The master and margarita is one of the 20th century’s least known masterpieces. It’s not an obscure book but simply hasn’t garnered the adulation and universal praise it deserves.

I actually got a copy of this as a Christmas present and reading the back cover thought it sounded really dull – Satan visits pre-war Soviet Moscow interwoven with an alternative telling of the Gospel.

Fortunately I gave it a go and within 1 page was utterly gripped. This book has an incredible contemporary feel to it, both in style and content, despite the fact Bulgakov was writing in the 1920s and 30s – and under Stalin. In fact it’s a measure of Bulgakov’s genius that although Stalin never really allowed his work to be published, he refrained from having him executed, despite his clearly subversive tone.

But that isn’t where this novel scores most. What is stunning about it is that it manages to tell so many stories simultaneously. It’s a gripping mystery thriller, an adventure story, a satire on dictatorship, a commentary on Christianity, and a profound historical document and all of these facets are perfectly drawn out and exposed.

However about a third of the way into the book a profound change occurs. We have already met the Master, but now we finally meet Margarita and here the book really takes flight – you’re suddenly reading a book of incredible genius – passionate, spiritual, thrilling and hilarious in turn. I simply couldn’t stop reading it, and when I finished I felt strangely satisfied – mentally full - but I also felt a certain sense of loss for having been finally expelled from the world of The Master and Margarita.

I can’t recommend this book enough – it’s simply wonderful. As I mentioned earlier it can be many things at once, but ultimately I believe it’s a romance. That doesn’t mean that it’s about love as such, though that is certainly a key part of the novel, but rather it tells us how people have always been, and will always be, attracted to evil and that The Devil is always waiting to woo the unwary - and the willing.

OK I'm sending this out today/tomorrow - the address list for the bookray participants is included with the book - inside the back cover.

If this gets lost, PM me and I'll provide replacement information.

The list of participants in order is :-

curlita
dfj1968
kbgoffe
phillycarol
noraneptune
pgsahm
zmrzlina
preciousarwen

Hope you enjoy it.

Pan

Released on Friday, April 25, 2003 at Postal Release in Postal Release, Postal Release United Kingdom.

On it's way . . .

Just received this today in the mail. As soon as I finish my current book, I will move on to this one, and will try to keep it moving. Thanks for sending, Panachetta!

UPDATE: I finished reading this while I was on vacation. The writing style struck me as being very Toms Robbins-esque. It was also a interesting read in context of the time period it was written in.

I'll get this in the mail to Dolores soon.

This got here today... I'll read and pass it on as quickly as possible!

This book looks so fascinating! I just love the cover too. I can't wait to read it.

I am really looking forward to reading this book. It is next after the following bookray/ring books:
Girl Goddess #9: Nine Stories
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
Milkrun
The Master and Margarita
Satellite Sisters' Uncommon Senses

I will read as fast as I can! :) Thank you so much!

PS I love the address list you made Pan, what a time saver!

I found that this was not a book I could take to the hospital while keeping my mom company. This book demanded more attention. I am really glad I took the time to read this book as it need it be read, with very few distractions.

This is a powerful book. Once you have been drawn in to the story it is very hard to stop. You are kept on your toes reading it.

Thank you Panachetta for sending this out for us to read.

Release planned for Tuesday, September 30, 2003 at Mailing to fellow bookcrosser in Beaverton, Oregon USA.

Finally time to send this book to continue its journey! Sorry about being sick for so long and delaying the sending of this book. Enjoy!

Received in the mail today. Thanks!

What a great book! Thanks so much for sharing it. I don't think I ever would have picked it out on my own. I've been reading a lot of "fluff" books lately and this one really made me think.

I agree that it has a contemporary feel even though it isn't a contemporary book. I don't think I can describe it any better than Panachetta but I completely agree with Panachetta's review.

I can mail this to noraneptune on Monday. Thanks again!

I just received this book back in the mail with a "return to sender, address unknown" stamp on the envelope. I'll PM noraneptune to get her current address.

Just received it in the mail. I will post again when I have read the book and am ready to send on.
What a nice way to start a new year!

"Mастер и Маргарита" - роман. При жизни Булгакова не был завершен и не публиковался. Впервые: Москва, 1966.

Received in the mail yesterday. Someone left a very nice leaf inside :)

good website

CAUGHT IN AIZAWL MIZORAM INDIA

I still have this book. I don't know about that last journal entry.