Synopses & Reviews
Arkady and Boris Strugatsky are widely known as the greatest Russian writers of science fiction, and their 1964 novel
Hard to Be a God is considered one of the greatest of their works.
It tells the story of Don Rumata, who is sent from Earth to the medieval kingdom of Arkanar with instructions to observe and to influence, but never to directly interfere. Masquerading as an arrogant nobleman, a dueler and a brawler, Don Rumata is never defeated but can never kill. With his doubt and compassion, and his deep love for a local girl named Kira, Rumata wants to save the kingdom from the machinations of Don Reba, the First Minister to the king. But given his orders, what role can he play?
Hard to Be a God has inspired a computer role-playing game and two movies, including Aleksei German’s long-awaited swan song. Yet until now the only English version (out of print for over thirty years) was based on a German translation, and was full of errors, infelicities, and misunderstandings. This new edition—translated by Olena Bormashenko, whose translation of the authors’ Roadside Picnic has received widespread acclaim, and supplemented with a new foreword by Hari Kunzru and an afterword by Boris Strugatsky, both of which supply much-needed context—reintroduces one of the most profound Soviet-era novels to an eager audience.
Review
“An enjoyable, exciting, and gratifying novel.” —New York Times
Review
“A thoroughly good book . . . robust, imaginative, satisfying.” —Ursula K. Le Guin
Review
“One of the most skillfully written, heavily freighted science fiction novels I have ever read. . . . The writing is well paced and the narrative is beautifully structured.” —Theodore Sturgeon
Review
“[A] rewarding new translation.” —Publishers Weekly
Review
"A quick, fun read." —Shepherd Express
Review
“This is a crisp, new translation of a highly influential 1964 Russian sf novel by the Strugatsky brothers… the story and themes will resonate as much with modern audiences as they did with readers in the mid-1960s.” —Library Journal
Review
“This long-overdue translation will reintroduce one of the most profound Soviet-era novels to an eager audience.” —Literalab
Review
“Hard to be a God is at once a plucky adventure novel and an anxious, sensitive vision of rising totalitarianism...sandwiched between an excellent introduction from novelist Hari Kunzru and an enlightening afterword from coauthor Boris Strugatsky, Hard to be a God is a worthwhile read, one that entertains even as it provokes.” —Weekly Alibi
Review
“The stature of Hard to Be a God as the richest of their [the Strugatsky brothers] novels—and one of the most popular Russian science-fiction novels—will surely be enhanced by Olena Bormashenkos nuanced translation, far superior to that of its previous edition.” —World Literature Today
Synopsis
"We all know what Rainbow is," began Lamondois. "Rainbow is a planet colonized by science and designed for physical experiments." "The Far Rainbow was written at one breath, it is full of dynamics and genuine dramatism." - Literary Gazette "Science-fiction stories by the Strugatsky brothers are philosophical pieces. They are full of action but each action is clearly imbued with speculation." - Neva Magazine "Take the Far Rainbow, for instance. 'Authentic' is the word, and this is rather unusual where science fiction is concerned." - The Young Guard Magazine The brothers Boris and Arkady Strugatsky have chosen different careers. Arkady is a linguist and Boris an astronomer. Perhaps it is this divergence of interest which has helped them to describe the world of the far future so vividly. The brothers Strugatsky are among the most prominent Soviet science-fiction writers. They have written a number of works in the genre.
About the Author
Arkady and Boris Strugatsky were famous and popular Russian writers of science fiction, with more than 25 novels and novellas to their names, including The Doomed City, The Inhabited Island, and Roadside Picnic. Their books have been widely translated and made into a number of films. Hari Kunzru is the author of several highly praised novels, including Gods Without Men and The Impressionist. Olena Bormashenko is the acclaimed translator of the Strugatskys Roadside Picnic.
Arkady and Boris Strugatsky were famous and popular Russian writers of science fiction, with more than 25 novels and novellas to their names, including The Doomed City, The Inhabited Island, and Roadside Picnic. Hari Kunzru is the author of several highly praised novels, including Gods Without Men and The Impressionist. Olena Bormashenko is the critically acclaimed translator of the Strugatskys Roadside Picnic.