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!