Foreign Language Fiction Books

The Odyssey

Homer

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 137 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Fagles finds the translator's "middle ground" amidst controversy 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

About the Odyssey itself, I can add no greater praise than that which has already been deservedly heaped onto one of humankind's greatest literary creations. This particular version is graced with an excellent introduction and notes by Bernard Knox, and what I consider to be a very good translation by Robert Fagles.

The translation style stirs up controversy, with one highly rated review here going so far as to suggest that Fagles' version is not even worthy of being called a translation. In his enlightening translator's postscript, Fagles argues that being too literal results in "too little English" and that being too literary means "too little Greek". In his attempt to create a modern English version, Fagles seeks a happy medium between the two: whether this results in a middle ground or a no-man's-land is up to the reader to decide.

While others clearly disagree, I find Fagles' style immensely satisfying and readable, with an appropriate mix of ancient nobility and modern accessibility. More so than with the Iliad, I found a number of phrases that were perhaps a bit "too colloquial" for my tastes (e.g. it is a bit jarring to see idiomatic modern phrases like "cease and desist" in a translation of a ~3000 year old text) but for me these were few and far between and did not distract from the overall elegance of his translation. Many who prefer a more literal style take issue with Fagles' liberties regarding the syntactic order of epithets, but I felt that he was very effective in conveying the substance of these epithets while converting their style into a form more palatable to the reader of English, a language which seeks to avoid the kind of formulaic repetition which is a necessary convention in ancient Greek.

Above all, Fagles is very clear and explicit about his choice of style, making it easy for the reader to decide whether this style matches his or her expectations. Any translation is ultimately a retelling, and given the gulf of millennia and culture between Homer's Greece and the modern reader, even reading the original in ancient Greek will not faithfully recreate the experience of Homer's contemporaries hearing this tale for the first time. Therefore, assuming technical accuracy exists (which appears to be the case with all of the well known translations of Homer's works), the choice of which one to read ultimately is one of style. The philosophy of translating is a murky realm, with no definitive conclusions about the merits of staying true to the letter of the original versus the spirit of the original--tradeoffs are inevitable. So in the end, find the version that speaks most clearly to you. For me, that version was Fagles'.

Editorial Review:

Robert Fagles's translation is a jaw-droppingly beautiful rendering of Homer's Odyssey, the most accessible and enthralling epic of classical Greece. Fagles captures the rapid and direct language of the original Greek, while telling the story of Odysseus in lyrics that ring with a clear, energetic voice. The story itself has never seemed more dynamic, the action more compelling, nor the descriptions so brilliant in detail. It is often said that every age demands its own translation of the classics. Fagles's work is a triumph because he has not merely provided a contemporary version of Homer's classic poem, but has located the right language for the timeless character of this great tale. Fagles brings the Odyssey so near, one wonders if the Hollywood adaption can be far behind. This is a terrific book.

Great Expectations (Penguin Classics)

Charles Dickens

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 121 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Expectations Greatly Exceeded 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 2 people found this review helpful.

Who knew that a book written almost 150 years ago could be so great? Not me. Granted, part of the reason I enjoyed this book so much was because I had expected it not to be (A Tale of Two Cities is still collecting dust on my bookshelf). The writing is flawless; characters, wonderfully varied; and plot, save an occasional feeling of contrivance at the almost uncanny character interconnections, spectacular.

Pip, an orphan, lives with his 20 plus years older sister Georgiana "Mrs. Joe" Gargery, an unhappy woman who "rampages" on him and her blacksmith husband Joe, a simple, kind man. During an unexpected encounter with a shackled escaped convict, he is coerced into helping the man to prevent bodily injury to himself. It's not the last the boy will see of him. Pip is later asked to visit an eccentric woman (having been left at the altar by a scheming fiancé), where he encounters the beautiful but cold Estella, a future love interest, and several other central characters. Eventually an anonymous donor provides monetary help to Pip hoping that it will facilitate his becoming a gentleman and a scholar. But as his financial situation changes from meager but adequate to one of relative wealth, his personality transforms from kindhearted and unpretentious to inconsiderate and snobbish. Only through the adversity that follows his attempt to fulfill the expectations of his benefactor does Pip learn some important life lessons.

