Reviews with content warning for Animal cruelty - Crime and Punishment

In Fyodor Dostoevsky’s monumental opus, Crime and Punishment, readers are beckoned to traverse the vast seas of human emotion and navigate the seldom-explored labyrinth of morality. Against the intricate social tapestry of 19th-century Russia, Dostoevsky orchestrates a mesmerizing masterpiece that portrays both the shadows and the brilliance in a single, sweeping epic.

The very title of the book hints at a symphony of words, where “crime” and “punishment” merely protrude above the surface, akin to the visible peaks of an iceberg. We are compelled to contemplate whether the legal apparatus perennially functions as the custodian of justice alongside the central figure, Rodión Románovich Raskólnikov (Raskolnikov). Through a soul-stirring odyssey of extremes, we plunge into the depths of his destiny. However, Dostoevsky, with profound brilliance, delves beyond the mere realms of redemption.

The foundational themes of poverty and social inequality stand as robust pillars, illustrating the authentic tribulations of characters ensnared within a harsh societal milieu. With unparalleled acumen, Dostoevsky unravels the psychological and emotional repercussions of poverty, charting a course through a morally challenging terrain.

Within the realm of human psychology and the psyche, Dostoevsky constructs a sophisticated and intriguing inner cartography. Readers are guided through the corridors of profound thoughts, experiencing the undulating waves of emotions and the inevitable moral tensions. Amidst the tumult, there exists a glimmer of hope, particularly embodied in the character of Sonia, providing profound emotional counterpoints.

Themes of religion and spirituality, though subtly interwoven amidst the shadows of transgressions, introduce a transcendent dimension to the narrative. Questions pertaining to redemption and the significance of faith emerge as soulful summons, imparting a profound spiritual nuance to the tale.

The author adeptly leads readers through a journey of shadows and enlightenment, elevating Crime and Punishment beyond the realm of mere literature; it becomes a reflective tapestry of life that beckons exploration into the enduring nature of morality and the inner odyssey of humanity. Reading this work is akin to navigating a profound labyrinth of emotions, where each page unfolds not as mere text but as a series of portals revealing the inner landscapes of its characters, particularly Raskolnikov.

The plot, replete with unexpected turns and the psychological intricacies of the main characters, succeeds in both unsettling and enthralling the reader. In particular, the tale of Sonia and Raskolnikov presents a whirlwind of emotions that elude easy articulation. Raskolnikov’s decisions and their consequences create a moral dynamism, pulling readers into a maelstrom of dark and melancholic sentiments. Readers don’t merely peruse the story; they undergo it, with each emotion delving so profoundly that empathy and engagement in the inner journey become inevitable.

The author efficaciously conjures a haunting atmosphere, immersing readers into the dark and somber psychological terrain of Raskolnikov. Readers seemingly stand by his side, feeling the tension and the inescapable internal strife. Personally, I find Constance Garnett’s translation of Crime and Punishment delivers Fyodor Dostoevsky’s classic work into English with a captivating narrative richness. Garnett adeptly captures the intricacies of the Russian language, enabling English readers to feel the darkness and perplexity that permeate the inner worlds of the characters, particularly the protagonist, Raskolnikov.

Garnett provides a gateway into Raskolnikov’s psychological realm, rendering readers witnesses to his shadowy journey. Despite being acknowledged as an exceptional literary work, Crime and Punishment may pose challenges for some readers. The language employed is considered intricate and perplexing, possibly less accommodating for readers who prefer a lighter and more direct writing style.

Some may also perceive that certain characters in the novel are overly one-dimensional. For instance, the character of Sonia might appear excessively “virtuous” and lacking in the nuanced complexity of authentic humanity. Some readers might anticipate characters that are more authentic and intricate. Nonetheless, Crime and Punishment remains a work that entices us to delve deeper into contemplation about life and morality. Despite its complexity, the book retains its inherent allure, prompting contemplation on the intricacies of human life amid all its paradoxes.

With the conclusion of Crime and Punishment, we not only close a book but emerge from a complex labyrinth of the soul. With Dostoevsky’s unparalleled craftsmanship and Garnett’s translation, we are presented with a work of art that immerses us in a carnival of emotions, provoking philosophical questions that reverberate long after the book is sealed. As readers, we are not mere spectators; we walk alongside wounded characters seeking redemption. Through moral and psychological complexity, this novel beckons us to reflect on the nature of humanity, etching an enduring legacy in literature by illuminating beauty within darkness and truth.

Content Warnings

o_cox25's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful mysterious reflective sad tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Content Warnings

saara's review against another edition

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challenging dark 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

3.75

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thecriticalreader's review against another edition

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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

teatree33's review against another edition

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challenging dark tense slow-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

5.0

This book is certainly something else. Dostoevsky's way of writing while ever long and often rambling is truly some of the most touching writing I've read in a long time. The philosophical reflections against humanity and the morals throughout the novel made the book increasingly intriguing and thought provoking especially when this is all tied to good old Raskolnikov perspective whose mind fell into denial and delusion regarding his crime.
Additionally, Dostoevsky's depiction of the horse nightmare, iykyk, was written so undeniably well that I struggled through almost that entire passage as if I was dreaming such a nightmare. He did this so well I was cringing so badly.
There are so many things I can say about this novel but I will spare you and simply say this.
It was sooooooo good!

Content Warnings

kathyovalle01's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious reflective 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

4.0

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