Fyodor Dostoevsky

Crime and Punishment is the story of a murder committed on principle, of a killer who wishes to set himself outside and above society. It is marked by Dostoevsky's own harrowing experience, and yet there are moments of wild humour. This authoritative translation comes with a challenging new introduction and helpful annotation.

(OWC Hardback)

Crime and Punishment

Преступлeние и наказaние

CRIME AND PUNISHMENT (WORDSWORTH DELUXE CLASSICS)

aadi

Man grows used to everything, the scoundrel!

What if man is not really a scoundrel -man in general, I mean, the whole race of mankind - then all the rest is prejudice, simply artificial terrors and there are no barriers and it's all as it should be.

There are chance meetings with strangers that interest us from the first moment, before a word is spoken.

Raskolnikov, a destitute and desperate former student, wanders through the slums of St Petersburg and commits a random murder without remorse or regret. He imagines himself to be a great man, a Napoleon: acting for a higher purpose beyond conventional moral law. But as he embarks on a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse with Porfiry, a suspicious detective, Raskolnikov is pursued by the growing voice of his conscience and finds the noose of his own guilt tightening around his neck. Only Sonya, a downtrodden prostitute, can offer the chance of redemption. As the ensuing investigation and trial reveal the true identity of the murderer, Dostoyevsky's dark masterpiece evokes a world where the lines between innocence and corruption, good and evil, blur and everyone's faith in humanity is tested.

Cecilie Spangsberg

But then why, he had always wondered afterwards, why should he have had an encounter which was at one and the same time of such important, decisive consequence for him, and of such fortuitous nature in the Haymarket of all places (where he had not even any reason to be), and why should it have occurred at precisely that that hour, that minute of his life, coinciding with precisely that colouring of his mood and with precisely those circumstances which made it quite inevitable that it, that encounter, should produce the most devastating and lasting influence on his entire personal fate?

Raskolnikov, a destitute and desperate former student, wanders through the slums of St Petersburg and commits a random murder without remorse or regret. He imagines himself to be a great man, a Napoleon: acting for a higher purpose beyond conventional moral law. But as he embarks on a dangerous game of cat and mouse with a suspicious police investigator, Raskolnikov is pursued by the growing voice of his conscience and finds the noose of his own guilt tightening around his neck. Only Sonya, a downtrodden prostitute, can offer the chance of redemption.
This vivid translation by David McDuff has been acclaimed as the most accessible version of Dostoyevsky’s great novel, rendering its dialogue with a unique force and naturalism. This edition also includes a new chronology of Dostoyevsky’s life and work.

volviendo a esta app después de 2 años, al lío!

Lorea 

n.  littéraire

"Do you understand, sir, do you understand what it means when you have absolutely nowhere to turn?"

A few words about Dostoevsky himself may help the English reader to understand his work. Dostoevsky was the son of a doctor. His parents were very hard-working and deeply religious people, but so poor that they lived with their five children in only two rooms. The father and mother spent their evenings in reading aloud to their children, generally from books of a serious character. Though always sickly and delicate Dostoevsky came out third in the final examination of the Petersburg school of Engineering. There he had already begun his first work, “Poor Folk.” This story was published by the poet Nekrassov in his review and was received with acclamations. The shy, unknown youth found himself instantly something of a celebrity. A brilliant and successful career seemed to open before him, but those hopes were soon dashed. In 1849 he was arrested.

Crime And Punishment

Excerpt - Letter from Pulcheria Raskolnikov

Paridhi 

Moreover, in order to understand any man one must be deliberate and careful to avoid forming prejudices and mistaken ideas, which are very difficult to correct and get over afterwards

I quote this not in support of this character  claiming to represent women, but rather its truth with regard to humans generally

Zeke Taylor

[I] finally brought into play the greatest and most reliable means of subjugating a woman's heart, which never disappoints anybody and always produces a decisive effect on every single woman, without exception. I mean, of course, flattery. There is nothing in the world harder than straightforwardness, and nothing easier than flattery. In straightforward dealing, if there is one-hundredth part of a false note, the result is immediate dissonance and, in consequence, trouble. But in flattery every single note can be false and the effect will be agreeable, and it will be listened to with some pleasure; the pleasure may indeed be somewhat crude, but it is still pleasure, for all that. And, however gross the flattery may be, at least half of it will certainly seem to be true. This holds for every stage of development and every social level. Even a vestal virgin can be seduced by flattery, not to mention ordinary people. I can't help laughing when I remember how I once seduced a lady who was devoted to her husband, to her children, and to virtue. What fun it was, and how little trouble! And the lady really was virtuous, in her own way at least. My whole strategy consisted in being crushed and prostrate before her chastity the whole time. I flattered her unconscionably…”