Also good, Mr. Pip by Lloyd Jones (wish I hadn't read it before GE), An American Tragedy by Theodore Dreiser, and The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins.

The Aeneid (Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition)

Virgil

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

"A Long Exile is Your Fate" 5 out of 5 stars.
10 of 12 people found this review helpful.

Virgil, or more accurately/pedantically, Publius Vergilus Maro, was a Roman poet, harkening from the latter days of the Republic. Lauded during his lifetime and throughout the subsequent ages as a supreme practitioner of the art, his work has been ably translated many times. Why another translation? Perhaps the idiom of the times demands it or perhaps ego on the part of the translator suggests a better version is in the offing. In this case, translated by the currently reigning prince of ancient Greek and Latin, Prof. Robert Fagles and lucidly introduced by his former mentor and now colleague, Prof. Bernard Knox, a brilliant effort ushers this masterpiece into the 21st Century.

As with their previous efforts (Illiad, Odyssey), this is a lapidary translation, which reads and narrates smoothly and lucidly. The translator's end-notes and "pronouncing glossary" (in actuality, a "cast of characters") handsomely complements the book. Knox's introductory notes place the work in historical context. Not having knowledge of ancient classical languages, it would be presumptuous of me to comment on the accuracy of the translation. Suffice it to note that, assuming this truly reflects the original language, it is a stellar example of the translator's art.

A post-script: Knox, in his introductory notes, describes in all-too-brief paragraphs, his experiences as a combat infantry captain during WW-II and the strange coincidence of finding, amidst the ruins of an abandoned Italian building, a copy of Virgil's, "Georgic". Knox coincidentally opens (Virgillian Lottery) to a famed passage on "...a world in ruins....Impious war is raging", this in the midst of combat. Unfortunately, Knox (born in 1914 and still intellectually nimble) has not written full-length war memoirs, but a brief essay may be found on the Internet, entitled, "Premature Anti-Fascist": it is well worth reading.

Editorial Review:

From the award-winning translator of The Iliad and The Odyssey comes a brilliant new translation of Virgil’s great epic

With his translations of Homer’s classic poems, Robert Fagles gave new life to seminal works of the Western canon and became one of the preeminent translators of our time. His latest achievement completes the magnificent triptych of Western epics. A sweeping story of arms and heroism, The Aeneid follows the adventures of Aeneas, who flees the ashes of Troy to embark upon a tortuous course that brings him to Italy and fulfills his destiny as founder of the Roman people. Retaining all of the gravitas and humanity of the original, this powerful blend of poetry and myth remains as relevant today as when it was first written.

Frankenstein (Penguin Classics)

Mary Shelley

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 39 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

4-1/2 stars for a classic the movies messed up 5 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

Did the people who made the Frankenstein movie even read this book? All of the things that I associated with Frankenstein are creations of the movie alone. No Igor, no lightning striking the body, no grave-robbing (not directly referred to anyway), no mountain laboratory, no villagers attacking the castle to burn it to the ground. Just a young college student seized with a fever to see what he is capable of creating. What he creates is a monster so terrible to look upon, that he is disgusted and horrified and flees from it. The creature is not yet a monster and only wants to be loved and cared for by its creator. But as it is attacked and maligned purely on the basis of its horrific appearance, it becomes a monster and strikes out to destroy everything its creator loves. It's a real tragedy told almost entirely as a narrative without action. It was a tough read in spots, but well worth it. I'm a big classic horror movie fan, but after reading this and Dracula, I'm a bit appalled at how far they strayed from the original.

Editorial Review:

Edited by Maurice Hindle.

