The reviewer highly regards Leo Tolstoy as one of the greatest writers of fiction, and this new translation by Volokhonsky and Pevear is praised for its faithfulness to the original text. The collection offers a range of Tolstoy's mature works, showcasing his moral and philosophical depth, and is recommended highly for both new and seasoned readers of Tolstoy.
The reviewer holds Leo Tolstoy in the highest esteem, considering him one of the greatest writers of fiction. This new translation by Larissa Volokhonsky and Richard Pevear is particularly noteworthy for its faithfulness to Tolstoy's original text, capturing his unique style and moral depth. The collection includes some of Tolstoy's best-known later works, such as 'The Death of Ivan Ilych' and 'Master and Man', which are praised for their vivid storytelling and profound exploration of moral and philosophical themes. The reviewer appreciates the translators' respect for Tolstoy's idiosyncrasies, allowing the original text to shine through. While the collection may not cover the entire range of Tolstoy's works, it is a great starting point for new readers and a valuable addition for those already familiar with his writing. The reviewer concludes by highly recommending this collection, noting that it is a great example of Tolstoy's genius and the translators' skill.
Quick quotes
They trust Tolstoy's precision, his words, even when doing so means adding footnotes to the text, or making thing slightly - very slightly - more difficult for the reader.
The Tolstoy who emerges in the language of Pevear and Volokhonsky is sometimes surprising, but he is stronger for it.
The tension between the committed moralist and the helplessly beautiful writer is at the heart of the his later stories.