Rosary: Poetry of Anna Akhmatova

Anna Ahkmatova and her poetry are new to me. Not knowing Russian, i can only speak to the translation. Her poetry reminds me somewhat of Dickinson in her ability to invest the homely and the diurnal with deep emotion and rich meaning.

Akhmatova seems to be speaking personally to us. Her poetry is so vibrant and individual. Andrey Kneller's translation is seamlessly non-intrusive so I bought his edition of my other favorite Russian poet, Marina Tsvetaeva. I am looking forward to reading his translations of other poets in the future.

First of all I want to say how much I appreciate that Kneller has decided to release Akhmatova's books in their original form; Evening, Rosary, White Flock (hopefully the rest will soon follow) This is very important as it gives the reader the work in the order that the Poet originally put it, this is one thing that makes this edition of Akhmatova great. The translation itself is very well done. Kneller preserves the deceptively simple Akhmatova to great effect, avoiding the translator's curse of self imposition upon the material. On aesthetic grounds; the cover design is beautiful, the elegant black and white work for Akhmatova very well. This is a good edition to buy if you are looking for either a good example of the pre world war I Akhmatova, or for the reader who wants to explore Akhmatova step by step, in the order the Author wished. If you purchase this Akhmatova, you will be sure to find her on your bed side table for at least six months if not longer, and on your shelf until after the pages have come loose from reading. These poems are either read best at night, or else in a desolate field in some provincial place like Akhmatova's meager Tver.

Andrey Kneller's translation is outstanding. I remember reading Akhmatova in college but her poetry did not speak to me as it does in Andrey Kneller's translation. Keller beautifully brings Akhmatova to life in such an authentic manner. "Rosary" is an absolutely lovely collection of Akhmatova's early poetry from the 1910's. During this period, Akhmatova wrote much about falling in love and all joys and sorrows involved in the process. I plan on reading more of Kneller's translations of the greats of Russian poetry.

This is Ms. Akhmatova's second collection. The poetry is easily accessible, raw and emotional. Her voice is becoming darker than her first work. Reading this collection is time well spent.

Amazing translations! Thank you!!!