Russian fantastic

[ucp]

I thought a lot of time about one interesting thing? What west (i.e. english, american...) people know about russian fantastic? What names do you know? What novels do you read?
And your opinion about it.

[knivesout]

Well, I'm from the east (India) rather than the west, but the English-speaking section of the world, in any case, so here's as much as I know. I've read books of folk tales from different former Soviet territories - tales of Baba Yaga of course and also folk tales from the Urals, I think, involving a mountain godess and malachite.

Other than that, I suppose Nikolai Gogol's absurdist works fit into a broad definition of fantastic literature (and are of enduring interest for their surreal imagery and social satire) and the book I'm currently reading, The Master and Margharita by Mikhail Bulgakov, has more than a small element of the fantastic or horrific in it.

I'm not aware of more generic fantasy or contemporary fantasy from Russia though - would be interesting to learn more.

[Leto]

Originally Posted by ucp

I thought a lot of time about one interesting thing? What west (i.e. english, american...) people know about russian fantastic? What names do you know? What novels do you read?
And your opinion about it.

I've read quite a few eastern SF writers (Stanislas Lem, Alexis Panshin) but translation from Russian, Polish or other Eastern language to French takes quite a while.

And one I'd like to read but can't for the moment (no translation available) is the Night Watch trilogy (recently made into a movie).

[knivesout]

Oh, I've read an SF anthology called The Molecular Cafe, as well.

[GOLLUM]

I'm aware of some of the work by the Strugatsky brothers in SF, particularly their most famously translated work into English Roadside Picnic. A number of their other stories have been published but have been problematic in the translation from their root langauge.

Author Nik Perumov is an author of both fantasy and SF including his somewhat contentious ( in some circles) attempt to continue Tolkien's LOTR ruissian style.

Alexander Tyurin is an author noted mostly for his cyberpunk style novels.

I can name you more but here's a useful link that takes you to these and other SF and Fantasy Russian authors and their websites, some I know of, others I know nothing of. Hope this helps.

http://www.rusf.ru/english/

[Leto]

Originally Posted by GOLLUM

I'm aware of some of the work by the Strugatsky brothers in SF, particularly their most famously translated work into English Roadside Picnic. A number of their other stories have been published but have been problematic in the translation from their root langauge.

With Stalker on board, who's not aware of them ?

They're good read.

[GOLLUM]

A most pertinent point Leto....

Check out that link I posted above to Russian authors, its quite interesting actually.

[knivesout]

Excellent link! And where is Stalker? I was expecting him to pop in with some insights for this topic!

[ucp]

Originally Posted by Leto

And one I'd like to read but can't for the moment (no translation available) is the Night Watch trilogy (recently made into a movie).

It's very interesting book, but not the best, even in the modern russian fiction.
I will be happy to help you, but I know that this problem is exist. It's more cheaper to take novel from English writer than translate from famous in Russia, but not in the world writer.

[GOLLUM]

Originally Posted by knivesout

Excellent link! And where is Stalker? I was expecting him to pop in with some insights for this topic!

Glad you found it of use JP and I'm sure Stalker will be along shortly to add his 2C.. worth..

[Leto]

Originally Posted by ucp

It's very interesting book, but not the best, even in the modern russian fiction.
I will be happy to help you, but I know that this problem is exist. It's more cheaper to take novel from English writer than translate from famous in Russia, but not in the world writer.

Maybe if the movie rate well outside Russia, it will be translated ??? Russian to French translation is not uncommon.

[GOLLUM]

Originally Posted by Leto

Maybe if the movie rate well outside Russia, it will be translated ??? Russian to French translation is not uncommon.

The movie is about to begin screening here in OZ. It got reasionably good reviews from the critics 3.5-4 stars out of 5, so I'm plannnig to go check the movie out at some stage I hope.

Would be interesting to know how closely the film reflects the original work though..

[ucp]

Originally Posted by GOLLUM

Would be interesting to know how closely the film reflects the original work though..

I had read "Watch" trilogy in original . And I know that film and book are different.Books are more interesting. "Night Watch" is a philosofic novel, but the film is action.

[Leto]

And you speak english. Care to translate them for us ?


What ? One girl can have hopes and dreams, no ?

[GOLLUM]

Jusat sapotted ion thwe wires that Ttey are planning on making 9 movies based on the 3 books. Each book has 3 parts. Book 1 is going to be Nightwatch 1, 2 & 3, and three parts for the other two books Daywatch and Twilight watch.

Talk about cashing in!...

Based on this they may well have a translation of the books in mind although whether it'll be more from the screenplay or the orignial books not sure.