Russian Book Club: “The Overcoat” by Gogol and “The Stationmaster” by Pushkin

Our long-awaited 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.

‘Pushkin transformed every form of Russian literature he touched’ – The Guardian

‘Gogol occupies a key place in the Russian cultural pantheon’ – Harvard University Press

Both of these stories are crucial for understanding Russian literature, as they introduce the topic of the so-called “little person,” which was further developed by many Russian authors, including Dostoevsky, Chekhov, and others.

“The Overcoat” is one of the St Petersburg tales written by Gogol.

We recommend Pevear and Volokhonsky’s translation of “The Overcoat”.

Amazon.com: The Collected Tales of Nikolai Gogol: 9780375706158: Gogol, Nikolai, Pevear, Richard, Volokhonsky, Larissa: Books

We also recommend watching “The overcoat“ The Overcoat (Шинель) 1959 in English Online (sovietmoviesonline.com)

The Stationmaster is one of Belkin’s tales written by Pushkin.

We recommend Pevear and Volokhonsky’s translation of “The Stationmaster”.

Novels, Tales, Journeys: Alexander Pushkin (Everyman’s Library CLASSICS): Amazon.co.uk: Pushkin, Alexander, Bayley, John, Pevear, Richard, Volokhonsky, Larissa: 9781841594187: Books

We recommend watching a movie based on the book Станционный смотритель (драма, реж. Сергей Соловьев, 1972 г.) (youtube.com)

We look forward to reading, discussing and sharing our passion for Russian literature with you!