(Maybe Malick had this in mind - tree of life trailer)

“‘…and we shall fall at His feet and weep, and we shall understand all things.’”

juana de arco si estuviera cronicamente online

If once a girl’s heart is moved to pity, it’s more dangerous than anything.

anet

Honoured sir,' he began almost with Solemnity, poverty is not a vice, that's a true saying. Yet I know too that drunkenness is not a virtue, and that that's even truer. But beggary, honoured sir, beggary is a vice. In poverty you may still retain your innate nobility of soul, but in beggary - never - no one. 

Do you understand, sir, do you understand what it means when you have absolutely nowhere to turn?' Marmeladov's question came suddenly into his mind, for every man must have somewhere to turn'

Crime and punishment

“He was so immersed in himself and had isolated himself so much from everyone that he was afraid not only of meeting his landlady but of meeting anyone at all”

Duška

And when the heart of a young woman experiences pity for someone, then, naturally, that's the most dangerous thing for her. She conceives at once a desire 'to save' him,

TRANSLATED BY RICHARD PEVEAR AND LARISSA VOLOKHONSKY Consumed by the idea of his own special destiny, immured in poverty and deprivation, Rashkolnikov is drawn to commit a terrible crime. In the aftermath, Rashkolnikov is dogged by madness, guilt and a calculating detective, and a feverish cat-and-mouse game unfolds. The only hope for redemption, if Rashkolnikov can but recognise it, lies in the virtuous and faithful Sonya. The Vintage Classic Russians Series- Published for the 100th anniversary of the 1917 Russian Revolution, these are must-have, beautifully designed editions of six epic masterpieces that have survived controversy, censorship and suppression to influence decades of thought and artistic expression.

Crime and Punishment (Vintage Classic Russians Series)

‘Where was it,’ Raskolnikov thought as he walked on, ‘where was it that I read about a man condemned to death saying or thinking, an hour before his death, that if he had to live somewhere high up on a cliffside, on a ledge so narrow that there was room only for his two feet—and with the abyss, the ocean, eternal darkness, eternal solitude, eternal storm all around him—and had to stay like that, on a square foot of space, an entire lifetime, a thousand years, an eternity—it would be better to live so than to die right now! Only to live, to live, to live! To live, no matter how—only to live!

Rodion Romanovitch Raskolnikov, a brilliant yet conflicted student lives in a rented room of a run-down apartment in St. Petersburg. Extremely handsome, proud and intelligent, Raskolnikov devises a peculiar theory about ?intelligent? men being above law.To execute his theory, he contemplates committing a crime. He murders a cynical and an unscrupulous pawnbroker named Alyona Ivanovna and her sister Lizaveta.The act compels Raskolnikov to negotiate and reconcile with his own moral dilemmas.Fyodor Dostoevsky?s incisive psychological analysis of his protagonist goes beyond Raskolnikov?s criminal act and covers his perilous journey from suffering to redemption.First published in The Russian Messenger in monthly instalments during 1866, Crime and Punishment, Dostoevsky?s second novel following his return from exile in Siberia, is a powerful revelation of the human condition. Is crime acceptable in the pursuit of a higher purpose.

akshita

In a timeless story of justice, morality, and redemption, an impoverished Russian student murders a miserly landlady, a crime that has severe repercussions on his life and his family as he battles his conscience.

Katia :)

 and makes your incoming nuptials all about himself. 

Karla

When your brother/son is a big expletive and makes your incoming nuptials all about himself. 

Crime and Punishment (Wordsworth Classics)

Fyodor Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment is a towering classic of world literature that explores guilt, morality, and the complexity of the human mind. First published in 1866, this Russian novel remains as powerful and relevant today as it was over a century ago. It’s a psychological thriller, a philosophical inquiry, and a deeply human story—all wrapped into one.

