The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
froggylife01's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
stacevox's review against another edition
4.0
It’s a Russian Classic, so naturally, I love it. This book is not just a murder mystery, it’s not just about courtroom drama and family dysfunction. This book is a work of philosophy concerning the existence of God, good and evil, free will, the nature of man and it is absolutely gripping.
I love long novels because they are so rich and the supporting characters and their stories are not mere plot points, but fully realised and woven into the story. All of the characters are so human, even as they are set up to be archetypes of their philosophy, how this changes and grows throughout the story they are each beautifully written and developed. At points, you will sympathise with each of the characters, you will be irritated by them, it is their beautiful complexity that makes this novel the masterpiece it is.
Every time I read this novel, I am astounded by how it grips me, and how compelling it is. It makes the reader think hard about who they are themselves, and grapple with the themes of the book, so we are taken on a journey much like the brothers are. I love this book.
I love long novels because they are so rich and the supporting characters and their stories are not mere plot points, but fully realised and woven into the story. All of the characters are so human, even as they are set up to be archetypes of their philosophy, how this changes and grows throughout the story they are each beautifully written and developed. At points, you will sympathise with each of the characters, you will be irritated by them, it is their beautiful complexity that makes this novel the masterpiece it is.
Every time I read this novel, I am astounded by how it grips me, and how compelling it is. It makes the reader think hard about who they are themselves, and grapple with the themes of the book, so we are taken on a journey much like the brothers are. I love this book.
dl17's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
4.5
lpjdamen's review against another edition
challenging
dark
informative
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
themtj's review against another edition
5.0
Takes a little while to get off the ground and a little while to wrap up (lots of ink spilled on the trial). But all in all it is a masterpiece. Full of irony, comedy, tragedy, theology, and psychology.
While Alyosha is the redemptive character and most enjoyable, I, like everyone in literary history, loved Ivan's, "The Grand Inquisitor." I also enjoyed Ivan's disputation with the devil in the final book. In my mind, those two sons are the crux of the story (despite the Mitya being on trial for their father's death.) All interactions between Alyosha and Ivan made the book worthwhile for me!
While Alyosha is the redemptive character and most enjoyable, I, like everyone in literary history, loved Ivan's, "The Grand Inquisitor." I also enjoyed Ivan's disputation with the devil in the final book. In my mind, those two sons are the crux of the story (despite the Mitya being on trial for their father's death.) All interactions between Alyosha and Ivan made the book worthwhile for me!
dvri's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-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
introspectiv's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Dostoevsky's personifications of different ideologies was brilliant. We watch how these characters handle situations life throws at them, based on their ideologies. We find that evil people like Fyodor and Smerdyakov will definitely reach their imminent deaths. Dmitri and Ivan, good people but plagued by worldly pleasures and doubt (said in order), has a chance for redemption. They were left in such a bad state by the end of the book, but they were still alive, and that is more than enough. They can still change their ways. We also have the faithful Alyosha, praised by the children for his goodness. Faith will triumph over doubt. Love will overcome evil.
This book taught me many more things, but I focus on the characters. I personally relate the most with Ivan's doubt and anger against the world. This book was a good reminder that his line of thinking will fail me, therefore I must strive to fight my doubts. I have to do my best to love, even when it seems easier to live in doubt.
Also, I didn't expect myself to laugh at some parts in this book! Like the devil with rheumatism or something. Ugh, I loved some of the dramatic scenes as well. The characters are always shrieking and going crazy, and I find it relatable. 'Twas fun.
tomsass's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
reflective
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
5.0