How to Read 'The Master and Margarita' by Mikhail Bulgakov

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0:00 how to read The Master and Margarita
1:52 secret writing, censorship & publication
4:17 ‘manuscripts don’t burn’
5:16 why tyrannical regimes ban books
5:55 Bulgakov burns his first draft
7:00 the power of allegorical literature
8:20 how to appreciate great satire
9:00 Russian vs Western readers
10:00 the writer’s life in the Soviet Union
13:00 Bulgakov’s struggle with addiction
14:00 atheism & visions of the devil
15:00 ‘A Country Doctor’s Notebook’
15:30 Bulgakov’s favourite writers
16:55 opening of The Master and Margarita
18:20 Berlioz, Homeless & Massolit
18:50 on the Soviet literary scene
20:00 understanding socialist realism
20:50 the battle of art vs propaganda
22:00 terror in the Soviet Union
23:20 Solzhenitsyn’s Gulag Archipelago
24:50 why writers would disappear
26:00 most dangerous writer in Moscow
27:20 interrogated by the secret police
29:15 Stalin loves Bulgakov’s play
30:00 banned, censored & abused
30:50 the writer’s wish to leave the USSR
31:30 Bulgakov falls in love with Elena
33:00 Bulgakov burns his manuscript
34:30 Stalin’s phone call with Bulgakov
37:00 on tyrannical control of art
39:40 Bulgakov’s visions of the devil
40:30 relationship between good & evil
41:20 epigraph for The Master and Margarita
41:50 in the influence of Goethe’s Faust
43:00 making a deal with the devil
43:55 the character of Professor Woland
44:45 debating the historicity of Jesus
45:55 the devil’s fantastical retinue
46:55 Bulgakov’s three narrative strands
49:45 the novel’s different aesthetic styles
51:00 Jesus/Yeshua & Pontius Pilate
52:30 Bulgakov’s defamiliarisation
54:00 which translation should you read?
58:25 recommended pace for Bulgakov
1:02:15 exciting book club discussions
1:03:20 your experience with Bulgakov?

[@henrikibsen6258]

Yoooo, yesterday I search engined "Benjamin McEvoy how to read Master and Margarita" and nothing came up, now this appears. Not to sound conceited but I think I made this happen.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

It definitely sounds like you have the magic touch! 😁

[@LeeRichardson808]

Thanks for working that magic, I’ve been excited for this as well!

[@ensilguz]

First study Stalin´s Soviet Union!

[@callum7081]

Do me a favour and Google “McEvoy how to read zorba the Greek”

[@nad1a1]

My favourite book ever! I was so lucky to visit Moscow a few years ago and see where Bulgakov used to live. It was heart-stopping to see the park and the bench that start the story.

[@LeeRichardson808]

The dedication these writers had to make their art despite the consequences is a real testament to creativity and the human spirit. This context heightens the reading experience for me a great deal.

[@hugosousa5266]

Wow, literally bought the book yesterday to read after I finish War And Peace. Great timing!

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

That's fantastic timing! I love that you're reading these two masterpieces back-to-back!

[@pabloogoboga123]

Hello; quick question. Were I to join the book club for, say, 6 months, and complete the reading of all chosen books, at the end of this period of time would I receive some sort of certification for partaking in the book club? That is, do members receive any kind of certificate to honor their participation, even if it does not last a full year? I would greatly appreciate clarification.

[@thewanderingfoodie_]

I found your podcast at a time of great crisis in my life. At that point I had started taking long walks in nature, accompanied by no one but your soothing voice spanning literature from different ages and spaces. This is probably year 4 of listening to your lectures, now watching your lectures on KZbin. And I’m hoping I’ll be able to join you on Patreon soon. What you’re doing is an act of service to lost souls like myself. For that, I hope God blesses you immensely. It’s true Doctors save lives, but art saves our soul. And thank you, thank you endlessly for being one of the people who saved my soul. 🙏🥹

[@LeeRichardson808]

This was beautiful. I too have found great reward in listening to these lectures, and have recently began reading along with the group when I can. So glad you have found some peace.

[@ftweedy5580]

How beautiful !

[@callum7081]

The meaning in great literature will help through any crisis. Life Is inherently meaningful even though it is hard has been proven again and again by classic authors.

