will find you at a right time, this year or another. Thank you for your lovely words of appreciation!
I'm intrigued by your brilliant review of this novel, Ilse! It has been recommended highly to me many times, so I am even more tempted to visit this classic now after reading your interesting thoughts about it. Also, those are very beautiful images you inserted in your review. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
One of my favourite novels. Wacky but believable characters. And a great classic novel which is still so readable.
Violet wrote: "Great review, Ilse. Got to admit i struggled with this but perhaps it's time to reread it, now I'm a bit older and hopefully a bit wiser."Thank you, Violet. Probably it was the translation which hampered you enjoying this, as mentioned in some reviews (I read a Dutch one, in a fluent and exquisite prose). As we are ever changing creatures with ever changing moods, a second read can turn out an entirely different experience :).
Heidi wrote: "This sounds absolutely fascinating, beautifully enhanced and enriched by those magical paintings, which are like glimpses into distant, dreamlike worlds. At times, we need something out of the ordinary to reconcile again with a more dull reality, and this novel is a powerful means in that respect :). 'Glimpses into distant, dreamlike worlds': it needs the hand and the mind of an artist to put it that well, Heidi! Thank you so very much for posting this lovely comment, such a pleasure to hear you appreciated this.
Anuradha wrote: "Another exceptional review of a book I desperately want to read! *sighs*"Thank you, Anuradha, so sweet of you! As you have both the advantage of being young and an amazing gift for speed reading, I am confident you will get to it, ever :).
Nice review Ilse. I read it a few years ago and it has stuck with me. It's not an easy book to read, as you know, and at times hard to keep track of what is going on with all the magical realism but it works and I believe it is a classic.
Michael wrote: "Part II soars, but I also liked the Faustian element in Part I. My wife has my copy and I bought copies for each of my kids."That's wonderful, Michael - I hope I'll ever see the day my children read it too. In the meantime I am happy that all 3 children of the friends I lent my copy to have read it and spread the word :).
Jan-Maat wrote: "Are you thinking I'd be best mentioning nudity in all the books I review then ;)"Mmmm, that depends…I would diversify your assets and use this powerful concept sparely, based on some criteria like the functionality of the nudity with regard to the book (cover,story, author) or in case you desire to accentuate your fondness with it. Be careful handling the M/F factor, to keep readers from every possible obedience with you. The M & M fits perhaps both criteria (in my humble opinion).
I am coming to this, Ilse. In a while, after I am done with my reading :) I am sure it will be double treat then!
Councillor wrote: "I'm intrigued by your brilliant review of this novel, Ilse! It has been recommended highly to me many times, so I am even more tempted to visit this classic now after reading your interesting thoug..."Thank you very much, Fabian. I am glad to help encouraging you to read it, I still remember intensely the joy of the experience of reading this.
Calzean wrote: "One of my favourite novels. Wacky but believable characters. And a great classic novel which is still so readable."Even if only thinking of that cat character....well put, Calzean, thank you. I couldn't agree more.
Jim wrote: "Nice review Ilse. I read it a few years ago and it has stuck with me. It's not an easy book to read, as you know, and at times hard to keep track of what is going on with all the magical realism bu..."Thank you very much, Jim. I thought it an engaging book, and I wholeheartedly agree it could be called a classic and that many people would find a treat if they would embark on it.
Beautiful short review, Ilse. I need to get this book read, I know.
Great review! Expect this book to pop-up at least once more in your feed this year :-)
Ted wrote: "Beautiful short review, Ilse. I need to get this book read, I know."Thank you, Ted. Good wine needs no bush, but Boelgakov simply is a treat I cannot resist sharing...
Matthias wrote: "Great review! Expect this book to pop-up at least once more in your feed this year :-)"I'd love to see that, Matthias, thank you! I look forward to your thoughts on it, I am quite sure this will stimulate you to write another one of your fabulously creative reviews without having to break the law.
Your review drags this book out of its former cult status and into the current.
super review - thanks. I feel I need to re read this book. I first read it as a callow youth and probably did not fully appreciate it. for too long I have been constrained by the to read shelf. revisiting old favourites is a priority for 2017
Ian wrote: "Your review drags this book out of its former cult status and into the current."Thank you, Ian, you are much too kind, in my humble opinion it has lost his cult status ages ago, which is of course warmly welcome :).
Ray wrote: "super review - thanks. I feel I need to re read this book. I first read it as a callow youth and probably did not fully appreciate it. for too long I have been constrained by the to read shelf. rev..."Thank you, Ray - I have the same wish to liberate myself from that TBR shelf or shiny newly published books, and simply return to a few gorgeous favorites I long to re-read...
Amazing review of what seems to be a great book, Ilse. I have to read it, thanks for sharing. L.
Ilse wrote: "Ray wrote: "super review - thanks. I feel I need to re read this book. I first read it as a callow youth and probably did not fully appreciate it. for too long I have been constrained by the to rea..."Madam, what stops you from breaking the chains of the To Read Pile?
Lizzy wrote: "Amazing review of what seems to be a great book, Ilse. I have to read it, thanks for sharing. L."Thank you very much, Lizzy, you won't regret reading it. It almost made me believe in love again :).
Jan-Maat wrote: Madam, what stops you from breaking the chains of the To Read Pile?Feeling sorry for the unread books staring at me helplessly and in want for attention? Feelings of guilt vis-Ã -vis the trees felled to print them?
Ilse wrote: "Jan-Maat wrote: Madam, what stops you from breaking the chains of the To Read Pile?Feeling sorry for the unread books staring at me helplessly and in want for attention? Feelings of guilt vis-Ã -vi..."
ah, complex matters, guilt and sorrow...
Jan-Maat wrote: "ah, complex matters, guilt and sorrow"Especially with regard to trees.
Lada Fleur wrote: "CertAinly The Master and Margarita is the 20th century masterpiece. It is the best novel and the one that cannot be omitted It is about love, sanity, creation and lies and truth, Beautiful review r..."I cannot agree more, Lada. And I need to re-read this masterpiece, it is much too long ago.
