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blau_elmo's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
The legendary thrilling tale by Dostoevsky.
A long, challenging read with many inane rambles (as expected from a Dostoevsky novel), with elements of philosophy, his usual disdain for Russian nihilism and apathy, all through a story involving (surprise) the titular crime, one of pettiness and simple anger.
The way Raskolnikov went from trying to avoid the topic, to trying to justify how only the most dignified men could get away with crime (and that it was honourable to do so), to finding comfort and redemption in Sonya, to being led astray by Svidrigailov's hedonism, the twists and turns combined with Dostoevsky's dark humour was thoroughly entertaining and thought provoking at the same time.
Still, a huge challenge to get through due to its sheer volume of text.
A long, challenging read with many inane rambles (as expected from a Dostoevsky novel), with elements of philosophy, his usual disdain for Russian nihilism and apathy, all through a story involving (surprise) the titular crime, one of pettiness and simple anger.
The way Raskolnikov went from trying to avoid the topic, to trying to justify how only the most dignified men could get away with crime (and that it was honourable to do so), to finding comfort and redemption in Sonya, to being led astray by Svidrigailov's hedonism, the twists and turns combined with Dostoevsky's dark humour was thoroughly entertaining and thought provoking at the same time.
Still, a huge challenge to get through due to its sheer volume of text.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Murder
loyaultemelie's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
medium-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
5.0
Edit: Though I initially left Crime and Punishment unrated, I must capitulate to the inevitable. This was my second favorite book I read in 2023. It made me discover (much to my self-loathing) one of my favorite authors. I think about this book, almost every. single. day. It would be the height of folly for me not to give Crime and Punishment five stars.
People who say Dostoevsky had an instinctive understanding of the way humans work are not wrong. The complexity of every character is at times overwhelming. Though Dostoevsky does not refrain from casting moral judgement, he does place everyone and everything within a living, breathing world.We know why Rodya commits murder. We also understand the acuteness of both his suffering, and of his arrogance. He believed that he could be a 'great man,' but instead it was he - not Sonya, who he tells this often misquoted and misunderstood out of context line to - whose 'worst sin is that [he's] betrayed and destroyed [himself] for nothing.' That we the audience, and Sonya herself, sees this while he doesn't is proof of masterful writing.
Regardless of how much I dislike Dostoevsky's philosophy later in life. Regardless of how complicated the legacy of 'great' Russian literature is. All these things are important to remember. But I would also be lying to myself if I pretended that this book did not touch me in spite of all of that. I adore this book, plain and simple. I must reckon with that.
Despite my personal loathing for Dostoevsky as a human, I did indeed enjoy this novel. I will say Garnett’s translation is my personal favorite - I believe she captures Dostoevsky’s manic prose better than P&V
People who say Dostoevsky had an instinctive understanding of the way humans work are not wrong. The complexity of every character is at times overwhelming. Though Dostoevsky does not refrain from casting moral judgement, he does place everyone and everything within a living, breathing world.
Regardless of how much I dislike Dostoevsky's philosophy later in life. Regardless of how complicated the legacy of 'great' Russian literature is. All these things are important to remember. But I would also be lying to myself if I pretended that this book did not touch me in spite of all of that. I adore this book, plain and simple. I must reckon with that.
Despite my personal loathing for Dostoevsky as a human, I did indeed enjoy this novel. I will say Garnett’s translation is my personal favorite - I believe she captures Dostoevsky’s manic prose better than P&V
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Violence, Death, Death of parent, and Sexual violence
nereanpi's review against another edition
challenging
dark
tense
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Suicide attempt, Suicide, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
Moderate: Blood
Minor: Domestic abuse, Adult/minor relationship, and Child abuse
maria_borges1507's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Um retrato de pobreza e desespero.
Um thriller psicológico (escrito num século em que tal coisa não existia) onde os pensamentos e angústias das personagens são revelados de uma forma absurdamente extraordinária.
Um thriller psicológico (escrito num século em que tal coisa não existia) onde os pensamentos e angústias das personagens são revelados de uma forma absurdamente extraordinária.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide, Toxic relationship, Murder, and Violence
hitmangirl27's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Murder
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Violence, and Mental illness
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Antisemitism, and Racial slurs
chiaralzr's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Murder, and Blood
Moderate: Death, Suicide, Suicidal thoughts, Sexual assault, Death of parent, Antisemitism, and Child abuse
toffishay's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
What a meaty book. I am really in awe of how Dostoyevsky can maintain tension in a 560 page book! It is interesting how the structure of a book can really make or break it. If you are intimidated by the length, I would say take your time and let yourself enjoy it instead of feeling like you need to power through. I think that it was a smart choice to break the book into 6 parts, each of which have chapters, so you have natural breaks that serve the reading experience and the story. One drawback could be that because the book is so long, the back and forth that Raskolnikov goes through in his head can feel a little repetitive at times. But overall, I think it works well for establishing how conflicted he is as a character and how out of control he truly is as well.
Raskolnikov's descent is described in such a gripping way and although it is certainly commentary on the times that Dostoyevsky was writing in, I saw a lot of parallels to today. Raskolnikov is an angry young man who thinks he's so much better than everyone else and so much smarter. He thinks that he has a right to his crime and to the purpose that he thinks it will give him. He is living in a world of desolation and personal despair and lashes out at everyone around him. I couldn't help but think that with Raskolnikov's disdain for human life and desire to be better than those around him, that he would have been a mass shooter if he lived today. Seeking that notoriety and committing horrible acts in the process.