[@Ricky-es9vg]

One of my favorite books of all time, certainly in my top 5. This is a novel that you can keep rereading, and each time truly walk away with another perspective you had not previously noticed. A masterpiece!

[@qwertq8991]

Все зависит от возраста и периода жизни.да,всегда другой.

[@andreyevstavew]

Hi! I live in Russia. I have read this Bulgakov's novel several times. I'm obssesed with this book. KZbin recommended this video to me. I would like to shake hands with the author of the video. It was great. You are very interesting teller. I have watched your video with great plrasure. I'll watch other your videos) P. S. I' m sorry if I did mistakes in the sentences, my english is not perfect)

[@lorenzovagionakis2479]

Likely one of my absolute favourite pieces of literature I've ever had the chance of getting my hands on. Doing a second re-reading this year. Savoured every page. It's just a brilliant masterpiece; dreamy, funny, cunning, deadly. So glad to see Benjamin cover this gem.

[@XeeshanAhmad2]

Brother you are the reason behind my book reading habit. You do full justice to the book review. Keep up the good work

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Wow, thank you so much, Zeeshan! You have completely made my day! 🙏

[@itsonwithalexa_]

This is one of the books I have sitting on my shelf for a year. I'm afraid of it, but I'll read it... eventually. I ADORE hearing you talking about books and the lives of the authors! ❤

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you so much, Alexandra! I really appreciate that. I'd love to know what you make of Bulgakov's great novel when you read it ☺️❤️

[@gigipc2488]

I read this book last month. It took me a while to get into the satire and find it funny. The scene with the workers breaking out in song is what really made me start laughing out loud. I definitely wish I had this video a month ago.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

A huge congratulations on reading it! This is definitely one that has a lot of difficulties upfront, but once you're into it, as you say, it is so hilarious! I love Bulgakov's sense of humour :)

[@snab032]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5SpqJlubcdqjtk

[@Itrin2442]

Я читала книгу и смотрела сериал. Определенно стоит посмотреть и сериал Мастер и Маргарита 2005 года. Самым запоминающимся в нем я считаю музыкальные композиции и образ персонажей, с детства обожаю его.

[@r.w.bottorff7735]

Excited to see that you're featuring The Master and Margarita, it's one of my favorites. Thank you!

[@WilliamBaranowski]

This is a is one of the best of your masterful guides. The bio part was remarkable and your explication of the high parts of the narrative were spot on. Will rush back to a reread of this one. Thank you for your brilliance.

[@blabbinglobster]

Your timing couldn't be more perfect - I am half-way through this fascinating book. Thank you!

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Wow! That's amazing timing! I'm so happy you're enjoying it :)

[@onix6394]

Thanck you for this wonderful lesson! Greetings from Romania

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

You're so welcome! Thank you for watching over in beautiful Romania 🇷🇴☺️

[@DougerSR]

On my way to Amazon now. I have expanses my reading horizons vastly thanks to your channel! THANK YOU.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Wow! Thank you so much, Doug! I really appreciate that so deeply 🙏☺️

[@AsuraSantosha]

I highly recommend looking for Classics in used Bookstores whenever possible because they're often chalk full of them. And not only are you then not lining the pockets of one Jeff Bezos, but you can often get really cool editions or even find ones with lovely or insightful annotations. I know this isn't an option for everyone, and Amazon is awfully convenient, but I just wanted to put it out there.

[@thomervin7450]

I read this book three times. The transition to part two of the book is amazing.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Completely agree! :)

[@chinmarin380]

I love The Master and Margarita. One of the best books on cocktails hands down

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

😂😂

[@insolitasiempre8326]

I really enjoyed this masterpiece when I read it in my twenties.

[@Archaval_AZ]

Read this book two years ago, a dear friend of mine has it on her reading list. Phenomenal book, absolutely recommend it to anyone with a sense of humor. Personally, I found it impossible to put down; Bulgakov wrote a true masterpiece with The Master and Margarita.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

I completely agree! I'm so happy you love it so much. Bulgakov's sense of humour is right in line with what I find hilarious :) Masterpiece is absolutely the word to describe this novel!