The novel centers on Rodion Raskolnikov, a poor, former university student living in the slums of St. Petersburg. Struggling with poverty and alienation, he develops a theory that certain extraordinary people have the right to commit crimes if it means benefiting humanity. To test this idea, he murders an old pawnbroker—believing that he can use her wealth for good.

However, instead of liberation, the act leads Raskolnikov down a dark and torturous path of paranoia, guilt, and mental collapse. As he tries to justify his crime to himself and others, he becomes entangled with various characters—each representing different moral and social ideas.

Each character in the novel serves as a symbol or philosophical argument, contributing to the novel’s rich layers of meaning.

Set in 19th-century St. Petersburg, the novel’s setting reflects the grim and oppressive atmosphere of Raskolnikov’s mind. Dirty alleyways, cramped apartments, and overcrowded streets mirror his inner chaos. The city feels alive and suffocating—almost like a character in itself. Dostoevsky’s attention to detail helps ground the philosophical ideas in a very real and tangible world.

What stands out most about Crime and Punishment is its intense psychological depth. Dostoevsky takes readers inside Raskolnikov’s mind, allowing us to experience his fear, self-doubt, rationalizations, and eventual breakdown. The novel explores huge questions: Is morality absolute? Can good intentions excuse evil actions? Is redemption possible?

It’s not always an easy read—the writing is dense, and the subject matter is dark—but the reward is a profound and unforgettable literary experience.

I found Crime and Punishment to be a deeply thought-provoking and emotionally gripping novel. Its exploration of guilt, justice, and redemption makes it more than just a crime story. Dostoevsky doesn’t give easy answers, and that’s what makes the book so powerful. While it’s heavy at times, the ending offers a sense of spiritual renewal and hope.

This book is best suited for older teens and adults, particularly those who enjoy classic literature, philosophy, psychology, or stories about moral dilemmas. It’s ideal for readers who like deep character studies and aren’t afraid of challenging, reflective material. Fans of authors like Albert Camus, Franz Kafka, or Leo Tolstoy will find a lot to appreciate here.

Keisi

Fyodor Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment is a towering classic of world literature that explores guilt, morality, and the complexity of the human mind. First published in 1866, this Russian novel remains as powerful and relevant today as it was over a century ago. It’s a psychological thriller, a philosophical inquiry, and a deeply human story—all wrapped into one.

The novel centers on Rodion Raskolnikov, a poor, former university student living in the slums of St. Petersburg. Struggling with poverty and alienation, he develops a theory that certain extraordinary people have the right to commit crimes if it means benefiting humanity. To test this idea, he murders an old pawnbroker—believing that he can use her wealth for good.

However, instead of liberation, the act leads Raskolnikov down a dark and torturous path of paranoia, guilt, and mental collapse. As he tries to justify his crime to himself and others, he becomes entangled with various characters—each representing different moral and social ideas.

Raskolnikov is a deeply conflicted protagonist. At times, he is compassionate and thoughtful; at others, he is cold, prideful, and delusional. His inner turmoil is what drives the novel.

Sonia Marmeladov, a gentle and devout young woman forced into prostitution to support her family, becomes a moral and spiritual counterbalance to Raskolnikov.

Porfiry Petrovich, the clever and calm detective, adds tension as he investigates the murder with a cat-and-mouse approach.

Dunya, Raskolnikov’s strong-willed sister, and Razumikhin, his loyal friend, bring moments of hope and humanity.

Each character in the novel serves as a symbol or philosophical argument, contributing to the novel’s rich layers of meaning.

Set in 19th-century St. Petersburg, the novel’s setting reflects the grim and oppressive atmosphere of Raskolnikov’s mind. Dirty alleyways, cramped apartments, and overcrowded streets mirror his inner chaos. The city feels alive and suffocating—almost like a character in itself. Dostoevsky’s attention to detail helps ground the philosophical ideas in a very real and tangible world.

What stands out most about Crime and Punishment is its intense psychological depth. Dostoevsky takes readers inside Raskolnikov’s mind, allowing us to experience his fear, self-doubt, rationalizations, and eventual breakdown. The novel explores huge questions: Is morality absolute? Can good intentions excuse evil actions? Is redemption possible?

It’s not always an easy read—the writing is dense, and the subject matter is dark—but the reward is a profound and unforgettable literary experience.

