Classics Considered

Tag: Russian Literature 2014

  • White Nights in October

    For my next read after Brothers K, I returned to White Nights and Other Stories, which includes several Dostoyevsky short stories translated by Garnett.  This collection was a mixed bag; in spite of that, I give it a cumulative 4 out of 5 stars based on enjoyment level. The first and feature story is White Nights, […]

  • The Brothers Karamazov – 11 & 12 (Conclusion)

    I finished The Brothers Karamazov this past weekend.  From the last two parts, “Brother Ivan Fyodorovich” and “A Judicial Error,” I was left with no particularly strong feelings or impressions.  It was a struggle to finish – ultimately, I rate the book 3.5 out of 5 stars, leaning towards 4 on Goodreads (which still doesn’t allow […]

  • The Brothers Karamazov – 10: Boys

    Click here for other installments in this review series… What does it say about Dostoyevsky that, after the roller coaster of the last three parts, he switches gears and writes a whole section about – schoolboys? Let me just say: any remaining reservations I had about his writing skills disappeared in this part.  I mean […]

  • The Brothers Karamazov – 7–9: Part III

    Click here for other installments in this review series… And now we (unavoidably) head into spoiler territory… In these three parts – “Alyosha,” “Mitya,” and “The Preliminary Investigation” – we learn that Grushenka, while attempting to escape with her former seducer, becomes convinced that it is Dmitri “Mitya” Karamazov she really loves.  He pursues her […]