[@R.L.Kramer]

Your work enriches my life. Thanks, ben.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you so much!! You have completely made my day :)

[@marianapgar4409]

Seeing another one of your videos has arrived has made my day! Will purchase this book ASAP! Thank you, Ben. :-)

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Aw, thank you so much, Marian :) I'm so happy to hear that! I'd love to know what you make of it!

[@EduardoHenrique-nd1ro]

Thanks for sharing another lovely video, Benjamin! Have an amazing week ahead! Cheers from Brazil!

[@Zek-nc5tr]

Ben , your reviews are insanely deep, perfectly presented and thoroughly enjoyable. This review in particular is absolutely first class. I love it.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Wow! Thank you so much :) You have completely made my day!!

[@TheFilmAutopsy]

Phenomenal deep dive as usual! Thank you for the great insight on this masterpiece

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate that :)

[@laranunes6711]

Your channel is one of the best - if not the best - thing on KZbin. Thank you so much for creating such thoughtful, interesting and engaging videos. I have recently started Master and Margarita (currently in chapter 3) and so far it has been a bit of a slog due to the large number of notes to the text, which are essential to understand the references and allusions but also interrupt the flow of the reading. This video has given me the push to persevere and be consistent. I am sure it will pay off :)

[@noreenquinn3844]

Greetings from Ireland. Your enthusiasm is infectious! It's definitely an out there book. Started it a while back on holiday, but I must go back to it now that I know its fascinating background.

[@shoegal]

"These weren't bugs, these were features." 👏

[@Qvadratus.]

It is interesting that exactly the people who hate Stalin tend to give him supernatural godlike powers of omnipresence, omnipotence an so on.

[@Alexa-jk3oh]

Currently reading this!! Love a good synchronicity 🤓

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Nice one, Alexa!! I really love a good synchronicity too ☺️

[@defectivebuilds2065]

just finished it today, hands down one of my favorite books of all time already, and would likely never have found it if you didn't put it on the hlbc list for this year, so thank you for that Ben!

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Wow! Congratulations on finishing it :) It fills me with so much joy to hear it's now one of your all-time favourite books!! ☺️

[@user-wm2fv3sp3x]

I am new to your channel. I have to say I enjoy so much your recommendation of Bulgakov's work with enthusiasm and knowledge. Definitely can't wait to read it. Thanks.

[@ralphjenkins1507]

Just received my copy today! I'm assuredly looking forward to the literary adventure and the akin walk-thrus.

[@annewoodborne1254]

Another brilliant video. Thank you so much. I am abysmally ignorant of Bulkagov and the oppressive atmosphere of Stalin. Looking forward to reading the Master and Margarita. Benjamin you are so inspiring.

[@lisatuckett6386]

Just started this book. So glad I listened to your talk on this, it will help me immensely!

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you so much! I'm so happy to hear that :) I hope you enjoy it, Lisa!

[@user-gf8hl5sw5k]

I picked up this book few days ago and hoped that you had a video on it since it was confusing and a complicated read. This video is released on the right time for me. 😅 Thank you 🙏

[@shreeshsawant9907]

Literally just started this book yesterday. Thank you so much!

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Fantastic timing!! I hope you enjoy it! :)

[@Vlad_a450]

Language of the original - one of my native languages. It's interesting how those belonging to another cultural context will understand this book. It's like people laughing after a good joke and trying to explain the same joke to each other. I don't think there's such a dramatic difference between us, but still, there's a lot you won't grasp because you didn't live under Soviet rule. Just keep in mind that ordinary things became luxury items in the USSR. The vast majority of people had no opportunity to improve their financial situation. The state was the only employer and decided for itself how much money was enough for you. Much of the plot revolves around this. The culture of cancellation is most similar to the atmosphere in which the events of the novel take place.

[@CA-jz9bm]

When it comes to cultural dictatorship Soviet Union and Ukraine 2014-2024 are very similar. I mean the memorial sign of Bulgakov itself was removed in Kyiv in 2022. While the 4 Bandera statues still stand. Perhaps you should reread the book.

