The Brothers Karamazov

Rating:
Summary: The greatest novel ever?
Review: Literary critic Harold Bloom called Dostoevsky the Shakespeare of novelists. In many ways he's right. This novel, Fyodor's last, captures all the high drama, intrigue and tragedy you'd expect from a Shakespeare play while still being ultimately Russian. By Russian I mean brooding, apocalyptic and melodramatic in tone. This is Dostoevsky's masterpice, culling every topic that concerned him in his previous novels into this gigantic gem. Faith. God. Crime. Man's duty to himself and others. It's all here. And this translation is superb, bringing Dostoevsky into the new century. Immensely readible. Many claim the secrets of life are in this novel (including Kurt Vonnegut). This, of course, depends on the reader. But it is impossible to walk away, after having read it, not having one's soul thoroughly enriched. If you love to read and love ideas, this is a must.

Rating:
Summary: Clearly, a young writer to watch
Review: Occasionally a young writer comes along so truly gifted and with a clarion so uniquely resonant we all must stop and take notice. You may not know his name now but you will soon, so be prepared to add young Fyodor Dostoyevsky to this exclusive literary roll call. Not content to be the latest in the 'flavor of the month' next big thing ( think : eggers, franzen et. al) upstart Fyodor is clearly a new force to be reckoned with and his writing is his sword. Though raw and still finding his way at times, the promise shown here is really not bad at all. Something tells me this novel is just a prelude of greater things to come from this fresh new voice. If he sticks to what he does best, who knows what literary heights may be scaled in his seemingly quite bright future. Indeed, this writer is an upstart worth watching.

Rating:
Summary: The Best Was Yet to Come
Review: Previous reviews have spelled out the beauty of this book.
It's like living in the heart of a Russian who's privileged to get inside other Russian minds. I don't think Dostoevsky kept much of his self back from this one.
But what's truly astounding is the fact that this book (I don't want to call it a novel - that's what Cervantes invented, and Dostoevski's made something even newer here.), this book is a prelude to what Dostoevski REALLY wanted to write: not one that focused on Dmitri so much (as this one did), but on Alexei.
Imagine the comments section on THAT book. Alas, all that lives must die, as Gertrude said, and we'll never read what FD never wrote.
Read The Brothers K. It's as good as it gets.

Rating:
Summary: A Spiritual Masterpiece
Review: The Brothers Karamazov is a great work of literary fiction full of Orthodox themes. In fact the character of Fr. Zosima was partly based on Elder Ambrose of Optina. The central thesis of the work is namely that "Without God, everything is allowable and only chaos can ensue. It is only with God that man can truly find peace and joy". Excellent writing, excellent story, excellent characterizations. Excellent book. If you haven't read it yet I strongly suggest that you pick up this fine translation.

Rating:
Summary: Not Exactly a Molotov Cocktail
Review: The Brothers Karamazov is a very metaphysical book. Its amazing how Dostoevsky models his characters, each with unique psychologies that are all of their own. After one description--albeit, one LONG description in the classic Russian way--you know the characters completely; you either hate them, love them, or want them to change. It's one of those books where if you could just ask the character one question it would alight your heart. I read this book as a soul-sick wanderer, and it transcended me. There is ONE character that nearly makes the entire book worth reading, and this one character shows that Dostoevsky is as skilled at conjuring angels as he is whole human beings. Read the book for insight if you wish, but the other side of the coin is that it's so LONG! The characters talk and talk and talk, and as you read you're going, "Please, stop; stop and talk to ME!" The character development is amazing, but it has no point because the plot is smothered and bashed into oblivion by the endless droning on...I read War and Peace and didn't even think it was THIS long (metaphorically speaking I mean--come on, it was 1500 pages!) So read this book with a grain of salt--it's good not as a story, but as a thought; the Brothers Karamazov is Dostoevsky's resounding question, and somewhere in there you just might find your own answer.

Rating:
Summary: Holy Mother Russia! A sacred story, told with passion . .
Review: The essential. If it's not the greatest novel of all time, it'll do until the greatest comes along. Some refer to it as philosophical, which it is, but this may connote the impression of a slow, uphill climb.

Not so.

Unlike so many slug-along classics, this tale grabs on and doesn't let go. Yes, it's a murder mystery, a courtroom drama, an exploration into the heart of good and evil-- but those are merely descriptions of some of the parts. As to the sum, the artistry which Dostoevsky employs to weave his tale is truly phenomenal.

Now, the people that we are tempted to call crass or trivial are usually those whose existance has never astonished them. Neither the universe nor life itself seems strange or wondrous to them. If you're in this category, do not read this book. it'll bore you out of your mind. Be sure to also skip the other masterpieces of 'philosophical novels' which this work has engendered. "The Stranger" by Camus, is a good example.

But for the hot blooded or the rich in spirit, you're in for a feast.

On a lighter note, it might interest some readers who wonder why this great story was never made into a film, that, in fact, it was. Starring Yul Brynner as Dimitri. Marilyn Monroe wanted to play Grushenka (No, I'm not kidding) but mercifully the part went to great Marie Schell, backed by a supporting cast that included a young starship captain ( No, I'm not kidding, really ) as the saintly Alyosha.

Who says God doesn't have a sense of humor?

This is the culmination of Dostoyevsky's life and work. I've said--or gushed---my piece, and add one final accolade: Here's a novel whose characters are better crafted and whose theme is even more powefull than Crime and Punishment.

That's all.


Rating:
Summary: My new Favorite Book
Review: There is not much that i can say that hasn't already been said about this novel, I will sum up my thoughts by saying that this is without a doubt the greatest book i have ever read!

In a way i am dissapointed because i feel that i will never read anything this good again. Dostoevsky is amazing!

Rating:
Summary: my fav
Review: This book has the special distinction of being currently my favourite book i have yet read. It is marvously written, a character novel, intensly psychological. Im not going to do a synopsis those are easy enough to find, if your interested i suggest you research it before going out and buying it anyways. 3 brothers; ivan, Dmitri and Alyosha. The philosopher, the sensualist and the spiritualist. Three distinct categories of the passionate man. Its massive and thats good, Doestoevsky's masterwork. He never deviates from the story like Tolstoi and all observations are through the characters and their personality type.

Rating:
Summary: Must Read
Review: This book is a classic and I don't want to spend too much time trying to say what has already been said about it. My favorite aspect about this book is the stark differences between the three brothers and their father, and the dilemmas these personality differences help to create and exacerbate. This is one of my favorite fiction books and I recommend it to all readers.

Rating:
Summary: One of the best novels I ever read
Review: This book took me three months to read but it was well worth it. The character development and plot will not let you put this book down. I could see the traits of the characters in many people I have meet throughout my like. I highly recommend it.