The Brothers Karamazov: Bicentennial Edition

Fyodor Dostoevsky is a master of the written word. This is my third novel in his bibliography and as his final statement on this earth, it is a masterpiece. I thought Crime and Punishment was my favorite novel. Then I read The Idiot and thought that was the best. Wow, The Brothers Karamazov is a roller coaster ride of a emotions and thought provoking experience about all aspects of the human condition especially our hearts.Extremely well-written, expertly translated, great piece of literature about Christianity and atheism. Don't get spoiled.

Good quality and translation. Is made to be read, sometimes these big books are made in hard materials with hard spines and is difficult to keep open and read. This one however is flexible yet strong.

A rare book.There are not too many books that transcend time. It is difficult for a story to stay relevant hundreds of years later, not just because of changing times but due to changing life styles, personal interactions and issues that tend to bother people of different eras. Karamazov is a rare exception.Dostoyevsky's first big triumph is his ability to weave a highly complex intrigue in the simplest of fashion. His characters play mind games that are difficult to further evolve for writers a century later with all the modern day machinations and progress in writing styles based on experiences of generations of authors that have come before. Unlike most other classics of the nineteenth century or before, Karamazov characters are as vile, crafty, intelligent or thoughtful as any created by the best of present time novelists.The second triumph is in clearly portraying so many characters in their own unique, non-compromising ways. Few of his characters are completely good or bad. Almost no interactions between them are predictable. The story moves as unpredictably as real life, even if one was to be aware of its eventual end through spoilers or copycat reproductions by others in the following 130 years.A minor triumph must have been setting the tone for all courtroom based novels ever since. The lawyer debates, the jury reactions, the judgement, the crowd sentiments would keep the most critical action book readers glued.And the deeper purpose of the book is none of the above. It is no wonder that The Grand Inquisition chapter is considered about the best book section ever written and is separately published. Zoshima's backstory and Ivan's devil would have gone down as memorable as any in his history if not trumed within the book itself by the Inquisition. The author has a clear bias in the views he prefers, but anyone holding any other views on life, religion or morality is unlikely to feel the counterviews less explained.Apart from the five Karamazovs (including the Father and the illegitimate son), their philosophies, and interactions, one is unlikely to even forget so many other lesser characters and sub-plots. This is a must read classic, of a kind that is certainly worthy of the highest accolades from even people like Tolstoy, Einstein and Freud.

I have to admit I was astounded by how groundbreaking Dostoevsky is as an author , way ahead of his and even our time. But it is definitely a tough read but an important one , for me who love to read books. But sometimes it gets overly philosophical and extremely dramatical. However it presents within a family of three brothers and their uncaring father , a detailed and exquisite portrait of Russian people, religious beliefs, customs , dramas and it is a magnificent novel nonetheless.

A classic with lots off deep messages and a school in russian thought. Enjoyed every bit of it. A masterpiece if human feeling, suffering, and redemption

this is the best translation to English on the market

A great novel with deep roots in philosophy and unbiased arguments between people who lived in Russia in the 19th century, but still their views and perspectives are seen till this moment within every nation known to mankind.I picked this rather lengthy novel for two reasons. One because that Einstein praised it: “the most wonderful book I have ever laid my hands on”. I said to myself then what would a great mind find in this novel, so I grabbed one on the spot. Second, I have always wanted to feel and see the life of Russians and get a tiny scoop of their culture. So, this was it, and it wasn’t voiced by someone who lived among us in the current world, but rather by someone who lived in the 19th century Russia; Fyodor Dostoyevsky, 1821 - 1881.I especially loved the rich characters of the novel. The author was able to deeply express vividly their personalities and their surroundings. I very much enjoyed the arguments and the sides taken discussing grand questions regarding God, religion, and morality. I wished there was a pure voice and image of God, like we have in Islam, added to mix. I would wonder how the debates and sides would end up like.The characterization was very well and nicely summed up towards the end of the novel by the prosecutor. I very much liked how he depicted the two extremes of European enlightenment on one side, and mysticism and chauvinism on the other side, that tormented their “Mother Russia” in the 19 century and beyond, which continued to torment nations to this point. And what we live right now in the Islamic and Arab worlds but just waves of these tormenting powers.I highly recommend reading this novel but be cautious of three things. One, that the novel sometimes goes lengthy on matters and affairs that could have been easily dropped or shortened, but still was entertaining. Two, the narrative is sometimes confusing, as it alternates between someone who lives in the village and sees and hears about the novel affairs, and some grand voice that tells you about private and intimate things that could never been seen or heard of by that villager’s narrative. Third, there is a very sensitive discussion of God in the light of Russian Christianity, which does not go well with our Islam religion, so you need to be very tolerant on that matter. So be warned.

Just a good book, buy it.

The media could not be loaded. The book arrived perfectly and before expected which is always exciting! If I'm being picky I'd point out the dent on the top right corner but everything else looks neat. Extremely thrilled to finally dive into this masterpiece after waiting for some time. This is my second Pevear and Volokhonsky translation and I can only recommend them enough. Looks awesome next to my Crime and Punishment copy, too!

- highly overrated- emotionally exhausting- not really worth spending the time here as there are so many better books to read

essa versão é a mais extensa das traduções, mas teoricamente a mais fiel ao texto original. um retrato de uma sociedade não tão diferente da atual, descrita brilhantemente por dostoievsky

This translation by Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky is by far the best and worth the extra few quid. The book is a masterpiece written by a master of his work, and I'm simply not qualified to write a review. But I'm certainly able to recommend it to anyone who likes a well-written story filled with great characters.

Many chapters are truly works of art. Amazing. Others are unbearable and somewhat pointless. I recommend it, but be aware that it's very long and heavy