When I shared an image of my “The Master and Margarita” collection recently on Twitter/X (after a new arrival, courtesy of the wonderful @pigiron) it occurred to me that a reread would be lovely, particularly as I could coincide this with the “Reading the Meow” event. IIRC I had even considered this and discussed it last year for the event, but time was alas against me. However this year everything seemed aligned: I had reread my review of it, reminding myself of how much I adore the book, and I had time to return to it before the event. Add in that there are translations I haven’t yet read, and that I was very much in the mood for the book after “Summer in Baden-Baden”, and it does seem that the fates were telling me to pick up Bulgakov‘s masterpiece…
So needless to say, I did! I chose the Hugh Aplin translation from 2008 published by Alma Classics; I’ve always got on well with Aplin’s renderings and this one was no exception. And there was a wonderful Bank Holiday at the end of May which allowed me to switch off and immerse myself in the book, which I did, and it really was the most transporting experience.
Back in 2015 I did write a very involved review of the book, and I don’t plan to go into such depth this time round as I very much agree with what I wrote and feel just the same about the book. So I’ll link it below for those who might be interested, but I will add in some extra points which struck me this time round…
- The housing situation in Moscow – I picked up on this during my last read, but noticed that it really is a driver for much of the plot. Citizens will behave appallingly when the prospect of a new apartment is at stake!
- Corruption, and the two tier system under Soviet rule – the stark differences between the haves and the have-nots are very clearly laid out in the book, with the contrast between those in favour (the various overfed authors at Griboyedovs, and the Master living simply in a basement) being quite dramatic. Corruption is rife, and the situation is just the same as it was before the Revolution with just a different top layer in charge.
- Following on from that, the social commentary really stood out in this reading; Bulgakov was critiquing the system quite openly, albeit couched in fantasy events, and I’m not surprised he was writing for the drawer.
- Primuses – even more noticeable on a third reading, obviously related to the housing question, and always hilarious when in the hands of that wonderful feline, Behemoth!
- Speaking of Behemoth, I still adore his and Korovyev’s wild adventures!
- Bezdomny/’Homeless’ – I paid more attention to his plight this time round, and his resolution is full of pathos.
- The love story – the tale of the Master and Margarita, which gives its title to the book, is very moving. I read the Master as Bulgakov and Margarita as his third wife, Yelena. Interesting, though, how it’s not necessarily the most important part of the book – subsequent readings may have me thinking more deeply about this! The resolution of their story is, however, beautifully done and I felt absolutely sure it was the right one this time round.
- Pilate – once more, I felt sympathy for the character; I had remembered there being more Yershalaim sections that it felt like there were on this revisit.
- The fun of it all – this *is* a wonderfully entertaining book, contrasting the wild chaos caused by Woland and his gang with the more serious issues at stake; I remembered the set pieces very well this time round, and relished them.
These are just a few things which occurred to me on this read,and I have to say that it’s quite obvious that M&M is book which repays repeat visits and has so much more to say each time round. I have to say that this was an epic read, where I became totally immersed and transported by the book, and as always with this, I got to the end just wanting to start reading it again. This is the third time with M&M for me: the first time I read the P/V version and although I enjoyed it, I wasn’t completely enthused; the second version was the Burgin/O’Connor translation and I was completed seduced – it was with this version that I really felt I’d got the book.
For my third visit to Moscow in the company of Woland and the troupe, I chose the aforementioned Hugh Aplin translation and it worked brilliantly for me. I didn’t even think of it being translated as I read, which is a good sign, and as with all Almas, the book came with excellent supporting material – photographs, notes, biographical details and even a reproduction of the opening in Russian! So a version I can recommend.
As I mentioned at the start of this post, I published a long post on the book back in 2015; at the time, I said I hoped to read the Aplin version soon… Only took me nearly ten years, then! I considered reblogging it here, but instead I’ll link to it in case you want to read my thoughts in more detail – they’re here. In the meantime, thanks have to go to Literary Potpourri for hosting the “Reading the Meow” event and giving me the nudge to pick this up. I adored my re-read of “The Master and Margarita” – definitely one of the books of my life!!!
Jun 10, 2024 @ 08:36:53
One of my all-time favourites too. I should read different translations as well amd agree with you about the P&V one.
Jun 10, 2024 @ 16:18:05
It’s just wonderful, isn’t it? I’ve enjoyed both the Burgin/O’Connor and the Aplin so I definitely encourage reading more translations!!
Jun 10, 2024 @ 09:05:43
Those Alma Classic editions are really good, aren’t they! I’ve liked Aplin’s translation of other Russians (mostly Turgenev) so I’ll keep an eye out for him. So fascinating to pick up on the importance of housing to the characters’ motivations and actions; I don’t think it’s at all unlikely that I would do something objectively appalling for an apartment, if the other option was rough sleeping year-round in Moscow.
Jun 10, 2024 @ 16:17:30
Yes, they are – the supporting material is always so interesting and adds a lot to the reading. This is definitely a book that yields more each time, and I totally agree with you – sleeping rough in Moscow would not be fun!!!
Jun 10, 2024 @ 09:37:50
I’m really gratified that you rate the Aplin translation as this is the one I read last year. I had the P&V in the TBR but I donated it and opted for the Aplin with no regrets!
It’s really interesting to hear your experience of re-reading this again. Last year was my first reading of TM&M but you’ve definitely encouraged me to pick it up again at some point.
