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4.04 AVERAGE
4.04 AVERAGE
Least favorite Dostoevsky so far
Less of an idiot than I was led to believe
Less of an idiot than I was led to believe
Not going to lie, I put this book down once and re-tried reading it, which was totally worth it!
Although the described details in this go beyond my attention span, the plot itself and Dostoevsky's writing made me want to finish "The Idiot" as quickly as possible!
This was my first Russian book and I can't wait to do further research into the endless metaphors, hints and the author's writing process!
I wouldn't really recommend "The Idiot" to anyone, if you're thinking about reading it go for it, but if you're not in the mood for it, maybe put off reading it for a while!
Although the described details in this go beyond my attention span, the plot itself and Dostoevsky's writing made me want to finish "The Idiot" as quickly as possible!
This was my first Russian book and I can't wait to do further research into the endless metaphors, hints and the author's writing process!
I wouldn't really recommend "The Idiot" to anyone, if you're thinking about reading it go for it, but if you're not in the mood for it, maybe put off reading it for a while!
challenging
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
It's a classic, but not nearly as good as Karamazov.
I had a hard time getting into this novel, which seemed to be as much of a love story as about the Big Philosophical topics I associate with Russian novelists.
I had a hard time getting into this novel, which seemed to be as much of a love story as about the Big Philosophical topics I associate with Russian novelists.
Not gonna lie, this book is pretty dense and long-winded even by Russian novelist standards. But once again I’m enthralled by Dostoevsky’s storytelling, character development, and overall message.
To sum up The Idiot in one sentence: Nice guys finish last.
To sum up The Idiot in one sentence: Nice guys finish last.
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
There are a lot of things one could say about this novel: the psyche of the characters, their flaws, their opinions, their suffering, their sins. There is a lot that can be said about the author's self-inserting through the Prince.
All I'll say is that I have never felt such sympathy for a main character as I have for Leon, and that is something that the book community knows to be rare.
All I'll say is that I have never felt such sympathy for a main character as I have for Leon, and that is something that the book community knows to be rare.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness
Moderate: Alcoholism, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Murder
Minor: Violence, Grief, Death of parent
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
to start, lemme say that I really really wish I liked this book more than I did. I had extremely high expectations for this book bc i absolutely adored crime and punishment and sadly this book didn't necessarily meet those expectations. but that also doesn't mean that this book was bad. I found it to be extremely interesting, and Dostoevsky's depiction of humans and human nature is absolutely top tier and unmatched. I loved the characters in this book. I loved how insane and demented the characters are. I love how innocent and pure Myshkin is and how he's an absolute idiot bc of it. but I will say that the book started out strong, the middle was a bit iffy, and the ending was great. when I was in the middle of this book I really did not wanna finish it bc I had no motivation to finish it. but nonetheless I finished it and I'm glad I did. I'm pretty sure I'm gonna be reading this book again in the future bc I wanna see if I'll like it even more in the future maybe. anyways I would've liked to see more of Nastasya bc she is such an interesting character and honestly I didn't really care for most of the characters in this book tbh. I'm just really glad I'm finally done with this book lmao. idk I think that I didn't like this book as much bc I kept comparing it to crime and punishment in my head and crime and punishment is top tier for me so. anyways I think Dostoevsky is an absolutely brilliant writer and he's one of my favorites this book just didn't really hit for me for some reason idk why. anyways that's my two cents. good book, but crime and punishment was better.
I read this because of book club. Honestly, I'm not a fan. It's long and too wordy. Generally, the characters are maddening. Myshkin seems to be the one person who is not insane... or is he? Life is too hard to read books this depressing.
reflective
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes