The Twelve Chairs: A Novel (Northwestern World Classics)

"The tvelwe chairs" is an amazing story full of humour and wit. It can give you a great insight into what Soviet era was like. Along with " The golden calf" its one of my favourite books. I have reread both multiple times in Russian as I loved them so much.I wanted my partner to enjoy the stories as well so I got both books in English to read together. Well, it's still a brilliant read but I feel that a good deal of original wit and humour was lost in translation.There are many notes and explanations to help your understanding. Yet, simetimes the choice of words was weird and I felt the same idea could be conveyed differently. Compared to the original, something is missing. A part of the story's spirit was lost in translation. Still, I recommend the book. It's an enjoyable and entertaining read.

I got this as a Brit learning russian and was told it would give me a great insight into the culture..I started laughing in the first chapter. I now wish my russian was good enough to read in the original. I can't wait to read the sequel

If you want to understand Russian mentality which has not changed since time this book has been written, read this book.It is humorous, dynamic and very wise.

Excellent book

One of my favourite books - timeless satire

Must read

‘Sacrificing Quality for a Gain in Speed.’ in the Chess chapter... that should read "sacrificing the exchange to gain a tempo". presumably the rest of the chess terminology is likewise not translated properly - like in the previous translation. FYI all the chess terminology in the original is correct. Did it not occur to the translator to get it checked properly instead of guessing? Haven't seen more, only having viewed an excerpt on line.

Spectacular book and translation, full of gorgeous detail, readable and attractive language, and a vast cast of minor characters that are more interesting than the actual plot. I know I like big thick books, and if you do too, then I bet you think this is absolutely superb.