Rating: 
Summary: There Are Not Enough Stars to Do It Justice
Review: This novel belongs in its own category, for there has never been another like it. A really great novel is like a best friend. We love to see them praised and are hurt when they are attacked. I am elated to see that so many Amazon readers share my love for this great work. I have been reticent to write a critique, as I really can't do it justice. Words are too meager a medium to convey my true response to this masterpiece. Suffice it to say that this has long been my first recommendation whenever anyone approached me about books I most enjoyed. Now with the appearance of Diana Burgin's and Katherine O'Connor's superb translation, I can recommend it even more unreservedly. I've read the Ginsburg and Glenny translations, as well, and have to agree with the other reviewers here who take exception to them. I haven't read the Pevear and Volokhonsky translation, but haven't been too excited by their work with Dostoevsky, so will probably skip it. I envy those who can read Bulgakov and other Russian masters in the original language, but I make do with finding the best translation I can and pay heed to what native speakers have to say about the various translations. I haven't heard any negatives about Burgin's and O'Connor's efforts. The volume also contains some useful annotation, particularly helpful if you are unfamiliar with the era and with the layout of Moscow. There are also some great Bulgakov sights on the net that have detailed maps of 30's-era Moscow, for those interested in getting a clearer mental picture of the sites Bulgakov describes (Patriarchs Pond, The Aryat, etc.). As far as placing Bulgakov in the Pantheon of Russian novelists, this novel alone propels him to the front ranks. Some of his other works, most notably Heart of a Dog and White Guard have not been adequately translated yet, so it is difficult to assess them. If you are a Pasternak fan (which I am not) you will probably enjoy White Guard, however. It is not satire, though, which in my estimation is Bulgakov's strong suit. Nor is there much humor there (at which he also excels in M&M). In fact I would be hard-pressed to come up with any other work in any literature that is as scathingly humorous and dead-on-target satirical as M&M. Burgess and Vonnegut are rungs below Bulgakov in either category. Bulgakov skewers every Moscow bureaucrat and literary hack (unfortunately in the Stalinist era most of those who maintained positions of authority in literary circles were obsequious no-talents who mouthed party-line propaganda) that ever did him harm (and these were legion). Yet there is not an ounce of vitriol involved in the skewering, which is remarkable in itself. Bulgakov had to be one of the most good-natured people ever to pick up a pen. That is the overall impression one gleans from the accounts of his contemporaries and it is evident throughout this book. Yes, stupid people behave stupidly and predictably(Annushka is Annushka ! ) but in most cases the divine forces at work here let them off the hook. If you haven't been convinced by all these testimonials to give this novel a try, I am probably wasting space here anyway. This novel is the reason I go on reading. I hope someday to come across another like it. There aren't enough stars in the Amazon galaxy to do it justice.
Rating:
Summary: where to begin...
Review: I suppose that I can start by saying that "The Master and Margarita" has been my favorite book for over 7 years now (that says a lot since I read quite a bit!). I don't think it is necessary to discuss the plot of the book, since you can read what the book is about by looking at the editorial reviews. However, I will comment on the various translations. Without a doubt, the book in the original Russian is incomparable, but if you don't read Russian I would recommend the Burgin/Tiernan O'Connor translation. The first translation I ever read was Mirra Ginsburg's - although it is very charming and enjoyable, certain bits of conversation as well as almost an entire chapter are omitted from this translation. I have also read parts of Michael Glenny's translation, and I don't feel that his translation accurately relays the depth, rhythm and richness of Bulgakov's style. Burgin/Tiernan O'Connor has given the most complete and accurate translation of this work. Another superb feature of this translation is the commentary section at the end of the text, which is very helpful in understanding what influenced Bulgakov, and is especially helpful if the reader is not familiar with certain aspects of Soviet culture while the book was written (during the 1930's). Lastly, I have to comment on the thing that I love most about "The Master and Margarita" - it is impossible to classify this book as one certain genre. This book is a philosophical and religious novel, an historical novel, a satire, a love story, an action/adventure, and a fantasy all rolled into one. Simply put, it is timeless - an original, brilliant and beautiful novel.
Rating:
Summary: Somehow Russia falls into place
Review: I have lived and worked in Russia for the last ten years. I remember when I first read this book - I felt that it helped me understand Russia, although I can't point to the exact parts of the book that did this. I re-read it at least once a year, and always find something new to enjoy. The plot and the characters are very rich, and the ending is uplifting, in stark contrast to the reality of Bulgakov's life. I find it difficult to recommend books to people. It is unlikely that they will read something in the same way as you. This is the only book that I recommend to everyone, who suggests to me that they might be interested in my recommendation.