[@atlasinblue]

Truly brilliant and well informed! Thank you for this insightful guide. I read this novel when I was 13 and loved it, perceiving it as an ode to love and creativity. Yes, many writers and artists were repressed and some had it much “worse” than Bulgakov or Solzhenitsyn. You might be interested in having a look at Executed Renaissance - Valerian Pidmohylny’s “The City” portrays the city of Kyiv in the 1920s, not long after the events described in Bulgakov’s “The White Guard” or his play “The Days of the Turbins” which you mention in this video. Happy reading!

[@LifeLessonsFromBooks]

Looking forward to reading this!

[@yolandasilverio1205]

Fantastic video on Bulgakov. I really need to read this book.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you so much, Yolanda ☺️

[@davekorzinski9754]

I read this for the first time last year with help from online analyses. Masterful and deserving of re reads

[@michaelmansour4213]

Perfect timing. I've just started the novel a couple of days ago.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Amazing timing! I hope you enjoy it :)

[@larryreilly7]

just discovered your channel Ben -- keep it up! Awesome content. My wife and I love listening to your presentations.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Wow! Thank you so much, Larry! I really appreciate that deeply :)

[@larryreilly7]

@@BenjaminMcEvoyI have to tell you - I've always struggled with the great Russians, but just before Christmas read - and ENJOYED - Anna Karenina (Constance Garnett trans.) I listened to your "Anna Karenina Taste Test" episode (hahaha), got the Rosamund Bartlett translation you showed us in the video, and immediately re-read Anna again. Enjoyed it 10x more. I'm going to get my hands on the P&V translation and read it again. Would never have done this without your influence.

[@brendanward2991]

An excellent introduction to a masterpiece. I must reread this unique work.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you so much, Brendan!! :)

[@imacg5]

Now that you mention it (its relation to Goethe's Faust), I realize how closely it resembles the Baroque characteristics of modern German novels (a main argument in Stephen D. Dowden's Sympathy for the Abyss), and how Latin American "magical realism" novels are related to this masterpiece through the Baroque connection. Thank you very much!

[@jdspainhour]

Just found your channel. Thank you for all your hard work 🙏🏻

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you so much, Jeremy! I really appreciate that 🙏

[@EmeraldElkDB]

Looking forward to the next podcast release on Spotify mate 🙏🏻

[@smarton1600]

This is among my favorites...

[@ensilguz]

Benjamin you are the best!

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you so much, my friend. I appreciate you :)

[@mudskipperw]

(alert: some spoilers ahead) I have been hoping you'd have a video about this book for ages, and finally here it is. I 'found' this book when reading your countryman Billy Connolly's book Made in Scotland, in which he listed his favourite books, M&M is one of them. I agree with you completely on the potential difficulty to fully understand the satirical dark humours in this book, the warm foaming apricot juice to start with, one really has to watch a few Russian movies from the 50s, 60s to glance the similar expressions out of the 'impoverished' life people had to endure. You have also explained a question that i have had for a long time: why Bulgakov named quite a few of his characters with the famous composers, it was from his own upbringing, and the love of the operas. Thank you! And I must add that anyone whose favourite composer is Igor Stravinsky, will not find yourself overjoyed watching him transformed into a doctor in the madhouse Bezdomny has to dwell, and what a doctor!!! up to this day, i couldn't stop laughing whenever i heard the word Schizophrenia!!! 😀 there is also an audiobook by Recorded Books, read by George Goodell that is quite brilliantly done, it is on youtube. and Thank you for the recommendations of the translations, I will look for the ones that I haven't read.

[@kamillakash]

Thank you so much for the video. Love your beautiful & clear speech

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Aw, thank you so much! I really appreciate that 😊

[@Schlermie]

Well done! A mere single thumbs up isn't nearly enough to express how much I thoroughly enjoyed this review.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Wow, thank you so much!! You have completely made my day :)

[@Durufle68]

Oh my, I'm just finishing War and Peace. I guess it will be another deep dive with this one. Thank you for the guidance

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Wow! Congratulations on finishing up War and Peace, Kevin :) How incredible to follow on Tolstoy's masterpiece with Bulgakov's great novel. It will be so interesting to see how the writers compare!

[@iqrakhan435]

You should upload videos twice a week honestly, i always search for your videos. Love your content.

[@cantonlittle]

Great video, Ben! I am looking forward to this book!