I found Crime and Punishment to be a deeply thought-provoking and emotionally gripping novel. Its exploration of guilt, justice, and redemption makes it more than just a crime story. Dostoevsky doesn’t give easy answers, and that’s what makes the book so powerful. While it’s heavy at times, the ending offers a sense of spiritual renewal and hope.

This book is best suited for older teens and adults, particularly those who enjoy classic literature, philosophy, psychology, or stories about moral dilemmas. It’s ideal for readers who like deep character studies and aren’t afraid of challenging, reflective material. Fans of authors like Albert Camus, Franz Kafka, or Leo Tolstoy will find a lot to appreciate here.

Absolute masterpiece. I'm not used to read Russian Literature, but after finishing this book I presume I've grown more interested in other works.

A lot to think about, much much thinking required, but quite interesting, several ideas lay under the story.

but sometimes is quite boring and extensive detailed when it wouldn’t be needed 

Weliton Soranzo

A lot to think about, much much thinking required, but quite interesting, several ideas lay under the story.

but sometimes is quite boring and extensive detailed when it wouldn’t be needed 

I know this called a classic book for a reason. It's too beating around the bush, instead of focusing on the main crime. I feel like the crime part was just a side story, meanwhile the main plot was the family drama. But I must say that Dostoevsky's writing was beyond magical. I mean, this is such a boring plot, honestly, but how could he write a mainstream storyline into a masterpiece like this?? I said mainstream because the plot was easy to predict so I skimmed while reading it (it's because of the countless of unnecessary dialogues and parts too..) 

A masterpiece about a man who thinks and decides and acts and faces the consequences of his decisions. But that's not really all there is to it. The story is much deeper.

Shidehdeishidi

Constance Garnett

Crime and Punishment (Bantam Classics)

I lied. There will be no review. To consign myself is to impose a finality to my raving thoughts and feelings for this book. Words are not sufficient enough to convey how powerful, profound, disturbing, and beautiful this book is. Crime and punishment is something else... Highly recommended.

Rien

One of, if not the most devastating and unforgiving books I've ever read. The characters & setting shine through with liveliness and clarity, which makes the plot even more crushing to me. I'd confidently recommend this book to anyone who really loves literature and storytelling. There aren't many books I've read that so faithfully capture the human spirit and so deeply reflect the human experience. 

matthew

Crimen y castigo

Me encanto pero tengo que leerlo de nuevo

Santiago Alejandro Crime

The conclusion is difficult for me to accept because I don't really agree with it. That doesn't make it bad, but I'm still taking off half a star because I'm biased and petty. 

Maisie Quinn

A couple of times I wondered what purpose a particular “scene” served, but it wasn’t a bad thing. Liked the redemptive ending.

Oh, if someone were to ask what my favourite books are, I would mention this one on my long list, though embarrassed how basic my taste may come accross. But it’s fine. This book is so loved for a reason. You must read it. Easy to read, full of twists and will make you root for a killer.

Iuno <3

A remarkable masterpiece of Dostoyevsky in the world of Russian's fiction. It captivates the crime and psychological tensions of life. It is a tragic tale of a protagonist Raskolnikov, who puts his philosophical theories to the trial of murder eventually. He is incapable to understand the feelings of love and commiseration because he regards himself as a pariah. Mesmerizing!

Easyread Edition

danakim

Louisa

A book about ambiguity in everything. Shoving the intricate mess that is humanity onto the reader's face and proudly implying every single step of the way that it's indecipherable.

Featured title in the 2018 PBS Great American Reads Living in a squalid room in St. Petersburg, the indigent but proud Rodion Raskolnikov believes he is above society. Obsessed with the idea of breaking the law, Raskolnikov resolves to kill an old pawnbroker for her cash. Although the murder and robbery are bungled, Raskolnikov manages to escape without being seen. And with nothing to prove his guilt and a mendacious confessor in police custody, Raskolnikov seems to have committed the perfect crime. But in Fyodor Dostoyevsky's world of moral transgressions, with its reason and its consequences, Raskolnikov's plan has a devastating hitch: the feverish delirium of his own conscience. AmazonClassics brings you timeless works from the masters of storytelling. Ideal for anyone who wants to read a great work for the first time or rediscover an old favorite, these new editions open the door to literature's most unforgettable characters and beloved worlds.