The Odyssey (Penguin Classics)

Homer

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 38 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

A great translation. 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

I recommend this translation for anyone who loves this story, and tried to read it before and gave up. This book is an easy, flowing, beautiful read. Some readers may disagree with some of the translator's choices. For instance, the scene where Odysseus must carefully explain to Calypso why he wants to leave her - this translation has him say that he longs to travel home and see the dawn of his return. I prefer it translated as he longs for his homecoming. There are some very ancient-Greek reasons why that way of saying it conveys a fuller meaning, and also explains why Calypso doesn't press him further. But, unless you're a scholar of Homerian epics, you probably won't feel cheated by this translation. Instead, you will be transported by the poetry, excited by the adventure, and delighted by the fact that you are reading this great work of art without struggle.

Editorial Review:

Robert Fagles’s stunning modern-verse translation—available at last in our black-spine classics line

The Odyssey is literature’s grandest evocation of everyman’s journey through life. In the myths and legends that are retold here, renowned translator Robert Fagles has captured the energy and poetry of Homer’s original in a bold, contemporary idiom and given us an Odyssey to read aloud, to savor, and to treasure for its sheer lyrical mastery. This is an Odyssey to delight both the classicist and the general reader, and to captivate a new generation of Homer’s students.

Le Petit Prince (French Language Edition)

Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 68 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Great philosophy behind it 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I half-expected this book to be a children's book but it actually contained philosophical ideals people would often ask themselves in life. Highly recommended

Easy reader 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

This book is perfect for French reading comprehension. It's an easy read, with an entertaining story!

Editorial Review:

In 2000 Harcourt proudly reissued Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's masterpiece, The Little Prince, in a sparkling new format. Newly translated by Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Richard Howard, this timeless classic was embraced by critics and readers across the country for its purity and beauty of expression. And Saint-Exupéry's beloved artwork was restored and remastered to present his work in its original and vibrant colors.

Now Harcourt is issuing uniform full-color foreign language editions. The restored artwork glows like never before. These affordable and beautiful editions are sure to delight an entire new generation of readers, students, children, and adults for whom Saint-Exupéry's story will open the door to a new understanding of life.

The Count of Monte Cristo (Penguin Classics)

Alexandre Dumas père

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 113 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Long and Worth It 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

I had never read Monte Cristo before and was at first reluctant to invest the time needed for this modern, unabridged version. I'm glad I did though, because it was a great story that moved along quickly in spite of its length. The freshly translated language helps, and because it's unabridged, it's satisfying to know that you're getting the full text that Dumas intended.

The perfect story 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

"The Count of Monte Cristo" is a literary masterpiece. It has everything one could want in a book and more: adventure, fighting, planning, tales of riches, tales of suffering, tales of ultimate betrayal and revenge, and even a little love.

This book may be long, but every single page is worth your time. It is written so perfectly and the story put together with such great design...an epic tale perfect for any reader.

An AMAZING book! 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

Wow. I am so glad to have bought this book. I cannot put it down! At first I must admit I was intimidated by its size as well as the period it was written. I find that many period books are really dense and difficult reads. Not this one at all!!! Easy to read and such a gripping tale! It draws you in and you do not want to put it down. I am so glad that I am reading the unabridged version because I cannot imagine it any other way. I am also so happy that it is so long because I do not want the story to end!

Editorial Review:

Translated with an Introduction by Robin Buss

The Histories (Penguin Classics)

Herodotus

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 32 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

His story and history - Herodotus' view on his world. 4 out of 5 stars.
1 of 2 people found this review helpful.

I always loved history in school, so it seems a bit strange that I'm finally coming back to read some actual documents that were written in the time periods I'm interested in. I picked up this version of "The Histories" at a museum, after spending the day looking at ancient Greek and Roman artifacts. I didn't really know what to expect.

What I discovered was a grand set of stories about different cultures in the ancient world. I wasn't expecting to delve into the folk lore of Egypt, the kingdoms of the Scythians, or the creation of the Persian Empire. I did get more of what I expected as well: stories of the Greek city states banding together to face the Persians, and the causes of this epic conflict. On top of all that, I also got a bunch of mythic stories, tales of oracles, even a bit of information about Heracles that I was never privy too. Herodotus takes many different elements that would be outside of a modern history and weaves them all together and in a compelling fashion. The block of history he chooses to examine is also presented in a way to fits his thematic ideas of destiny, conflict and hubris. His stories illustrate his views and inform at the same time.