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you so much, Canton! I can't wait to hear what you make of it!

[@maggygwire]

Can’t believe you’ve confused me even more now. May have to read this next! Sounds fantastic ❤

[@KasiaSzatkowska]

I read this book for the first time over 25 years ago. There was a play in a local theater based on this novel. The director had an enthralling idea of interweaving the biblical and "contemporary" parts of the plot by playing the parts of Voland/Pilat and Jeshua/Master by the same actors. I found this so very much thought provoking. However when I re-read Master and Margarita a few months ago, I found myself mostly pondering about... the inconvenience of being naked.... call me shallow... :-|

[@cyndikennedy1017]

I found this book through your 2024 list and just finished it. Had read Gulag Archipelago and Timothy Snyder's Bloodlands recently so I got the historical context, but what surprised me most was the magical realism aspect. The irony is not lost on this American as I watch my own society teetering toward tyranny. My favorite quote, "Fact is the most stubborn thing in the world." Thank you, Benjamin, for adding context, depth, and humor to a great read.

[@HrUtubel]

I have always felt that not only is the book reminiscent of faust, but its second half is similar to faust II. This always quickly curbed my reading enthusiasm getting into the latter half of the book.

[@ZenGrammy]

Timely, thank you.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

You're so welcome! Thank you for watching ☺️

[@GoGoGirl22100]

You have no idea how happy this made me when I saw the notification lol!! I just bought this book

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you so much, Jocey!! I'm so happy to hear you bought it :) I'd love to know what you make of it!

[@maudieicrochet9491]

This one is going on my list. Thanks for helping me appreciate Russian lit. I’m loving it. Especially Anna Karenina.❤ I’m looking forward to reading post-Russian revolution. I think it will be quite a different experience.

[@GodmyX]

Thanks and greetings from the Czech Republic! ;) (we've got an awesome translation; the translator lady actually went to Russia to Bulgakov's widow, to their appartment which inspired some stuff, drank from His own cup etc...)

[@Clarissa24671]

hi, benjamin , how are you? i loved the video. i found the book incredible! I've never read it before. I found it a very interesting experience. I found the book funny, with powerful writing and a very warm social critique. Of course, we shouldn't limit a work only to criticism, albeit social criticism. i did the reading accompanied by a book by Vladimir Nabokov on Russian literature (new editions have just come out here in Brasil) and it was very interesting to see other points of view on the work, its author and its structure. About your video: I love the way you talk. You can feel the passion for literature from afar. it's inspiring. after I discovered your channel, I changed the way I read a lot. By the way, I'm reading "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison, on your recommendation, and I'm loving it. kisses from São Paulo, Brasil ❤

[@davidjohnbonnett]

Awesome mate. Currently halfway through my third time reading this book. It still hurts my brain.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you, David! I completely relate to that :) Bulgakov challenges me no matter how many times I read him!

[@apostatepaul]

I really loved this novel and this video made me want to study it in detail. Brilliant stuff Benjamin. 👏👏👏

[@wadeheaton123]

During your introduction to Stalin, you showed a doctored photo of Stalin and Beria on the left of the frame. On the right was an empty space with the river in the background. I laughed aloud at the Bulgakovian nature of the photo. The empty space originally showed a high ranking minister who was disappeared and erased from the picture.

[@brockeldon444]

I'm excited to get to some less agrandized works in the canon. I love all the books you've presented, Ben. Books for readers of all levels. I hope you do William Gaddis. Wow. Cant wait for this first time with "The M/M"! "Genji" too!

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you so much, Brock! I'm also tremendously excited for Genji too :) I have a feeling that this one is going to be a very special read-through. And I would definitely absolutely love to do William Gaddis in the future!

[@point4496]

the first chapter was really entertaining and got me into the book. Whimsical

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

I'm so thrilled to hear that :)

[@mariuscheek]

In my book Michael Glenny's translations of all of Bulgakov's works are superb in that he eschewed literalism for getting the closest he possibly could in terms of voice, humour. and narrative

[@alanwilson8117]

Thank you. Really enjoyed your commentary on one of my favourite books. I originally read it in the original Russian but it was at a time when I was first getting properly up to speed with Russian so it took me about 3 months! I've read it a couple of times since in English and the Pevear/Volokhonsky translation is excellent.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you so much, Alan! That's so cool you read this masterpiece in the original Russian. I would love to be able to do that someday. The Pevear and Volokhonsky translation makes me think the original must be beautifully poetic!

