It is a very good book in that it portrays Russian realism and was the first to do so. Pushkin's writing is amazing and he's very clear and evocative in his words. The descriptions of the home lives and the battle fields are amazing and I do recommend this book to anyone that wants to get some Russian literature started. His works are easier to get into and very accessible.

"Play interests me very much," said Hermann: "but I am not in the position to sacrifice the necessary in the hope of winning the superfluous."