A review by irisvrp
The Gambler, by Fyodor Dostoevsky
2.0
I don't know if I read the same book as everyone else, but to me this was entirely forgettable. The back cover tells me that it was written in a rush, and the problem is that it certainly feels that way.
Let's begin by saying that it is very, very formulaic.
Bet on red. Bet on the magic zero. Win. Lose. Win more. Lose more. Cry about Polina. Sprinkle in some stereotypes about every country in Europe. Rinse. Repeat.
But that's not it. It might be a problem with the translation, so if the Russian is better I truly apologize, but the prose was absolutely terrible. There was nothing beautiful, nothing outstanding, nothing interesting. The writing felt as formulaic as the plot.
And finally: the characters. Was I supposed to care about anyone? The first time I heard a hint of Alexei's own voice and character was in the last 2-3 pages, or maybe (but that's a big maybe) when he leaves for Paris. Something's wrong if I already know that by this time next month, I won't be able to name any of the characters that appear in this story. Sorry Alexei, I can't save you either.
Don't get me wrong. It wasn't the worst book in the world, but there was just nothing memorable in it for me.
Or, to sum it all up in one word: Meh.
Let's begin by saying that it is very, very formulaic.
Bet on red. Bet on the magic zero. Win. Lose. Win more. Lose more. Cry about Polina. Sprinkle in some stereotypes about every country in Europe. Rinse. Repeat.
But that's not it. It might be a problem with the translation, so if the Russian is better I truly apologize, but the prose was absolutely terrible. There was nothing beautiful, nothing outstanding, nothing interesting. The writing felt as formulaic as the plot.
And finally: the characters. Was I supposed to care about anyone? The first time I heard a hint of Alexei's own voice and character was in the last 2-3 pages, or maybe (but that's a big maybe) when he leaves for Paris. Something's wrong if I already know that by this time next month, I won't be able to name any of the characters that appear in this story. Sorry Alexei, I can't save you either.
Don't get me wrong. It wasn't the worst book in the world, but there was just nothing memorable in it for me.
Or, to sum it all up in one word: Meh.