Rating:
Summary: The Best Translation Yet!
Review: I have already written a few reviews of this book here at Amazon.com, and each time I read a different translation, I feel that it improves a little each time. Now I have read the best. The Pevear and Volokhonsky translation is without hesitation the best translation I have read. The characters in Woland's retinue are so lively, and each personality stands out like it never has in previous translations. The notes in this book are so incredible, you can invision the darkest stalin reign in contemporary moscow and rely on the notes to explain every detail in ancient Jerusalem. Unless you can read Russian, get yourself a copy of this book...nothing is left out, and this Russian Materpiece finally gets a worthy english translation.
Rating:
Summary: The Best Book Ever
Review: This is my favorite book in the world, I have read it five times in the original language (Russian). While there are some very good translations into English, they pale in comparison with the original. Bulgakov's genious, extrodinary wit and intelligence, and brilliant imagination has no equal in the world of literature. I don't want to give away any of the plot, I think veryone should have the chance to encounter it for themsleves without any outside versions. All I will say is the book will enthrall you from the first chapter and keep you on your toes until the very end. It rarely happens that a book grabs your mind for the entire ride, including the unbelievable ending. It is an absolute crime not to read this book, and it is very possible that once you start it you won't sleep until you finish it.
Rating:
Summary: Russian Masterpiece
Review: This book is about Satan, who around 1935 and with his minions comes to Moscow to wreak havoc on the population. He embarasses them, humiliates them, sends them hundreds of miles away to desolate areas, throws them into insane asylums, and murders them. All of them, with their venality, avarice, vanity, and arrogance, deserve it. But the story is really about Yeshua, who in his conversation with the Procurator shares with him his preposterous belief that all men are good. That no men are bad. But that's really only a small part of it. The real story is about the procurator, Pilate, who becomes intrigued and then fascinated by Yeshua, but yet allows him to suffer and be put to death anyway. He is tormented by this decision that day, for the rest of his life, and for the rest of eternity. Almost. No, no, no. In reality the story is about the Master, who is in fact the writer of the Pilate story. After years and years of laboring with it, it is stolen from him by those he trusted to publish it. When he tries to claim his rights to his work, he himself is accused of being the plagierer. He loses his mind, burns the manuscript, and is sent to an insane asylum. As a corollary, the book is also about the undying and faithful love Margarita has for her Master, the love which, "caught us suddenly, leaped at us like a murderer appearing from out of nowhere in an alley, and struck us both down at once." Her love, and his dreams, are redeemed by Satan, who accomplishes this by poisoning them both to death. But in finality, the book is actually about Bulgakov himself, who is in fact the central tragic figure in this book, this book which would not be published until long, long, long after his death. This magician, this genius, this Bulgakov, knew this, but incredibly his vision isn't bitter or unhappy; it is instead glorious: himself resurrected, riding a black horse on a silvery path to the moon. And his vision is true. It is true.
Rating:
Summary: The Epitome Of Satire
Review: Anyone with even a remote interest in great fiction should definitely read this book. Banned in the Soviet Union for many years, it is the author's masterpiece. When Satan arrives in Moscow with an entourage including a talking cat that walks upright and a faithful "translator," anyone standing in this bizarre threesome's path is swiftly dealt with-usually via a trip to a famed Moscow mental health institution. Satan is used to represent of the "official" Soviet view of foreigners--suspicious, evil and not to be trusted. The tyranny of Soviet life is also well documented through the character's offbeat adventures and actions. Through the main character, the poet Homeless, as well as the elusive Master, writers as represented as an oppressed society in Soviet life. This is a clear political statement of the author's and adds to the controversy of the book. Although politics are usually the subject of mockery and satire, this book is highly unique and certainly not to be missed. New insights into a dark period of Soviet history will be gained in a delightful and entertaining way.
