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.