Russian Book Club: Eugene Onegin by Pushkin

Our book club is for anyone who is interested in Russian literature but is daunted by the prospect of reading a complete work in the original!

Each month we select a classic or contemporary Russian literary work to read in translation. While our discussions are held in English, we incorporate excerpts and quotes in Russian into the sessions to provide an authentic experience. The club is hosted by an experienced teacher, who will tailor the language element to the levels of the participants. So whether you’re an elementary or advanced learner of Russian, our book club welcomes all levels of proficiency.

On 2 April 1833, one of the best works of Russian literature – Pushkin’s novel in verse ‘Eugene Onegin’ – was published. This event was a sensation among the public, 5 thousand copies were sold out in one week. ‘Eugene Onegin’ was met enthusiastically as it became an ‘an encyclopaedia of Russian life’. Indeed, the novel, despite the main romantic love line, contains a great deal of everyday details: we learn how people in Russia dressed in the 1820s, what they were interested in, what was in fashion, etc. ‘Eugene Onegin’ was also a new word in poetry. The novel is written in a special ‘Onegin stanza’, which gives the work a peculiar, almost conversational lightness. It’s ironic, light-hearted tone combined with a dramatic love line create that unique poetic atmosphere that is as much to the reader’s liking today as it was 180 years ago. The eternal themes of conscience, love, betrayal, loyalty, infidelity, a person’s calling, sound as relevant as ever.

We recommend reading an excellent new translation of “Евгений Онегин”  by Mary Hobson or  by James E. Falen. Also, it would helpful if you get Nabokov’s translation as well which is more of a word-to-word translation and is a good reader’s companion.