[@alanwilson8117]

@@BenjaminMcEvoy Thanks for the reply. Yes, it is (obviously) best to read in the original - like any novel, I guess? But you're right, you need a good knowledge of 1930s Soviet history to appreciate the satirical humour as well as basic knowledge of the new Testament. It's still can be a good read though just because of the bizarreness of what is happening in Moscow. On first reading, I skimmed the biblical scenes a little but every time I come back to it, I appreciate these passages more and more. There was an excellent Russian TV miniseries of it from 2005 - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Master_and_Margarita_%28miniseries%29 - with a great soundtrack. I highly recommend it although I'm not sure if there's a version with English language and/or subtitles. The best reason to learn Russian, in my experience though, is to appreciate the poetry of Pushkin. It's just runs off the tongue so well and has wonderful humour. No translation really does it justice. Russian is a great language for poetry because of the loose structure and the rich but regular inflection. I did my own literal translation of 'Eugene Onegin' (with a lot of help from Nabokov!) and 'Ruslan and Ludmila'. One day I may get back to more Russian literature. Maybe when I'm retired, I'll have the time! Anyway, keep up the good work. I'm really glad you came up on my KZbin timeline at last.

[@shoegal]

I've been so excited for this! I haven't started on it yet, I wanted to watch this first. ❤

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

I would love to know what you make of it!! ☺️

[@williamthomas2830]

Same here I bought a secondhand copy about a month ago. It seems prescient in todays society were censorship is rife.

[@mahammatbaba8666]

What a great video on Blugakov! Will you create a video on Ivan Turgenev's Fathers and Sons?

[@garygreen1782]

Just what I needed. Joining your exploration of literature on Spotify as I have read this book twice now, but as you mentioned, missed quite a bit of what the story is conveying.

[@adlyemontanez8074]

I love your videos keep up the great work. I would love to see you review Musashi if you find the time one day. Again thanks for creating great content!

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate that :) I'm definitely wanting to discuss Musashi in the future! Incredible work!

[@nepstat]

Bulgakov is my favorite writer of Soviet time. He exposed ruthlessness of Stalinist ideology and encouraged readers to approach critically to Christianity too.

[@Sams911]

sorry, off topic, but what are your thoughts on Gargantuar and Pantagruel by François Rabelais and the interesting parallels between the writing style and that of Joyce?

[@sharonluvisi6069]

Ben, you omitted, perhaps purposely (?), Michael Karpelson's translation. The only audiobook version of "The Master and Margarita" I'm aware of is narrated by Julian Rhind-Tutt and follows the translation by Michael Karpelson. While the book itself, published by Wordsworth Classics, is often misattributed to Mirra Ginsburg on used book sites, the audiobook accurately reflects Karpelson's translation.

[@izadjahanshahi6041]

Thank you so much.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

You're so welcome! Thank you for watching, Izad :)

[@danielmcdermott138]

Masterpiece. Have you read Immanuel Kant? He's mentioned early on in the novel, and supposedly is essential to a greater understanding of the book.

[@Saffronrosie]

Best review! Hi from Poland🙂

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you so much! Happy reading over in beautiful Poland 🇵🇱😊

[@mattheweavey7974]

Just picked this up last month!

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Amazing! I'd love to know what you make of it :)

[@mattheweavey7974]

@@BenjaminMcEvoy I will definitely let you know!

[@allypallygally]

I finished the audiobook a few days ago. What an absolute masterpiece and the English version of the recording ( with Julian Rhind Tutt) is just incredible. His narration and ability to create different characters really bring this story to life! Currently suffering withdrawal symptoms having grown quite attached to the characters. I find myself missing the time I spent with the Master and Margarita, and especially Behemoth 😻

[@tabithan2978]

Put this movie on your watch list: The Death of Stalin. On Hulu now.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Seriously one of the funniest movies I've ever seen. Great recommendation!

[@Jack-sg7md]

This is a book I intend to pick up once my dissertation is behind me. Talking of which, does anyone have any recommendations regarding Gothic literature?

