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stargazerfish0's review against another edition
4.0
I wanted to give this book a 4 1/2 but GoodReads doesn't do halves. I really liked this book. This is my second Dostoevsky novel, my first being Notes from Underground, which is one of my favorite books of all time. I'm binging Dostoevsky (pr@y for me) this year and I'm proud to add this to my read pile.
If you would have told me that this was basically a deconstructive novel by Dostoevsky himself, I would have finished this novel a lot faster. Unfortunately it's been sitting on my shelf for over 10 years now, although soon after I got it I had gotten 1/4 of the way in.
The quickest comparison that comes to my mind is the movie Closer from 2004 starring Natalie Portman and Julia Roberts, but since I'm not sure how many people have seen that, I'm going to say that this novel is like It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia but none of the funny and all of the tragic. I should probably specify that it has none of the IASiP funny, because there's definitely humor in it (hell, I laughed). It's more tragicomedy, but boy, that ending... Probably going to haunt me.
The only reason I did not give it a 5 is because the character Aglaya is so annoying. It was hard for me to read all of the parts with her in it, because all she does is "turn red", "stomp", or other synonymous phrases for reacting negatively to what Myshkin was saying. I think if I sensed that Dostoevsky wanted me to hate her, I would have still given it a 5, but judging from all of her admiring onlookers who just adored when she criticized someone in pretty much every part that she spoke, I think I'm supposed to find her... What? Smart? I can't.
Next is Devils!
If you would have told me that this was basically a deconstructive novel by Dostoevsky himself, I would have finished this novel a lot faster. Unfortunately it's been sitting on my shelf for over 10 years now, although soon after I got it I had gotten 1/4 of the way in.
The quickest comparison that comes to my mind is the movie Closer from 2004 starring Natalie Portman and Julia Roberts, but since I'm not sure how many people have seen that, I'm going to say that this novel is like It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia but none of the funny and all of the tragic. I should probably specify that it has none of the IASiP funny, because there's definitely humor in it (hell, I laughed). It's more tragicomedy, but boy, that ending... Probably going to haunt me.
The only reason I did not give it a 5 is because the character Aglaya is so annoying. It was hard for me to read all of the parts with her in it, because all she does is "turn red", "stomp", or other synonymous phrases for reacting negatively to what Myshkin was saying. I think if I sensed that Dostoevsky wanted me to hate her, I would have still given it a 5, but judging from all of her admiring onlookers who just adored when she criticized someone in pretty much every part that she spoke, I think I'm supposed to find her... What? Smart? I can't.
Next is Devils!
martin888's review against another edition
challenging
dark
informative
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I had such a toxic relationship with that book. Like I wanted to give it 1 star for plot and characters, but then it throws those 5-star worthy phylosophy quotes and one liners at me??! How can I hate a book like that?
fr4nkie_99's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
shanehaby's review against another edition
emotional
funny
relaxing
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
cecim17's review against another edition
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
5.0
theplatonicwitch's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Imagine those stories where you fully grasp the essence of each character, witnessing their extraordinary actions that transcend natural behavior. Despite the clear hints of an unfortunate outcome, you are still taken aback when it occurs. "The Idiot" felt like one of those stories.
Dostoevsky has always been fundamentally a writer fascinated by human nature. In each of his novels, we encounter unique perspectives on life and observe how individuals confront and grapple with their beliefs and faiths, often experiencing profound despair when those beliefs are shattered. "The Idiot" embodies a character who shares extraordinary views on various matters. He speaks of hope as perhaps the most potent force within humans, essential for their survival, and suggests that depriving someone of hope is the cruelest punishment. He also muses on the idea that beauty can save the world, finding beauty in the most mundane aspects of life and suggesting that one can always be happy by appreciating these simple things. He believed that individuals have the power to make themselves unhappy, often unknowingly. One of the story's major themes is love to the point of despair and self-deprecation, or even madness. This theme raises the question: what is love? Is it a divine power or a form of religion? Essentially, it encompasses the chaos and intensity of any emotion. Dostoevsky masterfully explores these themes in this story, staying true to his essence of thought.
The narrative effortlessly weaves between different characters, each with their own beliefs, and shows how they try to influence one another. I loved this novel, just as I have loved all of Dostoevsky's works.
Dostoevsky has always been fundamentally a writer fascinated by human nature. In each of his novels, we encounter unique perspectives on life and observe how individuals confront and grapple with their beliefs and faiths, often experiencing profound despair when those beliefs are shattered. "The Idiot" embodies a character who shares extraordinary views on various matters. He speaks of hope as perhaps the most potent force within humans, essential for their survival, and suggests that depriving someone of hope is the cruelest punishment. He also muses on the idea that beauty can save the world, finding beauty in the most mundane aspects of life and suggesting that one can always be happy by appreciating these simple things. He believed that individuals have the power to make themselves unhappy, often unknowingly. One of the story's major themes is love to the point of despair and self-deprecation, or even madness. This theme raises the question: what is love? Is it a divine power or a form of religion? Essentially, it encompasses the chaos and intensity of any emotion. Dostoevsky masterfully explores these themes in this story, staying true to his essence of thought.
The narrative effortlessly weaves between different characters, each with their own beliefs, and shows how they try to influence one another. I loved this novel, just as I have loved all of Dostoevsky's works.
mrears0_0's review against another edition
challenging
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
got me through marathon training but that’s about it
pls why must Natasha suffer
pls why must Natasha suffer
aathos's review against another edition
2.0
Not only was this a book I could put down, I almost had to force myself to read it. I think part of the problem was the translation I had. What I really didn't like though was the end, though I guess it fit with the title.
joyous888's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5