"In the big building of the law courts, during a break in hearing the case of the Melvinskys. the members and the prosecutor met in Ivan Yegorovich Shebek's office, and the conversation turned to the famous Krasovsky case. Fyodor Vassilievich became heated demonstrating non-jurisdiction, Ivan Yegorovich stood his ground; as for Pyotr Ivanovich, not having entered into the argument in the beginning, he took no part in it and was looking through the just-delivered Gazette.
"Gentlemen," he said, "Ivan Ilyich is dead!'
"Can it be?"
"Here, read it," he said to Fyodor Vassilievich, handing him the paper still smelling of fresh ink.
The Death of Ivan Ilyich
by Leo Tolstoy
Today I'm starting book number two for The Art Of The Novella Challenge. I read The Death of Ivan Ilych in college, but have no memory of it. I wonder if it will start to sound familiar soon...
Tuesday Intros is hosted by Diane at Bibliophile by the Sea.
I read this one in college, too, and also have little memory of it. I remember that I liked it, though ....
ReplyDeleteNot sure if I'd read this one as I think remembering the names might be an issue! LOL
ReplyDeleteIt is an interesting intro though.
I know I didn't read this. I studied Russian for one quarter but the names are so hard to get around. I'm intrigued why Ivan Ilych's death is so transforming.
ReplyDeleteMelissa - I liked it, too! Seems so strange I don't remember anything... yet.
ReplyDeleteDiane - The names seem to be an issue for anything Russian, at least for me!
Paulita - The names issue again, LOL! Hope to find out soon what is so special about Ivan Ilych's death.
Ooh I read this recently, a gift from Warmth. Lookingbforward to reading more of your thoughts & I may even give it a little re read.
ReplyDeleteargh, one of my favorite stories EVER. I read this in middle school on my own and it's one of hte books that made me fall in love with literature. I'm reading this for Art of the Novella soon and can't wait! :-)
ReplyDeleteGreetings from Sydney, Australia. Discovered your blog via My Porch. A lovely blog with helpful resources. Norman.
ReplyDeleteI read this in college, too and re-read it a few years ago. I love Tolstoy's writing!
ReplyDeleteMy son is interested in reading this one!!
ReplyDeleteHaven't read this. Interesting intro (I had to double-check & make sure it was Tolstoy; it reminded me of Dostoevsky--think it was the name Fyodor).
ReplyDeleteJoan Hunter Dunn - Read half of it yesterday... should finish today.
ReplyDeleteMarie - This will be like revising an old friend for you then! I may keep reading a few novellas in September, too.
ND - Welcome, Norman! Thanks for visiting and saying hello.
Amy - I love the P&V translation, too! I know that wasn't around when I was in college...
Staci - I bet he'd like it!
DS - Aargh! These Russian names... LOL!
I haven't read this one, just his 2 big ones. I have Resurrection somewhere around here though.
ReplyDeleteI've not read any Tolstoy, shockingly enough. A novella would be a good place to start...
ReplyDeleteI did, however, resist the temptation of joining in in Frances' novella challenge.
Enjoy yourselves though... seems a blast.
I have a terribly old copy of this one so of course that makes me too intimidated to read it. Look forward to hearing how it goes for you. I think Dostoevsky ruined the Russians for me. ;)
ReplyDeleteChrisbookarama - I'll get to W&P one of these days... maybe.
ReplyDeleteAnothercookiecrumbles - I loved Anna Karenina, but have been reluctant to tackle W&P. This may just give me the courage.
Trish - I still want to read C&P ;-)