[@AmberAnastasi]

If anyone is on the fence about joining the Patreon book club, I want you to know that I have been a member for over a year and wish I would have signed up earlier. If you want to actually read some of those books on your bucket list, this is a great way to get that done in a supportive community with clear reading goals and assignments. Best subscription I have, by far.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you so much for this incredibly beautiful review, Amber. You have completely made my day. I'm so grateful that you are journeying through these great books with so much love and depth with us 🙏☺️

[@alidabaxter5849]

When I first bought this book decades ago I was so excited by it, that I rushed it and bought another copy in case someone "borrowed" it and never gave it back. I also greatly recommend the same author's "White Guard" - more conventional but brilliant, and his first book about working as a doctor. A Russian friend told me that among Russians people were amazed and thrilled that it had been published, because whispers about it had gone on so long.

[@o.k.6181]

Lokshin’s film “The Master and Margarita” is the best film adaptation of this great book

[@FreyaVal]

I love this book and gonna reread again!

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

I'm so thrilled to hear that! :)

[@FreyaVal]

@@BenjaminMcEvoy thanks to your video i know i will have more/another insight about the book! Thank you!

[@SoalxTes]

I read it blind a few years ago, and didn't bother reading the introductions. This worked in my favor, because in my second reading, understanding the allegory, I realized that a blind reading let me experience the ridiculous fever dream of the story. In my second reading i was definitely in the "bemused reader" category...

[@olgayolgina7600]

There’s a recent film adaptation of the novel that’s making some noise in Russia. The moral descendants of Soviet bureaucrats demand it to be banned. If it ever gets translated, highly recommend to watch. It’s a new approach to the story and at the same time it mirrors the current events in Russia with eery accuracy (taking into account that it was filmed before the current wave of repressions).

[@user-is7nh4cb1w]

Каких бл@ть репресий? Либерды которые ненавидят Россию желающей её развала и раздела. В России ещё очень мягко с ней поступают.

[@KhushiKumari-wg7xw]

Benjamin please make videos on these :- 'the rover' by Aphra behn 'Doctor Faustus ' by Christopher Marlowe 'Gulliver's travel' by Jonathan Swift .

[@katjatezak5816]

Yeeeey new lit. post by Benjamin!!! 🤩🤩🤩🥳🥳🥳👏👏👏 I always wait for your videos and they always make my day 😊🥳🥳

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Yay! Thank you so much, Katja!! ☺️🙏

[@katjatezak5816]

You’re welcome! 😊 I really do need to join the Hardcore Lit. Club when I find the time 😊

[@iulianbordeianu2415]

I swear i just purchased this book couple of hours before this video was posted, I am 100 pages in and I have to say I love this book

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Fantastic timing! I'm so happy you're loving it so much :)

[@ladysensei1487]

I finished this book last night. I feel like I have fallen in love. I was absolutely enraptured by this book.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Wow! Congratulations on finishing it!! I'm so happy you fell in love with this masterpiece :)

[@booshkoosh7994]

Happy Birthday Benjamin! I remember you once said it was on St. Patricks Day.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you so much!! That is so lovely of you for remembering ☺️🙏

[@DallasOliver91]

Have you read the Book of the New Sun by Gene Wolfe? It is what some (myself firmly included) would consider a masterpiece of science fiction. I think it would be a great addition to your 'How to Read' series!

[@PokhrajRoy.]

Wow what a pick indeed!

[@annakosinska5446]

"Manuscripts don't burn" great words. I write some texts from time to time and I confirm. You can destroy all copies, but if you do not destroy the author/creator, you will not destroy the work. I've read the book at least three times... and discover something different each time. These are, in fact, two books in one. I recommend this beautiful classic of literature, but please devote some time to this piece of masterpiece because it's really worth it! It is one of my favouirte :-) Great speech :-) Best rgds from beautiful Gdańsk.

[@shrineshpatel2642]

Wake up lads, Benjamin's dropped another banger. Always a fan of Faustian literature.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you, my friend!! ☺️

[@shrineshpatel2642]

@@BenjaminMcEvoy Thank YOU, sir. We have tremendous appreciation for your content.