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verpissdich's review against another edition
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Translator's prose neither too dense not too colloquial.
The Grand Inquisitor section (Ivan's Peom) is very thought provoking.
Alyosha's character development after the death of father Zossima, or perhaps significant lack thereof, also thought provoking.
I found the recounting of Father Zossima's life through the narrator and Alyosha's recollection highly tedious, but nonetheless illuminating, especially in its parallels to Dmitri's transformation after his arrest. I also found it slightly difficult to get through Dmitri's interrogation while at the inn, and his presumed guilt is infuriating to read through although this is clearly intentional.
In general, an enjoyable examination of human nature.
The Grand Inquisitor section (Ivan's Peom) is very thought provoking.
In general, an enjoyable examination of human nature.
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Rape, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Terminal illness, Chronic illness, and Toxic relationship
startjpw23's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This book is about the three Karamazov brothers, their father, and people they interact with. One of the other characters might be a fourth brother. That is never definitively revealed. The book is set around the year 1860 in Russia. There are a couple of women who the two oldest brothers have, or desire to have, romantic relationships with. Their father also desires a romantic relationship with one of the women. Jealously between the father, and Dimitri, the oldest brother about the woman, is a big driver of the story. Another driver of the story is political, religious, and social changes taking place in Russia at that time. Around halfway through the book, there is a leadup to a crime. At this point, and the aftermath of the crime, I found the book a page turner. Toward the end, the story dragged. The book is a very long book. The version I read was 845 pages long. And the pages were very densely packed with words. With the exception of the youngest brother, Alyosha, I didn't find any of the main characters particularly likable. Because of this, I really didn't care that much about what happened to them. The book was beautifully written and translated. A lot of words were used for not all that much happening. I did enjoy book. I am glad I read it. Reading it didn't make me want to read any other classic Russian books any time soon.
Graphic: Bullying, Classism, Sexism, and Chronic illness
Moderate: Child death, Suicide, Animal death, Domestic abuse, Child abuse, Terminal illness, and Death of parent
emilyplun's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
slow-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
Graphic: Child death, Grief, Murder, Terminal illness, Blood, Bullying, and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Alcohol, Classism, Violence, and Death of parent
Minor: Ableism, Chronic illness, Mental illness, and Religious bigotry
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