Reviews

O Idiota by Fyodor Dostoevsky

hassanazmi's review against another edition

5.0

How does Dostoevsky create such different protagonists and yet you relate to them so deeply all the same? The prince is one of my favorite characters in any book and so is Nastasya. Their dynamic is so goddamn tragic and it's caused simply because they are too kind to NOT help each other. They are both so willing to sacrifice themselves for the other and that is what leads to both of their fates. I've never seen that before in a novel but what a great story.

The big question of this book is what would happen if Christ returned to modern society? It's worth asking even today though the answer would probably be the same as it was in the 1800's. But great concept to think about.

Also, the part where the prince goes on a rant about being sentenced to death being more cruel than being tortured is very interesting if you know Dostoevsky's history.

All in all, I liked Crime and Punishment and Brothers Karamazov more than this but this is still better than anything anybody else could write.

krisipetiova's review against another edition

challenging sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

yetyetyeti's review against another edition

adventurous challenging emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

therealwillf's review against another edition

So Long!

madao3's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

clairescotia's review against another edition

4.0

Insane book to read as a domestic violence advocate lol

tuskact4's review against another edition

emotional mysterious reflective sad slow-paced

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

4.5

lolz_'s review against another edition

challenging dark emotional hopeful mysterious 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

5.0

lakmus's review against another edition

3.0

Read in Russian.

Everyone needs therapy, a job, and to stop spreading so much gossip (cured by having some actual shit to do). It's basically Mean Girls, but with extensive socio-politico-philosophical commentary.

I'd actually love to read some good analysis of this, because there was so much going on, I am massively confused and keen for some interesting interpretations.

emanuele312's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0