Reading is one of the few joys of life. There is something satisfying about cracking open a book and diving into the world created by the author. For those who want to be completely enveloped, Russian author Fyodor Dostoevsky offers an experience like no other. Here is a list of books to add to your library, all of which have been written by Dostoevsky.
Crime and Punishment
The first book to add to your library is Crime and Punishment. It has long been recognized as one of Dostoevsky’s greatest works. In the novel, the protagonist, Raskolnikov, is a destitute student whose mental state is in severe decline. As he descends deeper into the depths of despair, he forms a plan to commit a crime like no other. The novel brilliantly follows his inner torment and struggle with his conscience as he comes to terms with what he has done. It offers a representation of the complexities of the human mind, and it is sure to please any reader.
The Brothers Karamazov
The Brothers Karamazov is Dostoevsky’s last novel. It focuses on the four Karamazov brothers, who have returned to their ancestral family home. The eldest brother, Dmitry, is accused of murdering their father and this sets the stage for a riveting tale of love, betrayal, revenge, and redemption. This book is an examination of the human condition, and the unpredictable nature of life.
The Idiot
The Idiot is the third novel to add to your library. It follows the brilliant but naïve Prince Myshkin as he navigates the complexities of the 19th century Russian society. This novel deals with themes such as morality, spirituality, and justice, and shows how a person’s faith can be tested. The book offers an insight into Dostoevsky’s own religious views, and is sure to provide for a captivating read.
The Gambler
The Gambler is a short novel by Dostoevsky, written in a matter of weeks after he was threatened by the publishers to provide them with a finished work by a certain date. It follows the plight of Alexei Ivanovitch, a compulsive gambler and his descent into a doomed life as he becomes engrossed in his dangerous pastime. It is an exploration of society’s flaws via one man’s story, and is widely admired as one of Dostoevsky’s finest works.
The Possessed
The Possessed follows the lives of various characters in a small Russian town. The story focuses on Stepan Verkhovensky, who is passionate about fomenting revolution. It is a novel that examines the ideas of society and its characters as they grapple with their roles in life. It is one of Dostoevsky’s most complex works, and it is sure to leave an impression on any reader.
White Nights
White Nights is a short novel that follows the story of an unnamed protagonist who is living alone in St. Petersburg. He finds comfort in the company of a young girl, who visits him each night. He reflects on his life, his struggles, and his relationship with the girl as it seems to be the only enjoyable part of his existence. It is an insight into the complicated nature of relationships and the hope that can come with them.
A Raw Youth
The next book to add to your library is A Raw Youth. It is another novel by Dostoevsky that follows the story of 18-year-old Dmitrii e Karamazov. The story focuses on his pursuit of truth and justice, as he attempts to uncover the truth behind the death of his father. It is a gripping tale that examines the idea of morality, and ultimately shows that one can strive for justice without compromise.
The Double
The Double is a novella written by Dostoevsky. It follows the story of a civil servant, Mr. Golyadkin, who finds himself increasingly irritated by the presence of a man who looks like a copy of himself. This copy begins to take control of his life and turns his world upside down. This story is a showcase of Dostoevsky’s genius, as it incorporates themes such as loneliness, identity, and duplicity in a page-turning manner.
The House of the Dead
The House of the Dead is Dostoevsky’s autobiographical novel. It is set in a Siberian prison camp, where the author spent four years. The story follows the struggles of a group of prisoners and their attempts to maintain their humanity in a world that seeks to strip it away. It provides an insight into the daily life of a prisoner, and the harshness of the prison system which flourished in Russia in the 19th century.
Fyodor Dostoevsky is widely regarded as one of the greatest writers of the 19th century. His works explore the human condition in a way that few other authors have been able to do. With brilliant characters and complex storylines, his novels are sure to provide a captivating experience. No library should be without the titles mentioned above. All of them tackle different aspects of the human experience, making them worthy of inclusion in any reading list.
