Crime and Punishment

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It's a hit!

There is something about Dostoevsky that utterly fascinates me. His prose is so intuitive, so intensely intimate-- no author has ever, I'm convinc... (show more)

There is something about Dostoevsky that utterly fascinates me. His prose is so intuitive, so intensely intimate-- no author has ever, I'm convinced, been so gifted at conveying the anxiety and disillusionment of a troubled mind. Raskolnikov is a character of unprecedented and unparalleled psychological complexity, and yet we spend a majority of this novel inhabiting his twisted mind, riding the undulant waves of his convictions and abrupt reversals -- and the brilliant thing about Dostoevsky's accomplishment is that the psyche of this madman begins to seem like a very natural place. Indeed, one actually begins to look upon Raskolniklov's derangement not as an outsider would, but as Raskolnikov himself does -- you feel his frustration, share his anxiety, understand his rage and disgust. And it's all always more intriguing than it is off-putting. As a reader, one is able to simultaneously be repulsed by Raskolnikov's actions yet understanding of his motives. This is the mark of true literary genius (and I'm not only saying this because Dostoevsky is my personal favorite). The story is unbelievably rich and multi-layered, filled with tragic characters and commentary on the social, political, and spiritual issues of Dostoevsky's day. I'll leave it to others to dissect the plot, themes, and message -- it's easy enough to find that information elsewhere, if that's what you're looking for. Here, I only wish to give my humble opinion of this book, and I really need only say one thing more: this is quite possibly my favorite book of all time. It is shelved in the "masterpieces" section of your bookstore for very, very good reasons. (show less)

 

 

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No, it's a flop!

Well... it was depressing throughout most of the book. I didn't think that it was especially funny at any point. I found that the elements of roman... (show more)

Well... it was depressing throughout most of the book. I didn't think that it was especially funny at any point. I found that the elements of romance lightened up the story. I guess the ending did make it a story of forgiveness and redemption, but only the VERY ending.

I did find it interesting from the point of view of politics and philosophy. I am not an expert in either, but it would be interesting to compare the mentions of socialism, communes, and the worth of the individual with the rise of the USSR. I believe the book was published in 1917? But I really am not enough of a history buff to know how that lines up. Also, I could be mistaken, but I am wondering if the "theory" of the main character is a representation of Nietzche? Though, I've never read Nietzche, so I can't be sure. (show less)

 

 

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  It took me such a long time to read, but I do not regret a minute spent reading this book.
  The description that the reader gets of Raskolnikov's thought processes and his mental struggle makes for great reading. I felt very sympathetic towards the protagonist, and the justification given for his actions is fascinating. The reader follows his reasons for loathing the world.
  This book is a classic for a reason. It was mentally draining, but only due to the fact that I became so involved in the... (show more)

  It took me such a long time to read, but I do not regret a minute spent reading this book.
  The description that the reader gets of Raskolnikov's thought processes and his mental struggle makes for great reading. I felt very sympathetic towards the protagonist, and the justification given for his actions is fascinating. The reader follows his reasons for loathing the world.
  This book is a classic for a reason. It was mentally draining, but only due to the fact that I became so involved in the story and the need to find out what happened next.
  The atmosphere and claustophobic sense you get from reading about Raskolnikov's environment is very insightful and I never thought that I would have an interest in 18th century Russia - but Crime and Punishment has made me want to learn more about the culture.
  I will definitely re-read this in a couple of years. If you have attempted to read this book and have given up - please try again.
  I will have a little break before attempting to read his book, 'The Idiot'. (show less)

   

   

  by Emily McDougall on Mar 07, 2009 at 11:27PM

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  There are few things in the world that compare to a Russian novel. Although this book was a marathon to read (despite its small appearance), it was well worth the read. It tells the story of Raskolnikov, a young student who commits a murder out of desperation and more or less feels guilty, sick and paranoid about it for the rest of the book.

  This is the first of Dostoyevsky's books that I've read and the main thing that struck me was the intricate makings of all the characters he described w... (show more)

  There are few things in the world that compare to a Russian novel. Although this book was a marathon to read (despite its small appearance), it was well worth the read. It tells the story of Raskolnikov, a young student who commits a murder out of desperation and more or less feels guilty, sick and paranoid about it for the rest of the book.

  This is the first of Dostoyevsky's books that I've read and the main thing that struck me was the intricate makings of all the characters he described which built up not so much a picture as an innate psychological description of many of the characters. It also offers an interesting description of the concept of an "extraordinary man" and uses Napoleon as an example - this is a person who can breach the moral standards of society in the pursuit of a great thing. Although the philosophy of this doesn't quite work in my reading of it, it was an interesting aside if not plea to be found to be still a human being.

  One of the more interesting characters was Sonia who becomes a deep friend of Raskolnikov's. She is a prostitute driven to her profession by a need to help her family. There were also some interesting asides to what constitutes a crime such as Svidrigailov who dreams of pursuing small children. The uncertainty and darkness of this entire book will leave the reader thinking long after the last page is turned. (show less)

   

   

  by Facebook-användare on Dec 06, 2009 at 05:38AM

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