Fyodor Dostoevsky

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.

Crime and Punishment

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 :)

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)

I’ve always admired the way Dostoevsky weaves dreams into his narratives, portraying them as reflections of real life. In his works, dreams often serve as signs or beckonings, carrying meanings that shouldn’t be dismissed—especially for his characters. It feels as though Dostoevsky himself deeply resonated with the connection between life and dreams, perhaps influenced by his own personal experiences.

This sense of profound suffering—something inevitable in life—is palpable throughout his writing. In 

, it’s most strikingly evident in the torment and moral dilemma that Raskolnikov endures.

The novel maintains a flowing pace and an immaculate sense of thrill, particularly during the climax chapters. I can’t help but compare it to 

. While the latter delves into spiritual and religious values—concepts that can feel elusive or difficult to grasp—

 takes a more grounded, human approach. It examines our capacity for evil, our unthinkable contempt for the world and others, our deepest fears, and the sins that shadow us throughout life. Despite their differences, both novels share themes of sorrow, human nature, and redemption, solidifying Dostoevsky’s unparalleled brilliance.

What sets him apart is his ability to intertwine spirituality with philosophy, crafting stories that feel like religious experiences. The epilogue of left a deep impression on me, and now I find myself grief-stricken at having to part with such extraordinary characters and a story that will linger in my mind for a long time.

🏹

I’ve always admired the way Dostoevsky weaves dreams into his narratives, portraying them as reflections of real life. In his works, dreams often serve as signs or beckonings, carrying meanings that shouldn’t be dismissed—especially for his characters. It feels as though Dostoevsky himself deeply resonated with the connection between life and dreams, perhaps influenced by his own personal experiences.

This sense of profound suffering—something inevitable in life—is palpable throughout his writing. In Crime and Punishment, it’s most strikingly evident in the torment and moral dilemma that Raskolnikov endures.

The novel maintains a flowing pace and an immaculate sense of thrill, particularly during the climax chapters. I can’t help but compare it to The Brothers Karamazov. While the latter delves into spiritual and religious values—concepts that can feel elusive or difficult to grasp—Crime and Punishment takes a more grounded, human approach. It examines our capacity for evil, our unthinkable contempt for the world and others, our deepest fears, and the sins that shadow us throughout life. Despite their differences, both novels share themes of sorrow, human nature, and redemption, solidifying Dostoevsky’s unparalleled brilliance.

What sets him apart is his ability to intertwine spirituality with philosophy, crafting stories that feel like religious experiences. The epilogue of left a deep impression on me, and now I find myself grief-stricken at having to part with such extraordinary characters and a story that will linger in my mind for a long time.

Erik Craigo

Crimen y castigo

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

Clay Carey

engrossing stories cobbled into a less than perfect criticism of revolution

Jeremiah Cha

Maximus

Here we find ourselves in 1860's during a hot summer in St. Petersburg, a city of bedlam engulfed with poverty, drunkards, and dissolute bureaucrats. The story focuses on a young man by the name of Rodion Raskolnikov (or should I say "Rascal"nikov). A brainy former student who was expelled from university, lives in squalor and finds himself relying upon the services of an old and decrepit pawnbroker in an attempt to make ends meet. Motivated by anger and a personal sense of injustice, he sees fit to murder the elderly pawnbroker in the hopes of stealing her valuables to make a better life for himself and his family. The outcome is that while no-one seemingly suspects him of murder, he is plagued with a deep feeling of alientation from society, illness and a tormented heart.

I found the book to be a little dense and challenging, but in a good way. It was highly educational and certainly worth the effort. The story was great. I also wanted to mention how impactful the epilogue was.

I found that this book offers a multitude of insightful scopes, including but not limited to the complexities that surround personal opinions on justification and morality, the difficulty and importance of retaining emotional balance, especially in the most challenging of times, the ramifications of one's self-imposed pseudo-submergence into Nihilism, the conflicts that exist between society and the individual ("ordinary vs. extraordinary") and what devastating results can ensue from the triad of illness, narcissism and poverty-stricken desperation.

