A classic by a Russian master Prince Myshkin, the idiot, is an almost comically innocent Christ figure in a land of sinners, one whose faith in beauty contrasts sharply with that of his society’s.
“The Brothers Karamazov” and “Crime and Punishment” get all the attention from Dostoevsky–both among the greatest novels ever written. Don’t overlook “The Idiot,” though: Dostoevsky’s fictional attempt to place a Christ-figure in the midst of upper class Russia.
Author
michaelmccarthyns
3 years ago
Psychological drama about an epileptic man trying to live as a good man, and the tragic consequences this has for him and others because it is not a world of or for good people
Author
willchristophersande
3 years ago
Amazing book, read if you love drama, epics, insanity, or characters that love with no end. Have you ever seen an honest man and be entranced by his honesty – seemingly a mental illness for how honest and kind he is? Then I reccomend this book heavily; it is beautiful and says a great deal with it’s time.
Author
brsamrm2
3 years ago
I couldn’t help but see many connections between this world prior to the Communist revolution in Russia and modern day America. Which was somewhat surprising and unsettling.
The machinations of the characters to keep up appearances they themselves don’t necessarily subscribe to illustrates the ridiculousness of those desiring good “society.” The stereotypical “Russian” tendencies of the characters gets them in more trouble than they can manage, ie they are reactionary, judgemental, unmindful, drunken, self-absorbed, and somewhat violent. And unhappy and critical about everything. Like modern Americans, they protect their own egos and promote their own agendas at the expense of everyone else. The Prince, considered an idiot and insane by all others, may be the only sane person here, with personal values, goals and self evaluation.
There is great sorrow in seeing him try to live a good, moral life while being torn down by not only society itself, but also by all within his personal world. With friends like the Prince’s, who needs enemies? Yet his understanding of their personal failures, as friends, lovers, family, is somewhat inspiring.
Thought provoking and humbling, if you allow yourself to get close to its messages.
Author
pete
3 years ago
The prose is exceptional.
Author
jimagator
3 years ago
I like th author
Author
shermaneb2
3 years ago
Not many will have this one atop their favorite titles by Fyodor – yet herein lies his greatest exploration of Grace, in which he expands the notion of ‘ last will be first’ beyond any earthly ken.
I found it his warmest, most personal novel – in the vein of Turgenov and Gogol. Always a vivid painter of Russian life: in The Idiot Dostoyevsky constructs a universal template of Mercy unheard of in his time, all but squandered in ours.
Author
sharonbarger
3 years ago
Whoa! What a tome!
This was a good story if really long and complicated. I thought I was at the end by the time it reached the end of the first day. Boy, was I surprised.
Everyone thinks the Prince is an idiot, and he does seem to be, but he also comes across as very sly and a lot smarter than everyone else. But, he has an obsession that will ruin him.
Lots of characters, some I liked, some I hated. Some I hated but grew to like. Some were hilarious. The women aren’t likable, had to wonder with his fascination with them. In the end, it comes full circle.
“The Brothers Karamazov” and “Crime and Punishment” get all the attention from Dostoevsky–both among the greatest novels ever written. Don’t overlook “The Idiot,” though: Dostoevsky’s fictional attempt to place a Christ-figure in the midst of upper class Russia.
Psychological drama about an epileptic man trying to live as a good man, and the tragic consequences this has for him and others because it is not a world of or for good people
Amazing book, read if you love drama, epics, insanity, or characters that love with no end. Have you ever seen an honest man and be entranced by his honesty – seemingly a mental illness for how honest and kind he is? Then I reccomend this book heavily; it is beautiful and says a great deal with it’s time.
I couldn’t help but see many connections between this world prior to the Communist revolution in Russia and modern day America. Which was somewhat surprising and unsettling.
The machinations of the characters to keep up appearances they themselves don’t necessarily subscribe to illustrates the ridiculousness of those desiring good “society.” The stereotypical “Russian” tendencies of the characters gets them in more trouble than they can manage, ie they are reactionary, judgemental, unmindful, drunken, self-absorbed, and somewhat violent. And unhappy and critical about everything. Like modern Americans, they protect their own egos and promote their own agendas at the expense of everyone else. The Prince, considered an idiot and insane by all others, may be the only sane person here, with personal values, goals and self evaluation.
There is great sorrow in seeing him try to live a good, moral life while being torn down by not only society itself, but also by all within his personal world. With friends like the Prince’s, who needs enemies? Yet his understanding of their personal failures, as friends, lovers, family, is somewhat inspiring.
Thought provoking and humbling, if you allow yourself to get close to its messages.
The prose is exceptional.
I like th author
Not many will have this one atop their favorite titles by Fyodor – yet herein lies his greatest exploration of Grace, in which he expands the notion of ‘ last will be first’ beyond any earthly ken.
I found it his warmest, most personal novel – in the vein of Turgenov and Gogol. Always a vivid painter of Russian life: in The Idiot Dostoyevsky constructs a universal template of Mercy unheard of in his time, all but squandered in ours.
Whoa! What a tome!
This was a good story if really long and complicated. I thought I was at the end by the time it reached the end of the first day. Boy, was I surprised.
Everyone thinks the Prince is an idiot, and he does seem to be, but he also comes across as very sly and a lot smarter than everyone else. But, he has an obsession that will ruin him.
Lots of characters, some I liked, some I hated. Some I hated but grew to like. Some were hilarious. The women aren’t likable, had to wonder with his fascination with them. In the end, it comes full circle.