The Nose
The Nose
Book Brief
Beta53
Short Story • Fiction
St. Petersburg, Russia • 1830s
2015
Adult
13+ years
Super Short Summary
In "The Nose," a St. Petersburg official discovers that his nose has mysteriously disappeared and is living its own life as a higher-ranking officer. As he navigates bizarre encounters and societal norms to reclaim his nose, the narrative explores themes of identity and social status, highlighting the absurdity of bureaucratic life.
Mysterious
Humorous
Fantastical
Unnerving
Reviews & Readership
15,172 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Nose by Nikolai Gogol is praised for its surreal and absurd humor, blending fantastical elements with satire of Russian bureaucracy. Critics appreciate its originality and wit, though some find its absurdity baffling. The story cleverly critiques societal norms, yet its peculiar narrative style may not appeal to all readers.
Who Should Read The Nose?
A reader who enjoys The Nose by Nikolai Gogol likely appreciates satirical humor, absurdity, and social critique. Fans of Kafka’s The Metamorphosis or Dostoevsky’s Notes from Underground might find similar enjoyment in its surreal narrative and exploration of identity and society.
15,172 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Nose was initially published in 1836 in the magazine Sovremennik, which was founded by the famous Russian poet and Pushkin contemporary, Alexander Pushkin.
Gogol's unique story inspired Dmitri Shostakovich, who composed an opera based on The Nose in 1928, blending avant-garde techniques with Gogol’s absurd narrative.
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Although now considered a classic, when The Nose was first submitted to the journal Moskovsky Zritel, it was rejected by the censors for its bizarre content and satirical undertones.
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53
Short Story • Fiction
St. Petersburg, Russia • 1830s
2015
Adult
13+ years
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