The Nose

by Nikolay Gogol
The Nose cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Short Story Collections
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Paperback • £4.00
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  • ID: 3031
  • Added: 2025-10-16
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • ISBN: 9780141397535
  • Publisher: Penguin UK
  • Published: 2015-02-26
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

In 'The Nose,' Nikolay Gogol takes readers on a surreal journey filled with absurdity and humor. The story opens with a man's comical mistake of confusing a nose for a gentleman, setting the tone for a tale that defies conventional logic. Gogol's imaginative prowess shines as he crafts a narrative that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. This Little Black Classics edition is part of a series celebrating Penguin's 80th birthday, showcasing a diverse range of literary works from around the world and across centuries. Gogol's unique style and wit make 'The Nose' a standout piece in the collection, offering readers a glimpse into his distinctive storytelling abilities.

Reviews
Reddit - Books · 2025-10-16
hilarious 4.00

The story is absurd and hilarious, making it a favorite among readers. The humor and unique premise make it a standout piece.

A Reddit user highlights 'The Nose' as their favorite Gogol story, praising its absurdity and humor. They find the premise hilarious and unique, making it a standout piece in Gogol's collection. The reviewer appreciates how the story's absurdity adds to its charm and makes it a memorable read. They also note that the story's humor is timeless, resonating with readers even today. The review emphasizes the story's ability to entertain and provoke thought simultaneously.

Quick quotes

    "My favorite Gogol story. Absurd and hilarious."

    "The Nose is a brilliant example of how Gogol uses the absurd to create a story that is both funny and thought-provoking."

    "The humor in 'The Nose' is timeless, making it a story that resonates with readers of all ages."

Jason Half · Jason Half · 2020-07-14
brilliant 4.50

The story is seen as a critique of Russian class consciousness, using absurdity to highlight societal issues. The humor and social commentary make it a memorable read.

Jason Half's review delves into Gogol's use of absurdist humor to critique Russian class consciousness. They appreciate how the story's premise, though ridiculous, effectively highlights the absurdities and hypocrisies of society. The reviewer finds the story both funny and thought-provoking, making it a standout piece in Gogol's collection. They also note how the translation by Susanne Fusso brings out the nuances of Gogol's writing, making it accessible to modern readers.

Quick quotes

    "In Gogol's most famous short story, 'The Nose', the author takes an absurdist premise and once more looks at Russian class consciousness as ..."

    "The story is a brilliant example of how Gogol uses the absurd to comment on societal norms and the human condition."

    "Gogol's humor is sharp and timely, making 'The Nose' a story that resonates even today."

Moonchild Writer · Sophie · 2015-08-25
good 3.50

The story is enjoyable but loses some of its depth in translation. The absurdity and humor are still apparent, making it a worthwhile read.

Sophie from Moonchild Writer enjoys 'The Nose' for its absurdity and humor but feels that some of the story's depth is lost in translation. They appreciate the unique premise and Gogol's ability to create a story that is both funny and thought-provoking. While they acknowledge that the translation might not capture all the nuances of the original Russian text, they still find the story to be an engaging and enjoyable read. Sophie's review highlights the universal appeal of Gogol's writing, despite the language barrier.

Quick quotes

    "Overall, I enjoyed The Nose. However, since the story was originally written in Russian, I left that a bit of the soul of the tale has been lost ..."

    "The absurdity and humor in 'The Nose' make it a unique and enjoyable read."

    "Gogol's writing is timeless, and 'The Nose' is a testament to his skill as a storyteller."

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