I don't know why so many reviewers lambast Volume II of Dead Souls. Despite its unfinished/unpolished state, I thought it gave good insights into Gogol's "Rus'." Plus, its nonpareil characters (both good and bad) were interesting and insightful. It had comedy too.
The only hitch for me was the abundance of commentary--sometimes crammed into a three-page paragraph. But that's not much of a hitch.
Richard Pevear's introduction explains why this book/poema is so significant in the... (show more)

I don't know why so many reviewers lambast Volume II of Dead Souls. Despite its unfinished/unpolished state, I thought it gave good insights into Gogol's "Rus'." Plus, its nonpareil characters (both good and bad) were interesting and insightful. It had comedy too.
The only hitch for me was the abundance of commentary--sometimes crammed into a three-page paragraph. But that's not much of a hitch.
Richard Pevear's introduction explains why this book/poema is so significant in the annals of literature. Laughs, comedy and insights are what gave it staying power for over a century and a half. I really liked it, but understand why some might not. (show less)