Crime and Punishment
By Fyodor Dostoyevsky
- Release Date: 2006-03-28
- Genre: Literary Criticism
Description
Crime and Punishment is a novel by the Russian author Fyodor Dostoyevsky. It was first published in the literary journal The Russian Messenger in twelve monthly installments during 1866. It was later published in a single volume. It is the second of Dostoyevsky's full-length novels following his return from ten years of exile in Siberia. Crime and Punishment is the first great novel of his "mature" period of writing.
Crime and Punishment focuses on the mental anguish and moral dilemmas of Rodion Raskolnikov, an impoverished ex-student in St. Petersburg who formulates and executes a plan to kill an unscrupulous pawnbroker for her cash. Raskolnikov argues that with the pawnbroker's money he can perform good deeds to counterbalance the crime, while ridding the world of a worthless vermin. He also commits this murder to test his own hypothesis that some people are naturally capable of such things, and even have the right to do them. Several times throughout the novel, Raskolnikov justifies his actions by connecting himself mentally with Napoleon Bonaparte, believing that murder is permissible in pursuit of a higher purpose.
Reviews
Psychologically twisted
5By Anonymousguy#1This book is the first I’ve read of Fydor Dostoyevsky’s works. I absolutely loved it and think he nailed the psychology of all the characters in particular Rodion. Watching him lose himself and his mind after the murders was one of the best descriptions of a story I’ve ever read. The internal turmoil and destructiveness raskolikinov put himself and others through is a must read. I would recommend anyone this book who would like to read a Dostoyevsky piece, or who simply love reading and watching the psychological turmoil of characters unfold.Amazing Writer
5By 1SuzeeCrime and Punishment is a masterpiece. For me that means that the author (Dostoevsky) weaves a story with complexity, realism, and depth.Classic True Crime Vibes
5By BrChildrThis reads like a true crime novel, full of details, mystery, and unexpected turns. I told all of my friends it’s classic literature’s Dateline. Proof that there’s nothing new under the sun. It is thought provoking, full of rich imagery and relatable characters.Entry to Dosto
5By Effin RobotThis is my very first Dostoyevsky read, and I have to say I am astonished at how complete and full a world he creates. To think that this book was written in the 1860s, but with apt characterizations that could be anyone living today, just blew my mind. The themes presented - theory of action vs the real world results, place in society, shame and pride - all come together in a big, messy, beautiful cross-section of different folks from St. Petersburg. My favorite aspect of the telling is the way the author weaves in and out, hinting at something you only suspect until it’s delivered in a fantastic gut punch at the very end. Very rewarding read!Definitely recommend
5By Stacy1904This book was great! I couldn’t put it down and it was such a good read.Master of his craft
5By Rayyan GhumroFyodor is a master of his craft and it is no surprise that Russian literature is so well known around the world.Interesting
5By LosqualiLBI never thought I can read such a long book, it’s pity I finished it alli’m a bsd fan
5By APersonWhoPlaysFortnitei read it because of bungo stray dogs. i love this book, hate fyodor in the show SIGMA WILL LIVEBoring
1By FabianLeGrandIt’s just too long and boring.Suffering
5By LukedubbSo much insight into the life of a man that was lost and kinda insane.Crime and punishment is a great book
1By CaptinsparklzzBut this translation is written very poorly and some things in it just don’t make much sense.Classic indeed
5By KellerdigsQuite a story. The punishment portion of the book wasn’t as tormenting as I expected. I was surprised at how many characters there were (nearly 30) and he focused on most of them, considering their thoughts and motivations. I was challenged by the Russian names. They were awkward and spelled similarly. Between the similar spelling, the number of characters, and that many of them had nicknames; it took awhile to fully grasp the characters. I thoroughly enjoyed the book. It is quite an accomplishment and it’s reputation as a classic is well deserved.Incredible
5By SvidrigaïlovOne of the greatest books I’ve ever readBest ever
5By jglez6868My favorite bookExtremely descriptive, beautiful book.
5By dickensloverA wonderful, wonderful book. Very descriptive, and it is the hardest thing to put down. And when you do put it down, the guilt, the emotion, the mentality of Raskilnikov temporarily leaks into one’s mind, and you yourself feel somewhat desperate. You feel as though you murdered the old lady and Lizaveta yourself. Very good book.5 stars
5By Alano The GreatIt is a great read!Categorical Morality
5By jummy112234The book is diverse in its content. But the question on categorical morality that Dostoyevsky approached was embedded in deep psychological as well social structure of humans. Overstepping ones boundaries to see how far one can go often leads to disparity and agony. One should know what is wrong and no matter what the utility of ones act is it isn’t worth ruining one’s conscience for.Errors in translation
4By rhyxisjvdsthis version has some format errors that impede the story, which itself is 5 starsBest book I’ve read
5By The phyco pathwayA comfortably complex plot, philosophical issues still relevant almost 200 years later, and a writing style that makes you feel the psychological anguish of every character. Good stuff.