Crime and Punishment (Amazonclassics Edition)

One of the most striking elements of Dostoevsky’s writing is how he weaves dreams into his narratives, portraying them as reflections of real life and signs that his characters cannot ignore. In this way, dreams become more than mere fantasy—they are meaningful and deeply connected to the characters’ journeys, mirroring the inevitable suffering and moral dilemmas that shape their lives. It’s clear that Dostoevsky resonated deeply with this connection between life and dreams, perhaps influenced by his own experiences. In 

, the theme of suffering is especially powerful, seen most intensely in Raskolnikov’s inner torment and moral struggle. His descent into guilt and self-loathing is gripping, as he wrestles with the consequences of his actions. The novel is both intense and thrilling, particularly during its climactic chapters. Dostoevsky intertwines philosophical and spiritual exploration in a way. The stories linger in my mind, as does the novel’s exploration of redemption and the moral complexities of the human soul. 

 is an extraordinary work, one that will remind you of Dostoevsky’s unparalleled brilliance. 

🏹

One of the most striking elements of Dostoevsky’s writing is how he weaves dreams into his narratives, portraying them as reflections of real life and signs that his characters cannot ignore. In this way, dreams become more than mere fantasy—they are meaningful and deeply connected to the characters’ journeys, mirroring the inevitable suffering and moral dilemmas that shape their lives. It’s clear that Dostoevsky resonated deeply with this connection between life and dreams, perhaps influenced by his own experiences. In Crime and Punishment, the theme of suffering is especially powerful, seen most intensely in Raskolnikov’s inner torment and moral struggle. His descent into guilt and self-loathing is gripping, as he wrestles with the consequences of his actions. The novel is both intense and thrilling, particularly during its climactic chapters. Dostoevsky intertwines philosophical and spiritual exploration in a way. The stories linger in my mind, as does the novel’s exploration of redemption and the moral complexities of the human soul. Crime and Punishment is an extraordinary work, one that will remind you of Dostoevsky’s unparalleled brilliance. 

Erik Craigo

It was a bit dense sometimes because all the characters tend to divagate to much when taking, but it's really beautiful and intense.

LIMEKI 

A. D. Knapp

Definitely need to read a hard copy of this. I felt like I missed a lot listening to the audiobook version. Sometimes you need to re-read a section to fully appreciate it. Just can't do that with your ears.

Reiza H

Apa yang menjadikan sebuah kejahatan dipandang sebagai kejahatan?

Meet Raskolnikov. Mahasiswa ngabers dengan pandangan ideologi yang “kiri-kiri kere.” Belakangan, ia gelisah karena merasa hidupnya tidak mengarah ke hal yang baik dan ia merasa stuck dengan kehidupannya. Perkuliahannya tidak beres dan ia dikeluarkan dari kampusnya. Masa depan terlihat gloomy baginya.

Semuanya berubah ketika ia memutuskan untuk melakukan sesuatu yang ia yakini mampu menyelamatkan berpuluh-puluh orang dari jerat kemiskinan sekaligus mampu membawa dirinya ke tingkatan orang-orang besar: Ia membunuh seorang wanita tua lintah darat, Alyona Ivanovna beserta adiknya yang kebetulan apes, Lizaveta.

Ia menganggap dirinya pahlawan karena sudah membunuh wanita tua yang ia sebut sebagai “kutu” namun, pelan-pelan, kegelisahan dan kekhawatirannya akan peristiwa ganjil yang ia lakukan tersebut mulai menghantuinya dan mempengaruhi orang-orang di sekitarnya. Ia pun mulai terobsesi bermain kucing-kucingan bersama para polisi dan temannya sendiri. Sementara kita sebagai pembaca, akan dibuat gemas melihat perlakuan dan obrolan-obrolan yang Raskolnikov lakukan dengan orang-orang di sekitarnya.

Akankah Raskolnikov lolos dari jeratan hukuman?

Its such a stroke of luck to read it for the first time at 23. The same age as Raskolnikov

Isabella

Molly M

how fabulous omg. i have nothing intelligent to say lol i loved it

Indulgent far too much for my likings at some moments; however the writing of neuroticism is great. Ideological caricatures often failed to fully capture my attention

Crime and Punishment (OWC Hardback)

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