Reviews with content warning for Schizophrenia/Psychosis - The Master and Margarita

Reviews tagging 'Schizophrenia/Psychosis '

The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov

12 reviews

bokslukaren's review against another edition

challenging medium-paced

2.0

The writing stood out to me at once - both modern and classic. There were chapters where I was completely inside the book, and others where I was completely lost, and still others where I felt personally pointed out and wondered “is it talking to me?”. It's worth mentioning that I would've enjoyed the book more if it had embraced and developed the horror themes. Behemoth was my absolute favourite, so much that I'm naming my newly adopted cat after him. This was an entirely surrealistic experience which at times felt like an incomprehensible fever dream - I'm a firm believer that those who understand everything in this book are lying and that Bulgakow’s satire is really poking fun at the readers who are pretending to understand. I've got no experience whatsoever when it comes to Russian culture and Russian names, which made my head a complete mess while reading this. No, I did not know whom Bulgakow was referring to at any given time, but I should've taken some responsibility and written the names down at least. The only reason I didn't DNF was because I was hoping that I would understand when I finished it, but alas.

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syliu's review against another edition

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adventurous funny mysterious slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

I'll admit there's something darkly tantalising in The Master and Margrita's style, rhythm, and strange twists. Satan's banter with Behemoth is fun, and the subject matter is unique.

But Bulgakov is (to quote Théoden) a lesser son of greater sires. Nowhere does he delve into questions of morality and social responsibility with particularly startling depth, breadth or clarity. Instead there are far too many same-ish middle-aged male characters that muddle the narrative. And his treatment of women is extremely disappointing if not somewhat abhorrent.

I can appreciate the book for what it is -- an intriguing and quaintly absurd time capsule from the Soviet Union. But my appreciation for it as a piece of literature does not stretch quite so far.

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