An Accidental Family (World's Classics)

Rating:
Summary: A Disappointing Translation
Review: Although it is overshadowed by others of Dostoevsky's "big five" novels, this is a work with a great deal to offer. Sadly though, much is lost in this translation. It is filled with repetitive use of British idiograms and cricket terms. The style is thus too nationalized. One would expect this novel was set in Manchester, rather than St. Petersberg. Mr. Freeborn seems to have lost sight of the fact that the purpose of a translation is to bring the author's words to life for those unable to read him/her in the writer's original language. By all means read this novel (whose title is usually translated as A Raw Youth), but do yourself the favor of getting a less aggravating translation than this one. I gave this book three stars rather than one out of respect for Dostoevsky.

Rating:
Summary: A Disappointing Translation
Review: Although it is overshadowed by others of Dostoevsky's "big five" novels, this is a work with a great deal to offer. Sadly though, much is lost in this translation. It is filled with repetitive use of British idiograms and cricket terms. The style is thus too nationalized. One would expect this novel was set in Manchester, rather than St. Petersberg. Mr. Freeborn seems to have lost sight of the fact that the purpose of a translation is to bring the author's words to life for those unable to read him/her in the writer's original language. By all means read this novel (whose title is usually translated as A Raw Youth), but do yourself the favor of getting a less aggravating translation than this one. I gave this book three stars rather than one out of respect for Dostoevsky.