Jun 10, 2024 @ 16:16:25
The Aplin is definitely a good one – I have no issues with it at all. And I do believe it’s one of those books that benefits from a re-read as there’s so much in it. I hadn’t realised I’d left it so long between reads, but it was still etched in my brain!
Jun 10, 2024 @ 11:13:07
Thanks for this wonderful post Karen. This one’s been on my TBR for a while and I’ve been putting it of since I was a little daunted–but having read Madame Bibi’s post last year and now both your old and new one, I’m definitely excited at the thought of picking it up during the week (this is the one choice for the week I didn’t pre-read since I was still debating). The social commentary and housing aspects will be something I’ll be keeping my eyes open for. So glad you joined in with Reading the Meow and I love this pick!
Jun 10, 2024 @ 16:15:25
I think its reputation is a little scary, but I’ve always sailed through it, frankly – I love it! I do hope you enjoy your read this week and I’ll be so interested in your thoughts. Thanks for hosting Reading the Meow!
Jun 10, 2024 @ 17:52:34
Glad you enjoyed joining in 🙂
Jun 11, 2024 @ 15:57:05
😊😊😊
Jun 10, 2024 @ 12:10:23
There’s so much to this one book, isn’t there? All of the different layers make this the sort of book you really can read many times, and still get something out of it. And I like the idea of reading different translations to pick up on nuances that one might miss by reading only one.
Jun 10, 2024 @ 16:14:14
There is, Margot, and I see more each time I read it. I definitely think it’s good to read more than one translation if you love a book, because the different versions often reveal more!
Jun 10, 2024 @ 13:01:36
Ooh thanks for this translation comparison! People sometimes ask me which translation I recommend, and it’ll be great to send them to your blog 💕
Jun 10, 2024 @ 16:13:09
Ah, please do! I’ve read three different ones so far, and the P&V is the one I liked least. The other two were excellent!
Jun 10, 2024 @ 13:54:38
I read this more than ten years ago, so I think it could be time for a re-read soon! Although I remember really enjoying it, I’m sure there were lots of details I didn’t pick up on the first time round. I read the P&V translation and didn’t have a problem with it, but I’ll definitely consider the Hugh Aplin one – thanks!
Jun 10, 2024 @ 16:12:39
Definitely would be good to re-read – I find more in it every time! The Aplin is worth exploring as there’s such good supporting material too.
Jun 10, 2024 @ 14:46:46
Very interesting and I’ll go over and look at your detailed review as I have this to read for the first time – I have the P&V but think I will get the Alma classic edition as I do want to give myself every opportunity to enjoy it! Thanks Karen.
Jun 10, 2024 @ 16:11:58
Thanks Jane! The P&V may work for you but I’m not personally a fan of their work. But I really enjoyed both the Aplin Alma and the Burgin/O’Connor versions.
Jun 10, 2024 @ 17:01:40
I’ll definitely keep an eye out for a copy of this in the future, as I think I may have mentioned in one of your recent posts.
Jun 11, 2024 @ 16:06:13
Indeed – it’s definitely worth some of your reading time, Chris! 😀
Jun 10, 2024 @ 19:55:18
I’m ashamed to say I still haven’t read this and even I have two copies!
Jun 11, 2024 @ 15:56:35
Goodness! Well, there’s no time like the present!! 🤣
Jun 11, 2024 @ 09:20:27
I read The Master and Margarita a couple of years ago. Your review was almost as reading it again. Thanks, Karen.
Jun 11, 2024 @ 15:55:58
Most welcome! Such a wonderful book!
Jun 12, 2024 @ 00:00:40
Jun 12, 2024 @ 10:11:26
Even though I’ve never read The Master and Margarita, I can tell from your comments that it’s a book which continues to change, yielding more insights and different elements on each reading.That’s the sign of a great book, I think. One that still feels very compelling (and a little surprising!) even when you’re familiar with the overall narrative arc.
Jun 12, 2024 @ 18:57:34
Yes, that’s very much the case Jacqui. It’s a very layered book with so many different elements and each new reading draws them out. I can definitely see myself revisiting it again and again!
Jun 13, 2024 @ 09:59:30
It’s brilliant when a favourite book stands up to rereading. I’m glad you were able to revisit this for this reading event. It sounds like a complex novel with so much about society in it.
Jun 13, 2024 @ 15:36:23
It is – there’s always the fear that you won’t find it so good. Happily, M&M was just as brilliant as I remembered it so that’s good!
Jun 13, 2024 @ 17:09:25
This one is still on my TBR. Whenever I’ve picked up a copy, it’s not stuck, so I guess the right time is yet to come. (Also, I know what you mean, I just checked to see when my previous read was, with a book I’m rereading, and was shocked to see how long it’s taken me to return! Sometimes it just doesn’t seem all that long ago. Sometimes it does, and it’s as though you never read the book at all, even though it’s there, in your reading log!)
Jun 14, 2024 @ 10:53:55
I’m a great believer in every book having its time, for sure. As for re-reading, it’s terrifying how long it can be between them, and yes, so often I’ve forgotten the contents. Not with this one though – I think the story is etched in my brain!
Jun 17, 2024 @ 09:00:54
I love your point about re-reading; although it’s hard to tell as you have read different translations, it does feel like your readings have changed as you’ve re-read.
Jun 17, 2024 @ 11:04:24
Definitely – each re-read has revealed more about the book for me, and although that may be something to do with the different translations I still think it’s so interesting.