Rating: 
Summary: don't let them tell you you need to know russian.
Review: all that stuff about how this book is "inaccessible" to americans is totally ridiculous. this is an incredibly accessible book -- almost on a par with catcher in the rye or something like that for accessibility. it's a hilarious, incredible fable that ANYONE can enjoy.ask anyone who's read it (who isn't trying to show off that they know russian.) this book will stay with you forever. totally fun and breathtaking.
Rating:
Summary: An excellent book
Review: I read the book in Spanish the first time and thought it was one of the best I had ever read, but I had borrowed it from a friend. I bought the Everyman's Glenny translation and found it as delightful as the first time. It's definitely one of the best novels I've read: it's satirical to the limit, very critical of the society of Bulgakov's time, and it definitely wants to stay in your hands for the next chapter once you read the first. I'm sorry this edition has no footnotes, though the preliminary essay, if read after the novel, helps a lot in contextualizing. I'm really sorry I don't speak a word of Russian because the original must be really exceptional.
Rating:
Summary: A Cultural Phenomenon
Review: This may well be the finest literary work of the twentieth century. It is certainly one of the great works of twentieth century Russian and Soviet fiction. Not only was the publication of the book a literary happening, but it was and is a cultural phenomenon. The apartment that Bulgakov resided in (and which Woland comes to inhabit)near the Patriarchs Pond is lined with Bulgakovian graffiti from its first to its fifth storey. The most popular tourist excursion of one Moscow company is their Bulgakov's Moscow tour. Periodically the theatre near the Taganskaya metro will put on a version of Master i Margarita as well as the Heart of A Dog. And the manuscripts don't burn statement of the book became a popular phrase amongst Moscow's dissidents in the 1960s. Even today Bulgakov remains perhaps the most popular of 20th century Russian writers; a recent poll in a Russian newspaper had Bulgakov far ahead of his next competitor, Nabakov. Few writers have had such an impact. I have read several translations of Master i Margarita. I like Ginzberg's (but it is a translation of the Moskva printed version which leaves out an important chapter and a large part of another). Glenny's seems rather stilted. The Ardis is excellent. I was a bit disappointed by Pevear and Volokhonsky's Penguin version. By the way, Bulgakov was an opera fanatic and his love for the medium is reflected in this great work. My suggestion dear readers, is to get thee to this book. You won't regret it.
Rating:
Summary: Quite simply one of the best books ever written.
Review: The Master and Margarita is one of the best books written in any language. No translation, regardless how pure, can ever capture the essence of the original language. This is the reason Pushkin was never as famous outside Russia as he deserved. But this translation, especially if one reads the footnotes, comes as close as possible to the original sense of the work. I'm sure Bulgakov would be pleased. Highly recommended to anyone who loves literature.
Rating:
Summary: simply fab
Review: A must read. Check out the Pevear and Volokhonsky translation, as it is already out.
Rating:
Summary: Not accessible to Americans.
Review: This is a beautiful, tragic, and uniquely written work. However, much of its beauty depends on Bulgakov's command of the Russian language, and the English translation does not manage to bring across the full magnificence of this book. This novel is inaccessible to Americans for one further reason. It is, in a way, a political and social commentary, and to those who do not know the times in which Bulgakov wrote, who do not understand his veiled thrusts at the Soviet system. . .this book has no meaning. Do not imagine for a moment that it is merely a fantasy, or even a philosophical novel (though that is partially true), it is first and foremost a commentary on the Russian society of the time. And without understand of that society, the book will have little meaning to the reader. If you have enough Russian at your disposal to read the original, do it! If not, read this translation, but I fear that a great deal of the magic, the beautiful language, the unique power of the written word that characterizes Bulgakov will be lost to you.
Rating: 
Summary: Great book, poor translation
Review: The Master and Margarita is indeed one of the best written books ever. Unfortunately Glenny's translation leaves much to be desired. It reflects none of Bulgakov's witty, quirky, beautifully flowing style, and reads more like a verbatim translation of a theological treatise.
Rating:
Summary: A view-point on the satirical narrative
Review: Absolutely brilliant! Bulgakov has incorporated satire and farce, spreading it on a thin-line of devilish cynicism. Satan and his entourage are represented in a flamboyant, yet quite serious way, and everything stems from that focal point. Russian society and all its values become a mockery, however, it seems that is our basic human values that are in fact being judged? The irony lies in the notion that it is the devil and a big black cat that are humanities greatest critics. If only had Bulgakov lived today!
Rating: 
Summary: It's good, but great?
Review: I read this book on the recommendation of a good friend. While it may be worth reading, I found the book a little slow at times, all the Russian names, difficult to keep track of, and the interweaving story line obscure. On the great side, some of the descriptive passages were outstanding, almost Surreal. In fact, some of the random appearing events and details seem like they could be descibing a Dali or Magritte painting. Maybe I need to read the entire again for additional meanings but quite frankly, I doubt I will make the time.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful!
Review: This is simply the best book I've read all year. I'm going to savor it for a few days and then read it again.
| 
