A review by matej_b
Poor Folk by Fyodor Dostoevsky

challenging emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

This book demonstrates the impacts of poverty with a strong focus on the psychological effects of it and the vulnerability and exploitation by people who are better of. You can see the detrimental effects on both mental and physical wellbeing, yet there is an element of hope in that even though the characters are in a terrible situation, they hold on to life and to their (strange) relationship. I read this book when I was depressed and in that state it felt satisfying for I could see that there is a reason to hold onto life even in such circumstances. It is a very short book, I definitely recommend reading it as it is one of the books that noticeably shifted my view on the (social) world.
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