Dubrovsky (Hesperus Classics) [Paperback]

Alexander Pushkin (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1843910535 | ISBN-13: 978-1843910534 | Publication Date: June 1, 2003

One of Pushkin’s most thrilling prose works, Dubrovsky follows the adventures of an aristocrat-turned-brigand and his audacious scheme for revenge. It is published here with the short story Egyptian Nights. Dubrovsky is the son of a landowner whose property has been confiscated by a corrupt and malicious general. After his father dies, and his faithful servants burn his ancestral home to the ground, Dubrovsky turns to crime. But to achieve his ultimate aim of avenging his father, he must resort to subtler means than banditry. Masquerading as a French tutor, he enters the General’s house and sets about beguiling his daughter. Asking hard questions of our faith in social institutions, in particular the law, Dubrovsky displays the considerable storytelling skill of Russia’s greatest poet. Alexander Pushkin wrote lyric and narrative poems, but his masterwork is the verse novel Eugene Onegin.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Hesperus Press, as suggested by their Latin motto, Et remotissima prope, is dedicated to bringing near what is far—far both in space and time. Works by illustrious authors, often unjustly neglected or simply little known in the English–speaking world, are made accessible through a completely fresh editorial approach and new translations. Through these short classic works, which feature forewords by leading contemporary authors, the modern reader will be introduced to the greatest writers of Europe and America. An elegantly designed series of genuine rediscoveries.

About the Author

Alexander Pushkin (1799-1837) is generally considered to be Russia's greatest poet. He wrote lyric and narrative poems but his most outstanding work is the novel in verse, Eugene Onegin. Winner of the 2002 Whitbread Novel Award for his book Twelve Bar Blues, Patrick Neate is one of the most exciting new voices on the contemporary fiction scene.

Product Details

• Paperback: 100 pages
• Publisher: Hesperus Press (June 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1843910535
• ISBN-13: 978-1843910534
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 4.9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #783,235 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book!, August 17, 2006

By 

Jose A. Diaz "vascaino" (Clifton, NJ USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Dubrovsky (Hesperus Classics) (Paperback)

Pushkin was able to write two great stories. The most important one is called Dubrovsky and is about a soldier who sets to avenge the dishonor his father suffered in the hands of his powerful neighbor. The tale takes a lot of unexpected turns, which makes the book an excellent read. A great example of prose that will keep you interested. Don't be surprised if you finish the book in less than a day.

3.0 out of 5 stars More notable for the author's influence than the actual work itself, October 13, 2011

By 

Lucas W. Humble (Lexington, KY USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Dubrovsky (Hesperus Classics) (Paperback)

This is a fine novel. It is not outstanding, but it is not bad, either.

Fine, however, is typically not what readers look for in a novel. The fact is that this is a simple adventure story that lacks the narrative greatness of Tolstoy, the impeccable structuring of Turgenev, or the psychological insights of Dostoevsky. What makes this more important, as a novel, is that it is a highly-accessible way to read Pushkin. Why might you want to do that, you might ask? Well, if you are ever planning on reading any of the later Russian greats, you will hear Pushkin's name very often. In some ways, I think it is safe to say that Pushkin's importance to the Russian novel is analogous to Dickens' importance to the English novel.

One thing it is important to note: This novel was never finished. While the novel has somewhat of a climax, those of you wanting a traditional denouement should look elsewhere.