There is also very well-written commentary about relationships between men and women. There are women trapped in horrible relationships with men who continue to treat them badly and bring them low. (Katerina) Women are pushed into making difficult choices, that honestly aren't even choices, as a result of their poverty and their love of their families (Sofya). Women do everything they can to support the men in their lives and are given little to nothing in return (Dunya and Pulkheria). And all of the women in the novel are at the whim and will of men, but the novel is extremely sympathetic to them and is, primarily, on their side.
Vanity and pride are themes that are shown through many of the characters. Vanity is a driver of Raskolnikov's crime. It drives Katerina to embarrass herself publicly, putting herself in a worse physical and financial situation at every turn. Porfriy, the inspector, is driven by pride, at least in part, to find the perpetrator of the titular crime.
I was surprised by how much love and hope were themes of the book. It definitely addressed crime and punishment, depravity and isolation. But there are instances where people are saved by the love of those around them. Like, I closed the book and felt a little like there is hope even when you are at your lowest. That it is never too late to look yourself honestly in the face and commit to change.
Raskolnikov's descent is described in such a gripping way and although it is certainly commentary on the times that Dostoyevsky was writing in, I saw a lot of parallels to today. Raskolnikov is an angry young man who thinks he's so much better than everyone else and so much smarter. He thinks that he has a right to his crime and to the purpose that he thinks it will give him. He is living in a world of desolation and personal despair and lashes out at everyone around him. I couldn't help but think that with Raskolnikov's disdain for human life and desire to be better than those around him, that he would have been a mass shooter if he lived today. Seeking that notoriety and committing horrible acts in the process.
There is also very well-written commentary about relationships between men and women. There are women trapped in horrible relationships with men who continue to treat them badly and bring them low. (Katerina) Women are pushed into making difficult choices, that honestly aren't even choices, as a result of their poverty and their love of their families (Sofya). Women do everything they can to support the men in their lives and are given little to nothing in return (Dunya and Pulkheria). And all of the women in the novel are at the whim and will of men, but the novel is extremely sympathetic to them and is, primarily, on their side.
Vanity and pride are themes that are shown through many of the characters. Vanity is a driver of Raskolnikov's crime. It drives Katerina to embarrass herself publicly, putting herself in a worse physical and financial situation at every turn. Porfriy, the inspector, is driven by pride, at least in part, to find the perpetrator of the titular crime.
I was surprised by how much love and hope were themes of the book. It definitely addressed crime and punishment, depravity and isolation. But there are instances where people are saved by the love of those around them. Like, I closed the book and felt a little like there is hope even when you are at your lowest. That it is never too late to look yourself honestly in the face and commit to change.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic friendship, Alcohol, Toxic relationship, Suicide, Death, Sexism, Misogyny, Murder, Classism, Alcoholism, Violence, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Confinement, Chronic illness, Terminal illness, Suicide, Suicidal thoughts, Blood, Sexual violence, Sexual assault, Mental illness, Grief, Emotional abuse, Domestic abuse, and Death of parent
Minor: Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Xenophobia, Gore, War, Adult/minor relationship, Physical abuse, Antisemitism, Pedophilia, Pandemic/Epidemic, Vomit, and Infidelity
marsmartis's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Dostoyevsky's masterpiece
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Violence, Mental illness, Suicide, Murder, Gore, Panic attacks/disorders, and Blood
thecriticalreader's review against another edition
dark
reflective
sad
tense
slow-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
4.5
Review:
As much as I tried not to, I entered Fyodor Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment with a few preconceived notions based on people’s recommendation of the book. First, that this book is about a man who commits murder and his subsequent psychological unraveling—and while this description is not wrong, exactly, it’s a bit like describing Moby-Dick as a book about a man who hunts a whale for revenge. Crime and Punishment encompasses a lot more than the main character’s inner turmoil, with a wide cast of characters and complex plot. Second, I was told that this book would profoundly affect me emotionally and/or send me into an existential crisis, which it didn’t. Misconceptions aside, I loved Crime and Punishment. The characters are strong and well-realized, the plot is engrossing, and the book raises intriguing points about morality. My only complaints are that the first and second section are too long (I got sick of reading about the main protagonist’s unstable mental state) and that at times the plot relied on some rather convenient coincidences.
The Run-Down:
You will probably like Crime and Punishment . . .
· If you like classic literature, particular nineteenth-century literature
· You enjoy books that delve into questions of morality and philosophy
You might not like Crime and Punishment . . .
· If you dislike long stretches of dialogue/rumination
· If you are expecting a thriller or mystery
A Similar Book: Père Goriot by Honoré de Balzac (according to the footnotes in my edition, Crime and Punishment is actually partially inspired by Père Goriot, so the similarities are not coincidence! Similarities include . . .
· An impoverished law student who moves to the big city away from his devoted mother and sister, who sacrifice a lot to send him to school
· A protagonist who acts immorally in the face of poverty
· A wide cast of characters navigating complex and unforgiving social systems
· Themes exploring urban social ills, destitution, familial bonds, and morality
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Violence, Terminal illness, Alcoholism, and Child abuse
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Gun violence, and Suicide
Minor: Forced institutionalization, Sexism, and Sexual assault
velokei's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I finally finished this after a year 😭😭 I’m so happy that I managed it. I’m glad I had the experience of reading it but wow it was a lot and I don’t know if I’d recommend it
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Animal death, Animal cruelty, Violence, Suicidal thoughts, and Classism
Moderate: Suicide, Stalking, Alcoholism, Antisemitism, Toxic relationship, Suicide attempt, Alcohol, and Child abuse
Minor: Adult/minor relationship