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joerice 's review for:
The Brothers Karamazov
by Fyodor Dostoevsky
What a behemoth! This book really has it all. A hundred characters and just as many side plots, so intricately and expertly woven together. The sheer scale of the novel is awe-inspiring.
I really enjoyed the philosophical and psychological elements of Crime and Punishment (the only other Dostoevsky novel I’ve read), and TBK certainly doesn’t lack in that department. As I was reading, however, I found that I just don’t find Dostoevsky’s theological arguments/Christian worldview particularly compelling. I disagree with the overall premise that morality and a “good life” require faith in god.
That said, I was really impressed by the vast number of biblical allusions throughout the novel, and I loved that my version of the book had extensive footnotes contextualizing the religious, cultural, and historical references. I don’t think you need to be a theist to enjoy the novel—I don’t regret reading this at all—but I’m sure it definitely makes it a more meaningful read.
I really enjoyed the philosophical and psychological elements of Crime and Punishment (the only other Dostoevsky novel I’ve read), and TBK certainly doesn’t lack in that department. As I was reading, however, I found that I just don’t find Dostoevsky’s theological arguments/Christian worldview particularly compelling. I disagree with the overall premise that morality and a “good life” require faith in god.
That said, I was really impressed by the vast number of biblical allusions throughout the novel, and I loved that my version of the book had extensive footnotes contextualizing the religious, cultural, and historical references. I don’t think you need to be a theist to enjoy the novel—I don’t regret reading this at all—but I’m sure it definitely makes it a more meaningful read.