Rating: 
Summary: The next best thing to Russian
Review: James Falen has offered his version of the Russian classic, and has captured both the meaning and the verse. The stanzas flow effortlessly in Falen's hands, it may very well be the best translation yet. Of course, Nabokov is not around to cast his judgement on it. He panned every other translation that had been printed and penned his own in prose, so as not to stray too far from original meaning. But, even he said it was no more than a crib, as what Puskin had achieved in Eugene Onegin was a restructuring of the Russian language, giving it a beauty few had thought it possessed.Orlando Figes similarly noted that Onegin was the first truly Russian lyrical novel. Pushkin had forsaken the standard French and sought to find the words expressive enough to convey the contradictory nature of the Russian soul. The novel in verse ebbs and flows as Pushkin takes you from St. Petersburg to Moscow to the Russian countryside, weaving a charming tale with many fascinating asides. The texture is so rich and the characters so enduring that this lyrical novel has attained mythological status in Russian literature. No understanding of the subject is complete without having read Eugene Onegin. But, if language is essential to understanding Onegin then any translation will ultimately come up short. However, Falen has shown great respect for the novel and its language, unlike Douglass Hofstadter's juvenile attempt to translate it. Falen offers copious endnotes and a fascinating introduction. He tips his hat to Nabokov and the others who have translated this novel in the past. The language Falen uses is modern, giving Onegin a freshness lacking in other translations.
Rating:
Summary: A sparkling translation
Review: James Falen's translation of Pushkin's classic glows with wit, lyricism, and vitality. For those who don't know a word of Russian but would still like to experience 'Onegin' in all its cleverness, melancholy, humor, and heartache, Falen's rendering of Pushkin is a gift. In Falen's hands, Pushkin's astute observations of society and human nature, as well as his lovely images, come across as dignified and lyrical with a sparkling light touch. Makes you wonder what a treasure the original Russian version must be!
Rating:
Summary: Pushkin is unique
Review: One of the soviet poets said:'' I would learn Russian because of Lenin, who spoke this language'' I would because of Pushkin.I admire so deeply his courage, rebel spirit, patriotism and his incredible capability to conquest the women just with few words. You can feel his soul in ''Eugene Onegin'' I've read it in Russian, but I'm sure that Pushkin will sound beautiful in any language. Many people compare Pushkin to Byron. I don't agree, I think Pushkin is unique. If you are really care for Russian literature you will not miss this passionate and touching poem!
Rating:
Summary: Byronic Pushkin, The Founder of Modern Russian Literature
Review: Pushkin's Byronic novel in verse, this is one of the masterpieces of Russian literature. Pushkin is the founder of modern Russian literature. Before him, the Russian language was considered unsuitable for great literature. Although no translation can give the exact flavor of its original Russian, this one is pretty good. This is a story of love, melancholy, and human longing for happiness. To the extent that the themes are derivative from Byron, one may be tempted to give only four stars, but considering what service Pushkin had done to Russian literature, Eugene Onegin easily deserves all five.
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