This review is for the adults, despite the book being named for a princess. Princess Mary is read number two for the 19th Century Novels on Adultery class. The tone of the book is somber. The narrator, Pechorin, is narcissistic and seemingly unable to connect to others in a genuine or meaningful way; instead, he manipulates and justifies his actions. Princess Mary, a young girl, is fair game to Pechorin who plays with her affections. One point of discussion in class centered on whether Pechorin is likeable or has redeeming qualities. If you want to know…read the story. Spoiler alert, Lermontov shared the same fate as one of his characters.
I didn’t know Lermontov wrote a novel. I’ve read a few of his poems, but that’s about it. “To the Clouds” is one of my favorite poems. It’s such a pity he died so young!
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Yes, he also painted. The professor showed us some of his works.
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Wow, I never knew!
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