"Taras Bulba and other tales" by Nikolai Gogol.
Nikolai Gogol is considered one of the most brilliant Russian writers. My curiosity in Gogol was kindled after reading Jhumpa Lahiri's Namesake and I decided to read this book.
Taras Bulba is the first story (actually it's a novella) and occupies almost half the book. Taras Bulba is a Ukrenian cossack chieftian. The story paints the uninhabited lives of cossacks (Orthodox Christians) vividly. How women had no standing in their society, how they drank, how they waged brutal wars (against Catholics) etc. The story takes turn when one of Taras' son falls in love with a noble girl from enemy camp while in war. How Taras keeps fighting for his land and cause, dispite losing all the beloved ones, one by one. His cruelty and revenge. All for a cause. This story has many racial expletives, but such was the language of that time.
I could not comprehend what the author wanted to say in the second story 'St. John's eve'. 'The cloak' portrays life of a very simple and timid man, 'How two Ivans quarreled' shows how human ego can destroy a friendship, 'The mysterious portrait' is a dark tale and 'The calash' is an attempt at comedy.
In general the book has a very dark mood and there is little optimism in it.
Read if you want to know what Gogol wrote. Otherwise give it a miss.
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