On the surface, it seems like a pretty silly premise: life-long neighbors and friends arguing because one calls the other a "goose." However, it doesn't take long to see that the novella offers a commentary on life and the way we humans, to our own detriment, tend to make mountains out of mole hills. How many relationships have been ruined because of an ill word quickly spoken but not soon forgotten? This isn't my favorite Gogol by any means, but, like all of his other material, it was still worth reading and thinking about. ( )

I've ben meaning to read Gogol ever since reading The Namesake, and this lovely Melville House novella seemed like a good way to jump in.

I WAS NOT EXPECTING THIS. I mean, I expected the skewering of aristocratic Russian society, sure. But I did not expect it to involve this almost slapstick level of absurdity. When my over-the-top cackling drew raised eyebrows from the rest of my family and I tried to read some choice bits to them to explain, I was crying and gasping with laughter.

Of course, the pitch of that absurdity peaks fairly early in the book, then slowly simmers down to shaking-my-head levels, but all the better to drive home the satire and class criticism, rather than leave it feeling just absurd.

I think it's safe to say I'll be seeking out more Gogol in the future. ( )

http://kaggsysbookishramblings.wordpress.com/2013/04/09/recent-reads-the-squabbl... ( )

This novella about two long time friends in early 19th century Russia was written in 1835 and recently re-released by Melville House Publishing as part of its "Art of the Novella" series. Ivan Ivanovich and Ivan Nikiforovitch are next door neighbors, long time friends and respected citizens in the town of Mirgorod. During one of their daily meetings a simple conversation turns ugly, as Ivan Nikiforovitch calls his neighbor a name that deeply offends him. The situtation escalates to a war of words, followed by actions by both Ivans that deepen the animosity each feels toward the other. The local authorities and townsfolk are caught up in the drama, particularly after each brings a lawsuit against the other, and a plot is hatched to bring the two old friends together before their cases come to trial.

I found How the Two Ivans Quarrelled to be a quick and enjoyable read, one filled with good humor and entertaining characters, which I think that everyone would enjoy. ( )