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A review by cody240fc
Red Cavalry by Nathalie Babel, Isaac Babel
2.0
I was anticipating this one ever since I read an essay from Salter in which he mentions 'Red Cavalry' as one of his all time favorite books (he has a blurb on the back of this edition as well). Consider me disappointed. The subtleties and the comic aspects of these stories might have been lost in translation, or maybe the potency (or poignancy) has simply faded over the last nine decades. Or maybe I'm not a sufficient enough reader to grasp those nuances. Most likely the latter. Either way, this was just okay. Moments of impressive prose, to be sure, but I never felt the writing made up for the flat story telling.
These stories are famous for their truthful portrayal of an ugly conflict. I'll go ahead and make a pointed statement on that; 'Red Cavalry' is famous for its honesty and for the fact that the author died because of that honesty. If Stalin's goons hadn't cut Babel's life tragically short, these stories would be largely forgotten today. They certainly would not be read as widely as they are today anyway. Two stars for the occasionally impressive prose, but overall a collection of forgettable vignettes. I think I will revisit this one at some point though; you can't help but question yourself when a highly regarded "classic" comes up short for you.
These stories are famous for their truthful portrayal of an ugly conflict. I'll go ahead and make a pointed statement on that; 'Red Cavalry' is famous for its honesty and for the fact that the author died because of that honesty. If Stalin's goons hadn't cut Babel's life tragically short, these stories would be largely forgotten today. They certainly would not be read as widely as they are today anyway. Two stars for the occasionally impressive prose, but overall a collection of forgettable vignettes. I think I will revisit this one at some point though; you can't help but question yourself when a highly regarded "classic" comes up short for you.