Oblomov(1847-1859)

This novel about the peculiar Russian laziness introduced the concept of ‘Oblomovshchina’ into colloquial Russian speech. Goncharov’s anti-hero, Ilya Oblomov, does nothing except loaf around. He is a landed nobleman, which means he has no need to work… His childhood friend and polar opposite, the enterprising Andrey Stolz, does everything for him. The only moment in life when Oblomov briefly emerges from his slumber is when he falls in love. But, can such a man really commit to marriage? Interestingly, the author remains impartial, siding with neither the indolent Oblomov nor the rationalist Stolz.

The book is recognized as a classic of Russian literature and it has been translated into 47 languages. The novel has been adapted for the big screen three times, with one of the movies filmed by Italian director Claudio Fino. And, at various times, almost all Moscow theaters have staged plays based on it.

Translated by Natalie Duddington, Publisher Allen & Unwin, 1929