BOOK BEGINNINGS ON FRIDAYS
Do you read books in translation?Every time I read a book in translation I vow to read more. I’m a lunkish monoglot, so do not read in foreign languages. But I appreciate literature of other countries so make an effort to read translated books. I end up reading several for the European Reading Challenge each year.
In honor of Bastille Day, I have my French teapot out, as you can see in the picture above. But I won’t try any well-wishes in French, which you can understand from this anecdote. My sister has an ear for languages and I’d love to say I shared it, but no. I try to speak the local language when I travel, often with great enthusiasm. You would think I’d give up this habit after a holiday trip to Mexico when I wished many people a Happy Asshole instead of a Happy New Year!
So Happy Bastille Day, however you say it in French!
And now let's share the opening sentences (or so) of the books we are reading this week here on Book Beginnings on Fridays!
MY BOOK BEGINNING
At the hour of sunset, on a hot spring day, two citizens appeared in the Patriarchs' Ponds Park.
-- The Master and Margarita by Mikail Bulgakov. That is an underwhelming opening sentence for what is a rollicking satire of Soviet life, featuring Satan and his sidekicks, with lengthy digressions about Pontius Pilot.
I’m racing through this Russian classic. Mirra Ginsburg translated my edition and several other Grove Press editions of Mikhail Bulgakov’s books. It is way funnier than I anticipated, in a crazy slapstick way.
Have you read it? It’s one of the 50 books on my list for The Classics Club.
Have you read it? It’s one of the 50 books on my list for The Classics Club.
YOUR BOOK BEGINNINGS
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THE FRIDAY 56
Freda at Freda's Voice hosts another teaser event on Fridays. Participants share a two-sentence teaser from page 56 of the book they are reading -- or from 56% of the way through the audiobook or ebook. Please visit Freda's Voice for details and to leave a link to your post.
MY FRIDAY 56
From The Master and Margarita:
“I wouldn’t like to meet you when you’ve got a revolver,” said Margarita with a coquettish look at Azazello. She had a passion for people who did things well.
LOL about your trip to Mexico. Hope you have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteMy family doesn't let me live it down!
DeleteYou're right, that's not the strongest opening line. The 56 catches my interest a bit more.
ReplyDeleteEspecially when so many CRAZY things happen in the book!
DeleteI have a copy of this book, but haven't read it yet. I hadn't realised it would be so entertaining!
ReplyDeleteIt's not like anything I've ever read!
DeleteHappy Asshole! LOL I'll bet that got a lot of attention, and probably not the good kind.
ReplyDeleteThe Master and Margarita is currently on my Kindle, waiting for me to show it some love. I'll get there eventually!
In my defense, it's an easy mistake to make! :-) But still . . .
DeleteAah I'm so excited you're reading The Master and Margarita, it is one of my absolute favourite books! It is definitely a funny book, but every time I read it I find new things to appreciate as well. I hope you continue to enjoy it and that you have a lovely weekend :)
ReplyDeleteJuli @ A Universe in Words
I hope to finish it today. I think I am getting to the "message" part of the book and I am very curious to see where all this is going!
DeleteGreat excerpt! I love the presentation, too.
ReplyDeleteThank you! Although I think I need some cookies to go with that tea!
DeleteI've added, subtracted, added this book to my TBR. I'll be intrested to hear what you think of it. I sometimes am aware that a book is a translation (bad) but often marvel at the translator's mastery of the English language.
ReplyDeleteOnce again I was locked out of the ability to login so you can see who I am. Sigh. Not sure if it is your setting or mine. I had to go over and login to gmail first. Anne's book quotes
ReplyDeleteMaster and Margarita is one I've wanted to read for a long time.
ReplyDeleteI have read The Master and Margarita last chear in the classics challenge. Very interesting book.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, I read many foreign books, translations or not, I love to read as much about other countries as I can. You can always find lots on my page.
As you can see, I have the same problem. There is a glitch somewhere. I hope they'll sort it soon.
ReplyDelete