So you're perpetually disappointed with translations, I take it.
Oh yes, but for a different reason altogether. They are just bad. By which I mean factually wrong. By which I mean translating yes as no. And that's not even attempting to talk about style or actual artistic merit.
I can even write a prolonged example involving TTT's glossary to give you an idea just
how bad it is.
So you don't read Russian translations of any American books?
Written in English, not necessarily American, yes. For 10 years now, I think.
Recommend you consider as learning English is cool and all, but reading an American novel in English would not be the same as reading it as an American would.
All people read differently and see different things. I assure you, your understanding of Dostoevsky would be sufficient if you read a - mythical - good translation. Yes, you would probably need to consult an encyclopedia more than once to understand some realities he's writing about, but there wouldn't be an inherent untraversable gap in your understanding if you actually want to understand.
Sure, you'll see some things differently considering your different cultural upbringing, but that doesn't diminish your understanding. If anything, it'll enrich mine if you share yours with me.
I would not be reading it as a Russian.
Russian, American, French, Chinese, I don't really see an intrinsic distinction. It's about learning and wanting to understand. Culture is a big thing, no question, but it doesn't strike me as even close to being that ingrained. Also, you should take into account the fact that Russia is pretty much a Western culture that's consuming American content for decades. Like, people here watch American TV, go to American movies, read American books - American content has a larger percentage of the market than whatever passes for modern Russian culture. In reality, Russian identity died with the Soviet Union. Right now it's a cadaver. It might not ever regenerate.
Sad, yes, but that's what I see.
That being said, some things are slowly becoming better. Very slowly.
I digress - well, if you're comfortable in your cage, I won't let you out.
I was kinda hoping you'll have some good examples. We don't have to agree about them, just something that worked for you.
I maintain that I'm not being adamantly dismissive. I simply employ a strategy (based on my experience) for getting enjoyable content. It's like choosing food, only for books.