Mumu by Ivan Turgenev

ISBN 9780956116567

Reviews

Mumu by Ivan Tergenev is a brilliant story superbly narrated by Max Bollinger. By turns tragic and comic the story concerns a deaf mute serf whose love for a laundress is unrequited and who instead befriends a dog, the Mumu of the title. This is a full length story of 74 minutes in which Tergenev delineates with great artistry the different characters of a serf-holding mistress. The comedy is delightful and the tragedy is poignant. 

I had never heard of this story, so my grateful thanks to Max Bollinger for producing this superb Audio CD of this delightful and fascinating story. Anyone who has heard Max Bollinger’s CD’s of Anton Chekov will be absolutely thrilled by this latest production. He goes from strength to strength. Highly recommended.

Alan Moreton (UK)

Deeply intense story of Mumu, the dog and deaf mute Gerasim, whom one might suppose a serf transplanted from a country estate near Moscow where "he did the work of four men" to duties as courtyard porter of the Moscow's house of a recluse elderly female landowner, whom one might suppose a member of the Aristocracy. All is intimist and social critic tschekovian in tone, never overt. Gerasim is Russia, lost in a city in his peasant blouse among the "German coats" worn by domesticity and visitors to the town house. 

With great empathy for the human condition and his characters, Turgenev depicts a courtyard kept meticulously clean of weeds, dust and drunkards by Gerasim. After loosing a potential wife to a shoemaker through a marriage of convenience arranged by the landowner, Gerasim reports all his affection on his dog Mumu. 

When Mumu rejects the unwanted attention of the insomniac and paranoiac old lady secluded in her second floor apartments, disaster strikes prompting Gerasim's return to his village and the eternal values of mother Russia, its land and its people. This audio book is beautifully presented. The narrator convincing and sincere in conveying the gentleness of Gerasim and yet his inalterable strenghth opposed to the cruelty and stupidity of the other members of the household. A short story but great in emotion and meaning that makes you want to read his other books. What a successful introduction to a great writer.

Philippe Felsenhardt (USA)

Ivan Turgenev wrote Mumu in 1854 and this story, with other works, is credited with influencing public opinion in favour of the abolition of serfdom. I can see why, as the main character, Gerasim, a deaf and mute giant of a man is taken from his home village and made the porter in the estate of the landowner, a widow at the end of her life. She is miserable and demanding and controls her servants as if the were animals. She decides when and whom they will marry, and the serfs have no choice but to obey. Mumu, the stray dog adopted by Gerasim, is treated with more respect. It is a poignant story which brought me close to tears. But it made me think as well.

The narrator has done a very good job with his choice of translation and his slight accent adds to the story. Not having read the original story I cannot comment on his adaptation, but this edition has whet my appetite for Turgenev on the page.

Joseph Belliveau (Canada)

'Mumu' is a charming story about a deaf and dumb man who, rebuffed by a lover, turns his affection towards a stray dog, named in the title. The man, Gerasim, who is a servant in the house of an elderly, attention-seeking widow, brings Mumu home to live in his quarters. Mumu returns Gerasim's love, but is not as affectionate towards the rest of the household. In particular, the dog seems to dislike the lady of the house, which could prove disastrous.

Ivan Turgenev was born into a rich, land-owning family, but through 'Mumu' he gives the impression that he did not think highly of his class. The lady of the house is spoiled and, frankly, annoying whereas the staff are reasonable, sensible, down-to-earth people. Turgenev was opposed to serfdom and he makes a compelling case against it through this story.

I listened to Max Bollinger's audio book version of 'Mumu'. It is based on the translation by Constance Clara Garnett which is highly regarded by scholars. The unabridged story is a nice length, fitting onto a single CD, and is well presented. I enjoyed 'Mumu' and found the CD to be an entertaining way to pass an hour in the car.

Catherine Watling (UK)

A poignant story of a deaf-mute peasant who gets a job on an estate in Moscow. Wonderful storytelling and great portrayal of the main character. Even though it's only a short story, there is a wealth of social issues presented in it that plagued life in Russia at the time. Read in English, but with a very distinct Russian accent by Max Bollinger.

Gerasim is a deaf mute servant in the household of a cantankerous old widow outside Moscow. He finds comfort in his isolated life of arduous work in his beloved dog, Mimi, but the widow orders the animal’s  destruction. A harrowing short story published in 1854, its vivid portrayal of callous cruelty towards serfs is believed to have influenced opinion in favour of the abolition of serfdom seven years later. The narration is Russian accented English communicates all of Turgenev’s favour.

Rachel Redford, The Observer (UK) Download PDF >

An absolute classic, Mumu gives a wonderfully vivid picture of life for the poor in Russia, can't be faulted. It is great to have an audio book version, which really brought the story to life. I really enjoyed listening to this, but the real star is Turgenev's writing.

Nikki Pierce (UK)

The story of a porter and the dog he rescues (Mumu). Set in Moscow, in a miserly old lady’s estate that’s supported by the labour of numerous serfs. Their being freed at the end brings some muted rightness to the story (not really a spoiler), but certainly not enough to make this an uplifting read (or listen).

In terms of audio, the narrator’s reading is – as it was with the Chekhov audiobook I reviewed previously – both pleasant and listenable. I’ve read some Turgenev, but haven’t seen this one before, so I commend the group for bringing this Garnett translation to my Anglo ears. Well worth the 1.5 hours of listening time.

MUMU By Ivan Turgenev, translated by Constance Garnett, read by Max Bollinger, Sovereign, 74 minutes on 1 CD, unabridged. Turgenev's story, set in a widow's house on the outskirts of Moscow in 19th-century Russia, is a searing portrayal of the Tsarist state, and is often credited with swaying public opinion in favour of the abolition of serfdom in 1861.

The Globe and Mail (Canada)

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