The Master and Margarita | Mikhail Bulgakov | The Master and Margarita (Review)

The Master and Margarita | Mikhail Bulgakov | Masterpiece

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The Master and Mar...

	The Master and Margarita Mikhail Bulgakov Vintage, 1996 - 384 pages average customer review:based on 341 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

The Master and Margarita (Review)

Mikhail Bulgakov's The Master and Margarita provides a scathing social commentary on life in Russia during Stalinism. This Gnostic work taking place in the 1930s serves as an excellent new historical look on life under Socialism. Bulgakov's masterpiece, which was censored and unpublished until 1972, tells the story of Satan's visit to Moscow and all the unusual events that take place while he's there. Much of the imagery and pranks Satan pulls are symbolic of serious problems facing the average Muscovite. This book will help you, the reader, to understand some of the problems facing 1930s Russia. Bulgakov is one of the most authoritative authors to write on the topic of Socialism, as he had first-hand experience with several of issues addressed in the work. This novel provides an interesting perspective on the ills of Stalinism and it should be read by anyone looking for a creative way to read about those ills. The story is told by a third person omniscient narrator (presumed to be Bulgakov himself) and is divided into two main sections. The first section focuses on the coming of Satan and introduces the characters on which the story focuses, and the second section focuses on the Master and Margarita's love story and the conclusion of Satan's time in Moscow. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a novel which will challenge them on a personal, intellectual, and spiritual level, as well as to anyone doing research on Socialism/Stalinism.

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Masterpiece

I don't want to add to the lengthy reviews below, I just want to add another "five stars" to this masterpiece.

My favorite book EVER!!!!!

My mom read this and insisted that Bulgakov must have been on drugs to create this. My mother-in-law told me it gave her nightmares for weeks. Personally, I'm not on drugs and I slept like a baby after reading The Master and Margarita, but these reactions just go to show you that this book incites strong feelings- as it was meant to. If you have any knowledge of Russian history, you must read this book. If you have a strong imagination, you must read this book.
This particular translation is the BEST one so far and does a very good job of drawing the reader in.

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The greatest Russian novel of the 20th century

Bulgakov's Master and Margarita is the greatest work ever written in the last century by a Russian. It is also the bravest book written in that same time period. Imagine writing a novel critical of your country when the leader of that country happens to be one of the greatest mass murderers in history. Obviously written for posterity, if it had gotten into the wrong hands, or come to the attention of the wrong people at that time, Bulgakov would have been in grave danger.

I will not go on at length to describe this novel because many of the reviews here have already done so. It is also rather difficult to describe because it has many elements in it's composition. There is the obvious reference to the Faust legend, the Biblical references, the Dostoevsky and Tolstoy references, the symbolism, social satire, and allegorical treatment of contemporary political concerns. There is great humor in this book, and a love story that proceeds in phantasmagorical fashion and climaxes in what can only be described as a symbolic epiphany.

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A look behind the mirror

Having lived in Russia and read many Russian titles, Master & Margarita is on the top, particularly during Soviet times. Like much art and literature during those repressive times, Bulgakov clearly hides his message under the hilarious cynicism of his colorful prose. There are not enough stars for this masterpiece. I am reading it the second time. My favorite.

Frederick R. Andresen, Author of "Walking on Ice, An American Businessman in Russia."

reviews: 1, 2, page 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

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