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Summary: ABSOLUTELY ONE OF A KIND
Review: This extraordinary and unique book opens in 1930s Moscow during the darkest period of Stalin's repressive reign. Near Patriarch Ponds, two writers sit on a bench engaged in a discussion regarding the nature of Jesus. True to their times, both writers devoutly discount his existence. As their discourse continues, they are joined by a third man, a well-dressed stranger who claims not only to believe in the existence of the historical Jesus, but to have actually been present at Jesus's trial and crucifixion. Unbeknownst to the two writers, this stranger is none other than Satan, himself, who is now calling himself Woland. The next chapter takes us to Yershalaim (Jerusalem) and Pontius Pilate's interrogation of Yeshua Ha-Nozri (Jesus). Much to Pilate's dismay, Yeshua freely admits to all of the charges brought against him. Pilate, although finding himself captivated by Yeshua and desiring to free him, has no choice but to order his execution instead. Yeshua is sentenced to death and crucified and Pilate grows more and more disturbed. Back in Moscow, things have taken a bizarre turn. When Woland's prediction of the death of the writer Berlioz turns out to be true, another writer, Ivan the Homeless is unceremoniously carted off to an asylum and the esteemed Dr. Stravinsky. As heads roll and people are driven mad, Ivan meets his neighbor in the asylum, one known only as The Master. The Master, also a writer, has been working on a novel centering on Pontius Pilate and the story, not coincidentally, is more than similar to Woland's eyewitness version. Ivan also learns of The Master's love for the beautiful Margarita with whom he shared both an apartment and an affair until the rejection of his novel drove him insane. Margarita, meanwhile, is living in a loveless marriage and spends her days pining away for her lost Master, knowing nothing of his whereabouts. The story then moves back to Yershalaim and Pilate's struggle to come to terms with the death of Yeshua. He is visited by Matthew Levi and subsequently orders the death of Judas of Kiriath (Judas Iscariot) for his betryal of Yeshua. Moving back to Moscow again, we learn the reason for Woland's visit. He wants to give a Grand Ball and is in search of a hostess--a hostess named Margarita. Margarita instantly agrees and the Grand Ball proceeds, apparently lasting for hours and hours with the guests having been chosen from among the most sinful and corrupt of all the deceased. With the dawning of the new day, Woland, who is pleased with Margarita's performance, tells her he will grant her her fondest wish. Of course, that wish is to be reunited with The Master. How this request is accomplished is one of the most extremely inventive passages in all of literature and involves not only Woland, but his wily accomplices (Azazello and Behemoth), Matthew Levi and Pilate, himself. Suffice it to say, all turns out well for all intended and The Master and Margarita eventually come to reside together for all time. In The Master and Margarita, Bulgakov has created, not only a technical masterpiece of flawless writing, but also one of immense creativity, making use of innuendo, iconography, metaphor and satire. This is a multi-layed book, encompassing many themes, drawn with a painstaking commitment to detail. Although, at first glance, the two concurrently running stories seem to bear no relation to each other, a closer examination shows us just how creative Bulgalov was and how great was his genius. As the story of Yeshua and The Master are occurring nearly two thousand years apart, it would seem, on the surface, impossible to link them. Bulgakov, however, forgets this span of years and tells the story by the day and the hour instead. As the Easter weekend unfolds, so do his stories, just as though they were occurring each at the same time but in different locations. Bulgakov did not intend for the story of Yeshua to be of historical significance. Instead, it is used as a device to further the satire of Stalinist Russia. For it is within the social and political issues of Stalinist Russia that the true basis of this work is grounded. Banned until the 1960s (and then embraced) the story of The Master is a veiled belief of Bulgakov's in the importance of his own work. However, one does not need a knowledge of Russia or Russian politics to enjoy this extraordinary book. It is an entertaining read in its own right. If one understands the subtext, it is all the more enjoyable. The Master and Margarita represents one of the greatest literary works of the twentieth century and one that has certainly never been equalled. Anyone who is serious about literature absolutely cannot afford to pass this up.
Rating:
Summary: Riveting, enthralling, utterly entertaining!
Review: I was turned on to this book by Mick Jagger, of all people! As a Rolling Stones fan for close to 25 years, I had long known that one of their all-time classic songs, "Sympathy for the Devil" was based on this book, as it was a favorite of Jagger's. So, I finally broke down and ordered it, and I'm BLOWN away! It's a wild ride throughout! I found myself gasping at every turn of the page, alternately shocked, and laughing! This book causes you to THINK. I'm no student of literature, so I can't speak for the various translations, (I read the Ginsburg translation) but this book is simply MARVELOUS and utterly enjoyable.
Rating:
Summary: You have to read this to understand Russia
Review: Untill recently I had no clue this book was translated in into English, so when I felt homesick I asked my friend, who brought all her favorite books with her, if she had "Master and Margarita". I enjoyed reading it for the 8th time in my life: its language, its sarcasm and humor as well as the deep idea of the author. Since I work in the college library I was curious what this book looked like being translated (I would never have thought somebody actually did it) and I was dissapointed. The version of M.Glenny has nothing to do with what Bulgakov wrote. Sorry. I feel very sorry for those who cannot read it in Russian, however this is the first book one should read in Russian literature.
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