Much of this definitely went over my head. Firstly, only now have I learnt that it's written in imitation of Byron, and is completely satirical. I was reading this far too straight.

Some beautiful portraits and images, but takes itself far too seriously (or so I thought) for my liking. Every character except Pechorin and maybe Vera seems completely two dimensional - but perhaps this is the point.

Probably very much worth a reread once I know more about its context and purpose!

The first time I read this was around my junior year of high school during my Russian Literature phase, during which I read dutifully and not joyously or intentionally. So, my reread, spurred by finding this at the back of my closet, was like reading it for the first time. I remembered there was a duel, I remembered it took place amongst those convalescing in a town built on a spring, stuff like that. But I really did not absorb or retain any of the magic in this book.

Firstly, the structure is great. Essentially, this is an I-know-a-guy-who-knows-this-guy story, but it works wonderfully. Pechorin is introduced indirectly through a story told orally to the narrator. Then, by chance, Pechorin is briefly met. Finally, the narrator receives the writings of Pechorin. In these, the meat of the story. And nearly 60 pages into this 169 page book!

Pechorin is a disinterested man of twenty some years who staves off ennui by toying with people. The only relief to his malaise is great feelings, either adoration or hatred. Not a very nice guy. So, his notes tell the story of him torturing those around him in order to evoke those feelings. Pechorin has no great love for life, yet has not had a good reason to stop yet. "Some will say 'he was a good fellow,' others will say I was a swine. Both one and the other would be wrong. Given this, does it seem worth the effort to live? And yet, you live, out of curiosity, always wanting something new... Amusing and vexing!"

The title of the story is quite contradictory, yet, not... Clearly Pechorin is an asshole. Yet he is brave and charismatic. He knows exactly how to get what he wants and has the guts to do it. He's sympathetic. Lermontov writes him as a badass. Perhaps he is attempting to reflect how vice is oftentimes met with reward. Ego is something we tend to despise but confidence is magnetic. Deceit is bad but everyone loves hearing exactly what they want to hear. Pechorin is someone we know we should hate but cannot help but admire.

Sorry, Goodreads: the exploits and intrigues are not what make this book great.

My most favorite book of all!