Title: Read classics, learn Russian
Product review: This dual-language book features twelve shortstories by 19th-century masters of Russian literature. The pages are specially formatted with Russian Cyrillic on the left opposed by English translation on the right. The Russian and English texts match eachother nearly line-for-line, simplifying cross-reference. Here is an entertaining way to enrich vocabulary and perfect syntax, for the intermediate to advanced student who already has the basics of grammar. The editor chose some great examples of Russian writing, including Pushkin's haunting "Stationmaster", Gogol's grotesque "Nose", and Dostoevski's macabre graveyard drama "Bobok". Only one thing detracts from the book's usefulness as a learning tool, which is that many of the phrases and expressions are somewhat archaic. There are several dual-language compilations of contemporary (Soviet) shortstories available, for those who prefer to familiarize themselves with more modern language usage.
Would you say this review depicts the product in a flattering or unflattering light?
