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bigturtle540's review against another edition
5.0
Every time I read Dostoevsky it feels as though I have lived a life inside of a book. This book is in a rare category for me that is unsurprisingly occupied heavily by one of my favorite authors.
Myshkin is perhaps the most endearing character I have read in Dostoevsky (although I have a large soft spot for Alexei Fyodorovich Karamazov). Still there where times that I, like many characters in the novel, wanted to shake him by the shoulders and tell him to smarten up. For me, however, it was Nastasya Filippovna that had the most lasting impression. She is one of the most dynamic characters that I can remember and the scene with the money and the fire is one of my favorites I have ever read in any work of fiction.
The Idiot has this strange sense of optimism, pessimism, and something in between that was very unique to me. I was surprised how much of the discourse on politics and society is still relevant today in a time and land far from its origin. I would give this infinite stars if possible.
Myshkin is perhaps the most endearing character I have read in Dostoevsky (although I have a large soft spot for Alexei Fyodorovich Karamazov). Still there where times that I, like many characters in the novel, wanted to shake him by the shoulders and tell him to smarten up. For me, however, it was Nastasya Filippovna that had the most lasting impression. She is one of the most dynamic characters that I can remember and the scene with the money and the fire is one of my favorites I have ever read in any work of fiction.
The Idiot has this strange sense of optimism, pessimism, and something in between that was very unique to me. I was surprised how much of the discourse on politics and society is still relevant today in a time and land far from its origin. I would give this infinite stars if possible.
redheadreading's review against another edition
challenging
dark
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.25
There are some electric scenes in this novel, particularly the closing one of part one! My favourite parts were definitely one and four, they had the most drive to them, but every part had one of those scenes which seizes attention and oozes drama. I found some portions left me feeling a little lost, particularly when people were expounding on topics (be it the railways, Catholicism or just Ippolit's nonsensical writings!), but that was made up for by the brilliant scenes between characters which are intense and scandalous.
It has been extremely interesting reading a book where the narrator is deliberately asking you to rely on yourself to understand what's going on, particularly in the final book when it seems like so many characters are misunderstanding each other constantly to such detrimental effect. Some of these characters are painted so distinctly that they'll really stay with me and I can see some of the deliberate contrasts and messages, even if I know I've definitely not understood everything fully. I confess sometimes the plot got a little repetitious (good lord, lads, just make up your mind who you're marrying!!) But now I'm done I can say that this story of a man apart from society who is drawn in and highlights its corruption will have me thinking for a while.
It has been extremely interesting reading a book where the narrator is deliberately asking you to rely on yourself to understand what's going on, particularly in the final book when it seems like so many characters are misunderstanding each other constantly to such detrimental effect. Some of these characters are painted so distinctly that they'll really stay with me and I can see some of the deliberate contrasts and messages, even if I know I've definitely not understood everything fully. I confess sometimes the plot got a little repetitious (good lord, lads, just make up your mind who you're marrying!!) But now I'm done I can say that this story of a man apart from society who is drawn in and highlights its corruption will have me thinking for a while.
embre's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
bourbm9's review against another edition
1.0
I honestly don’t see how anyone could rate this book highly. It’s just endless diatribes from a revolving door of characters who are alternatively identified by their full name, nickname, patronymic, and family name. So you not only have to remember who each character is, but also the 3-4 names that the author uses to refer to them.
Everyone is always at a 10. There are no levels to anyone’s emotions. Everything is a scandal. It’s just exhausting. I could not and would not recommend anyone read this book. But apparently I’m in the minority with that opinion. Good riddance to this book, I hope I never hear about it again
Everyone is always at a 10. There are no levels to anyone’s emotions. Everything is a scandal. It’s just exhausting. I could not and would not recommend anyone read this book. But apparently I’m in the minority with that opinion. Good riddance to this book, I hope I never hear about it again
frazzle's review against another edition
5.0
Infinitely complex novel - as entertaining as it is rewarding.
cameronius's review against another edition
4.0
This classic turns out to be the least Dostoyevskian of the Dostoevsky novels I've read so far, at least in format. There's an unusually large number of supporting characters (I had to keep re-checking the character list until the end), excessively long narrative scenes and the psychology of his most complex characters is murkier than his other major works. He apparently wrote this as a serial during a period when his daughter died and he was in dire financial straits, so I imagine that has something to do with the stylistic deviations.
But The Idiot is a Dostoevsky joint all the same - a tragedy about human suffering in a wicked world. The protagonist is a Christ-like epileptic, Prince Myshkin, who despite being a good man cannot help being manipulated by destructive and ignorant figures of society into choices that create misfortune for himself and the people around him. There's much to think on here and I wager that any reader who can get over the idiosyncratic qualities of the story will find the same.
But The Idiot is a Dostoevsky joint all the same - a tragedy about human suffering in a wicked world. The protagonist is a Christ-like epileptic, Prince Myshkin, who despite being a good man cannot help being manipulated by destructive and ignorant figures of society into choices that create misfortune for himself and the people around him. There's much to think on here and I wager that any reader who can get over the idiosyncratic qualities of the story will find the same.
aysuaghazada's review against another edition
challenging
dark
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
crm_'s review against another edition
5.0
It has been said that Dosteovsky was paid by the page for some of his work. Yes the book is 564 pages and one really should take notes just to avoid confusion regarding the Russian names- long and multiple. Despite the wordiness I would rate this book as one of the best I have read. Ever.
Engrossing, complex, stark, a Russian tale like no other. The protagonist is naive, yet profound, simple, complex, perverse and yet is innocence defined.
Masterful.
Engrossing, complex, stark, a Russian tale like no other. The protagonist is naive, yet profound, simple, complex, perverse and yet is innocence defined.
Masterful.