Mikhail Saltykov-Shchedrin (1826–1889)

This may be a book for you if (lots of "ifs" coming) some conditions are met. They include:

* You are comfortable with the 19th century "classic" writing style.

* You are patient.

* You aren't addicted to "action-packed, page-turning thrillers".

* You have some modicum of interest in Russian history / culture.

With those caveats in place, I would recommend "The Golovlyov Family". The first sentence of the introduction states that the work "is one of world literature's most depressing books." [Given my reading preferences, that alone was a hook.] The novel is an unrelenting look at an intergenerational family's disintegration. The characters seem at times stereotypical but the frustration and sadness they create is palpable.

The novel gets off to a somewhat slow start as the characters are introduced and the family dynamics are sketched out. But as the novel progresses, the author does include some fascinating descriptions of the characters' slow mental deterioration. In addition, the author's juxtaposition of a hypocritical versus a simply vile person is certainly salient for our times.

Certainly not every reader's cup of tea but a rewarding read for patient readers.… (more)

The introduction to my edition ascribes this quote to a contemporaneous critic named Dobrolyubov (surely a pseudonym):

Add a drop of venom to Oblomovism, and you get Golovlyovism.

I can't say it better than that. If you know Oblomov then you know the questions of nihilism and idiocy and tragedy in the state of 19th century Russia. The Golovlyov Family, more nihilistic, more tragic, is perhaps one of the gloomiest novels I've read. (Even for Russia.) What is the point of life for the landed gentry? Nothing. The satire here is to give each character an exaggeration of a common Russian trait then twist the knife.

Many readers will find this to be too much, and perhaps instead turn to Goncharov for commentary or Gogol for satire. While understandable, that choice won't satisfy the literary Russophile. It's a hard read but I'm utterly glad I did it. Saltykov and Dostoyevsky considered themselves literary and political enemies, so we should all know Saltykov just for that.

Translation note: I loved the Cioran translation. He truly captured/differentiated the characters' voices.… (more)