fionappleluvr 's review for:

The Idiot by Fyodor Dostoevsky

4.5

dark emotional funny reflective sad slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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'I feel then,' he said one day to Rogozhin in Moscow, 'I feel then as if I understood those amazing words━ ‘There shall be no more time.” 

9/10 for me. I struggled a bit in the beginning with this book, and by 400-something pages I put it down for some time. But when I picked it up again, I did with a newfound motivation, and the (rather chaotic yet entertaining) series of events and incredible dynamics between the characters absolutely engulfed me back in. I read the last 500 pages in two-three days.

Each time I read a Dostoievski book, the most intrinsic feeling of gratitude within me grows stronger and stronger. I'm just so grateful that he existed. That he shared his art with the world, even if it wasn't easy at times.

One thing I absolutely love about him, that of course was present in this book, is his expertise in crafting characters, whether complex or simple, ordinary or extra-ordinary; regardless of social status and even gender, thing I'm most appreciative of. It's a true talent, bringing to life characters so human they almost feel real, from just words printed on paper; their motivations, their beliefs (or lack of). 

The other quality of his that truly stands out in this book is his mastering of emotions. The way he depicts the human experience. The never-ending range of human emotions and sensations, he knows of, and he masterfully uses all the posible vocaublary and expressions at hand to make us feel them in our bones. The feverish hope, the hand-trembling fears, the innate devotion, the unyielding compassion that our protagonist has, that, ultimately, not always brings him good. 

Also, I adored how he mixes philosophy, (so ever-present, so imbued in each and every one of his books) with comedy and stupidity. There's always this comedic relief character in his books that I'm most appreciative of. With Dostoievski, you can question the meaning of existence and get a good laugh in the process. Lebedev and General Ivolgin, with their constant and compulsive lying, add a light-hearted feeling to the sordid atmosphere, that at times, reigns in the background of the events. 

I'm most fascinated by the dichotomy between Rogozhin and Lev Nikolayevich, and between Aglaya and Natasia. 

I love me a drama-filled plot, it keeps me entertained and glued onto the pages, and this book is just that. At times dense with profound questions and reflections, yet somehow always keeping the dynamism alive, despite being slow-paced. But, I understand why this book may not work for everyone. It can be slow, and not everyone enjoys slow-paced books - and that's ok.

I thank everyday that Dostoievski existed. Even if it was 200 years ago. Truly a gift from life; his gift to the world. 

Something that will always remain in my memories, that I'll always have etched onto my brain, is the scene when Lev and Rogozhin exchange their crosses, just before Rogozhin tries to murder him. Such a powerful image.

 “It's life that matters, nothing but life—the process of discovering, the everlasting and perpetual process, not the discovery itself, at all.”