Of course as a modern reader, I began to seriously doubt some of his claims (even without the notes). But I soon got over the idea of reading a true history. After all, what history written by any person could be "true"? As long as a writer has a perspective, there will always be bias in the writing. Instead, I enjoyed the stories that were being told.

This version of the book includes a clean and easy to read translation by Aubrey De Selincourt. In addition there is an excellent introduction by John Marincola that explains a bit about Herodotus and points out some of the themes of the work. There are extensive notes at the end of the book, which will require at least two bookmarks (one for the place you are reading and one for your spot in the notes). These notes give a bit more information either provided by modern authors, later ancient authors, or archeological evidence. There is an extensive list of books for additional reading, a time line of events covered in the book, a list of the kings of key countries, a glossary, a table of monetary values and four maps. The maps are very helpful, but not as detailed as I wish they could be. The notes often point out other books with more detailed maps (especially of battle sites).

All in all, this was a great book for a first time reader of ancient history by an ancient historian. I definitely recommend this edition to anyone looking to jump into ancient Greek history. Just know going in that this is Herodotus' version of events.

Editorial Review:

Translated by Aubrey de Sélincourt with an introduction and Notes by John M. Marincola.

Persuasion (Penguin Classics)

Jane Austen

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 24 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Another Enjoyable Austen 4 out of 5 stars.
10 of 10 people found this review helpful.

Persuasion, Jane Austen's last novel, is the story of Anne Elliott and Frederick Wentworth, two young lovers who are persuaded to be separated rather than marrying when they first fall in love around age nineteen because of lack of prospects. The story picks up eight years later when circumstances have changed and the now Captain Wentworth has returned to the area with a successful career and Anne's family is now reduced in financial status. Anne wonders if perhaps Frederick might still harbor feelings for her, but this being Austen, things never go smoothly and there is quite a lot of wondering and subterfuge, and colorful characters to keep things amusing.

This is not my favorite Austen; things started off quite slowly and there is not a great deal of dialogue. I did enjoy the fact that Frederick and Anne rediscovered each other relatively later in their lives, and as always, the build-up to the happy ending kept me smiling. While Persuasion doesn't have quite the emotional zing that Austen's earlier works do, it is still enjoyable. I doubt there's such a thing as an Austen novel that won't capture you in some way, and Persuasion accomplishes just that in its subtle, quiet style.

Editorial Review:

New chronology and further reading.

Confessions (Penguin Classics)

Saint Augustine of Hippo

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 24 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Worthwhile even for agnostics 5 out of 5 stars.
13 of 15 people found this review helpful.

Before reading any St. Augustine, I had formed an image of him as an intolerant puritan, almost Taliban-esque. As an agnostic, I did not at all expect to find him a sympathetic figure. The "Confessions," however, reveal a warmly human, hugely intelligent man, relating his own open-minded spiritual journey, which included way-stops at Manicheeism and neo-Platonism. Augustine formulated his religious and ethical systems through careful deliberation and observation, aided by an epiphany or two; his is not a story of blind, unthinking faith or of mysterious visions. His concept of God seems little different from the Chinese concept of the Tao, and his concept of grace little different from the Buddhist concept of enlightenment. Thus, there is considerable interest in his viewpoint even for non-Catholics, non-Christians, and non-believers.

In addition, this book also constitutes an autobiography of material existence in the waning years of the Western Roman Empire, and thus should be of great interest to any classicist. Little examples: Augustine confirms that, at least around 400 A.D., the normal way to read, even among the most highly literate, was aloud; Ambrose's habit of reading silently to himself inspires considerable comment and speculation. We learn that high school students were rowdy, then as now. The Roman Emperor didn't seem to matter much in the lives of citizens.

The Penguin translation by Mr. Pine-Coffin is excellent and very readable. He avoids the archaic "thou's" that plague many translations. Regrettably, the cover material chooses to emphasize the translator's status as a Roman Catholic as his single most important attribute, and his introductory comments are likely to strike non-Catholics as intolerant. Skip over that, and get right into Augustine's writing itself.