A review by neuroqueer
Viy: English and Russian Language Edition by Nikolai Gogol

dark funny mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.25

Overall: C

The Viy is a short horror novella from 19th Century Ukranian-born Russian writer Nikolai Gogol. It's an interesting look into Russian folklore and horror literature history but it isn't very memorable in terms of story or characters.

The story follows a young philospher who ends up messing with the wrong woman while venturing into a small village. The novel builds up suspense through escalating nightly encounters with the witch but the characters lack depth. This probably due to it being a novella that is mixing horror with some satirical elements.

For me, looking at the themes and historical context was more compelling than the story itself. For example:

* How Gogol uses satire to comment on blind faith (e.g. the philosopher praying during the nightly attacks even though he knew it wouldn't work).
* The Viy itself having some dubious origins as it's not really part of Ukranian folklore
* How witches (and women in general) are portrayed (here is a short but interesting write up on how witchcraft is used in the story: https://www.byarcadia.org/post/witchcraft-in-literature-101-the-viy-by-nikolai-gogol)

All in all, "The Viy" is interesting in terms of a historical view but not so much an enjoyable one.