Oblomov by Goncharov: a classic that explores laziness with irony and depth. Discover how this book can make you reflect and smile at the same time.
Lazy is beautiful
In "Oblomov," Goncharov introduces us to a character who seems to have turned laziness into an art form. Imagine a guy who spends most of his time in bed, pondering existence—or rather, procrastinating every possible action. Oblomov is so good at doing nothing that he could teach a university course on the subject.
His house is an organized chaos, like someone decided to create a museum of laziness and appointed him as the curator. The only thing that moves quickly in Oblomov's life is time, while he remains serenely immobile, wrapped in his bathrobe like a human cocoon. But don't be fooled by his apparent inaction: every hesitation, every doubt is a tiny masterpiece of irony and reflection.
Goncharov, with his light and humorous style, shows us that even in apathy, beauty can be found. Oblomov is not just a lazybones; he's a deep thinker who looks at the world and asks, "Why should I care?" And in this way of being, there's a lesson for all of us: sometimes, stopping to reflect can be more useful than acting without thinking.
So yes, lazy is beautiful. Oblomov teaches us that slowing down isn't always a bad thing. In a fast-paced world, sometimes taking a break and living a bit more slowly can offer us a different, perhaps even deeper perspective. And if we can have a laugh along the way, even better.
The art of doing nothing
Let's be clear: if you thought reading "Oblomov" was a titanic task, you're way off. Goncharov has created a work that's a true manual on the art of doing nothing, and he does it with a lightness that will make you fall in love page after page. Yes, because despite our dear Oblomov being the king of procrastination, his world is incredibly fascinating.
The narrative structure of "Oblomov" is like a lazy labyrinth, where every corner invites you to stop and reflect. Goncharov takes you inside the protagonist's head, a place where dreams and reflections reign supreme. And he does it with a writing style that's as elegant as it is ironic. Every sentence seems to say, "Hey, life is complicated enough, why not relax a bit?"
The central theme—Oblomov's apathy and indecision—might seem boring at first glance. But this is where Goncharov shows his genius: he turns laziness into a lens through which to observe human flaws. Every little indecision of Oblomov is a reflection of our insecurities and fears. And he does it with a subtle irony that will make you smile even when you recognize your own weaknesses in him.
And then there's Goncharov's magic touch: his ability to make slowness and procrastination something epic. Every gesture of Oblomov, no matter how insignificant, is described with such care and detail that you find yourself thinking, "Wow, even doing nothing can be an art." It's as if Goncharov is telling us that every moment of inaction is an opportunity to reflect and better understand ourselves.
So, if you're a literature lover looking for something more than just a simple story, "Oblomov" is the book for you. It's an ironic and profound journey into humanity, an invitation to slow down and enjoy every moment. In one word? Masterpiece. Rating: 9/10
why I recommend it
I recommend it because "Oblomov" manages to make you laugh at your own laziness and offers an ironic mirror in which to see yourself. The beauty of this book lies in its ability to turn common human flaws into an engaging and entertaining story.
why I don't recommend it
I don't recommend it because if you're looking for an action-packed adventure, "Oblomov" isn't for you. The protagonist's slowness and immobility might make you want to skip a few pages or even take a nap.