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A review by loyaultemelie
The Village of Stepanchikovo by Ignat Avsey, Fyodor Dostoevsky
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Probably Dostoevsky at his most lighthearted, this is a difficult story to rate. Part of probably comes from having already read the Pickwick Papers - which Dostoevsky appeared to pull from in the climax of the story. Dostoevsky riffing Dickens is strange, in a way that is both enjoyable and vaguely uncomfortable. I can't decide if everything landed as he wanted to, though I certainly understood where humor was being evoked.
It's also interesting that the humor comes from the inaction of all the characters, their weakness and inability to stand up for themselves. This strikes me as distinctly Russian, and again I'm still not quite sure how I feel about it. It's funny, but frustrating. Which I suspect is the point. I will say, the horror at the servants being taught French was very funny.
This review is a bit all over the place because my thoughts on the book are. I read this when in a reading slump, which probably didn't afford it any favors. I'm sure I'll reread it again someday, and hopefully cement my thoughts.
It's also interesting that the humor comes from the inaction of all the characters, their weakness and inability to stand up for themselves. This strikes me as distinctly Russian, and again I'm still not quite sure how I feel about it. It's funny, but frustrating. Which I suspect is the point. I will say, the horror at the servants being taught French was very funny.
This review is a bit all over the place because my thoughts on the book are. I read this when in a reading slump, which probably didn't afford it any favors. I'm sure I'll reread it again someday, and hopefully cement my thoughts.