This novel has solidified my apprectiation for Dostoevsky, his artistry and a new-found interest to immerse myself in more of his works. 

It reminds me a little of A Happy Death by Albert Camus, but significantly better.

jack

i cried about 5 times throughout this book. goddamn! definitely going to have to read some more dostoevsky. i enjoyed essentially everything about this book. gonna have to go back and reread a couple sections just to Feel them again.

This guy could benefit from some 21st century mental health care

sophie <3

Fyodor

In this classic work, Dostoyevsky creates an intimacy that is claustrophobic, full of tension, and as haunting and relentless as a love affair. Begun as a novel concerned with the psychology of a crime and the processes of guilt, it surpasses itself to take on the tragic force of myth.

hileahrious

I have great trouble accepting this as one of the greatest literary works of all time… perhaps of ITS time, but by no means did it leave me speechless or reeling as other novels I’ve enjoyed. Maybe it’s not my style… it didn’t evoke much of anything within me?

I will say, it is absolute good fun. It is not without drama, and the anti-hero is beautifully depicted through Raskolnikoff’s character and the journey through his mind is hilarious yet frustrating. There is this feeling of agony throughout the entire book of not knowing entirely what is going on, which I’m not sure is on purpose but either way I think it very much accompanies the attitudes and thoughts a person might suffer upon killing another.

At one point toward the beginning I jotted down “a hilarious description of depression” and to then see how that mental state evolves into murder and mania was (darkly) entertaining. 

It is of course extremely well-written and psychologically detailed, but also wildly unreasonable and choppy in terms of other character development and setting, and as a visual reader that was a bit annoying for me. Still, I was never bored per se… I had a similar sensation when reading Tolstoy, so maybe this is the art of great Russian writers.

lexie

Ziggy

do NOT buy the clearance ideologies off shein

I can’t even complain about the struggles I may have had with this book because my god isn’t it just a gorgeous masterpiece? Truly Fydor Dovestky was an author ahead of his time. 

We follow “Rodion”, and his conflicting life of morality, moral depravity and unequal life. it begins with him wallowing in a life of pity, of shame, of illness and of poverty. We see the peaks and crests of his life, allowing us to relate it to our own lives, making this novel utterly timeless. I love it. Could might as well be one of my favourite classics and favourite novels of all time.

I struggled with names and also with following the plot, so I’m most probably going to follow this story up with act summaries and explanations. But for a Novel of age and also from Russia, a little confusion had to be expected. 

Pick it up. Start it. It’s fine if it takes a while to read, because when it lifts off, you’ll enjoy it in its entirety; difficult names and all. 

surtified™

I can’t even complain about the struggles I may have had with this book because my god isn’t it just a gorgeous masterpiece? Truly Fydor Dovestky was an author ahead of his time. 

We follow “Rodion”, and his conflicting life of morality, moral depravity and unequal life. it begins with him wallowing in a life of pity, of shame, of illness and of poverty. We see the peaks and crests of his life, allowing us to relate it to our own lives, making this novel utterly timeless. I love it. Could might as well be one of my favourite classics and favourite novels of all time.

I struggled with names and also with following the plot, so I’m most probably going to follow this story up with act summaries and explanations. But for a Novel of age and also from Russia, a little confusion had to be expected. 

Pick it up. Start it. It’s fine if it takes a while to read, because when it lifts off, you’ll enjoy it in its entirety; difficult names and all. 

I'm finally done reading this book. Since I don't have much free time I would read this book sometimes during morning coffee. We did analyse this book in school, but, oh well, it did not prepare me for what happened. Book has many interesting stuff aside the main point. I would read it again and I'm looking forward to reading more books written by F.D.. Also I know book is written during realism but why is every young woman described like a little child?

Crime and Punishment

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