Envy
Envy
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1927
Book Brief
Beta152
Novel • Fiction
•
Humor•
Russian LiteratureMoscow, Russia • 1920s
•
European History1927
NYRB Classics
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In Envy, Yury Olesha presents a story where Nikolai Kavalerov, a dissatisfied individual, navigates his feelings of inadequacy and envy as he contrasts his life with that of a successful entrepreneur, Andrei Babichev. The narrative explores themes of personal ambition, societal change, and human relationships in a rapidly transforming world.
Mysterious
Dark
Melancholic
Bittersweet
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
4,155 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Envy by Yury Olesha is celebrated for its satirical narrative and sharp critique of Soviet society, blending humor with social commentary. Critics praise its inventive language and psychological depth. However, some find its abstract style challenging and its plot somewhat disjointed. Despite these critiques, it remains an engaging exploration of envy and human contradictions.
Who Should Read Envy?
A reader who enjoys Envy by Yury Olesha would appreciate satirical and philosophical literature, exploring themes of jealousy, modernization, and human emotion. Fans of Kafka’s The Trial and Dostoevsky's Notes from Underground will find similar existential and societal critiques appealing in Olesha's work.
4,155 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
152
Novel • Fiction
•
Humor•
Russian LiteratureMoscow, Russia • 1920s
•
European History1927
NYRB Classics
Adult
18+ years
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