A review by joh17
Rakes of the Old Court by Mateiu I. Caragiale

funny reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

A difficult read, purposefully so. The translation purposefully uses archaic and unusual words to try and match the effect of the Romanian, as while I can’t comment on how well it works in that regard, it makes the book quite hard going and rather unnatural reading. However, the effect at times is quite compelling. Rather repulsive characters, the dissolution of a culture. Overly admiring of wealth and heritage. The more I think about it the more I think I enjoyed it!