I’ve come across no less than three or four “best translations” of the man’s work, and I’m wondering if anyone can illuminate me. I understand that there’s probably not an iron clad answer, but I am wondering specifically about Brothers, Crime, and The Idiot, but I’ll take recommendations for any.
by Curtis_Geist
2 Comments
The Pevear and Volokhonsky translations are generally considered to be the most faithful and stylistically accurate translations. The Garnett ones are the most common, but have fallen out of favor considering how much she was willing to insert her own style into the books.
The best translation depends on what you your needs are.
If you have the kind of knowledge and understanding of Russian society, customs and even names that native Russians did at the time the book was written, a word-for-word, faithful, stylistically accurate translation might be the way to go. If you’re a little less insightful when it comes to those subjects? You’ll possibly appreciate a version where the translation adds a little extra illumination. It may come at the cost of style, but at least you’ll know what’s going on.
The best way to check is to read a few pages.