Review & Discussion | Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky

In which I rave and ramble about Crime and Punishment.
tldw; read the book. It's great.

[former]

Porfiry's character was the most intriguing part of the book for sure. His interviews with raskolnikov were some of my favorite parts.

[rosie-ozbd]

As a not particularly religious person, I didn’t have a problem with the Christian themes because I interpreted this not in the sense of it suggesting the only path to redemption is in Christianity but that many do but that Christianity (being the main religion at the time in Russia), Jesus and the messages of the Bible showed him how to find himself and find redemption through God. These days I think people try to villainize Christianity due to some of the teachings, but the overall message of the Bible is of confession and forgiveness and I think this aspect is what Raskolnikov found redemption in. Please correct if I am wrong, as I said I am not a very religious person and don’t know much about Christianity.

[thescapegoatmechanism]

I just read the book for the first time (it took me forever, but I did it!) and I loved the parallel between Raskolnikov’s “Superman” and Nietzsche’s idea of the Übermensch. You can see the influence Dostoevsky had on Nietzsche in a lot of places, which is why they’re so great to read together, imo.

I was also surprised to see how sympathetic Dostoevsky was to the plight of women in St. Petersburg, especially the prostitutes. As you pointed out, Sonya truly was the only embodiment of wisdom among sinful men. Quite refreshing, if you ask me. I know some people may hate the epilogue but I think it works even if you don’t particularly identify as Christian.

You’re very pretty, btw!

[luisdb]

Great review! The dept of Rodia is the anchor of the novel but the innocence and love of his mother, sister, Sonia and Razumíkhin are what at the end gives it hearth and saves him, totally love the book :)

[radhakelkar]

As someone on the younger spectrum of the age group that would normally read this, I find I can’t see the themes as deeply or well as I wanted to, but I’m nearing the end and enjoying it so much… it just resonates, you know? I definitely love your interpretation of it, and feel like that’s similar (if a fair bit more complex) to what I’ve been feeling.

For me, my favorite character is Razumikhin (did I spell that right?) as the kind of character foil to Raskolinov. The depth of his kindness to his friend (even as someone struggling financially more I believe) is so warming and just. Made me so happy… he’s such a good person and anchor to Raskolnikov ❤️

And the role of women was so interesting!!!! I absolutely noticed that really fast, especially with Katrina Ivanova and Sonia (obviously). The section where Marmoldov(I don’t quite remember his name) was so interesting to me and i feel like it was a big foreshadow for Raskolnikov’s when he heard about this man’s life…. And of course the scene that Marmoldov(?) was hit by the horses? Really liked that one.

All in all a really nice review of an amazing book! Thank you!!

[lorettayussuff]

Just finished the book, loved watching your review and discussion on this great novel ❤️💫

[demetriuswright]

i wish you kept doing reviews. you're really good at analyzing books :)

[BlatantlyBookish]

What a delightful review/discussion! I should reread Crime and Punishment at some point. I don't remember much about it besides the fact that I loved it! And I remember that for my Russian Lit final I illustrated a quote from Crime and Punishment with an accompanying essay. I just reread the essay, but I can't find an image of the illustration anywhere! The teacher never returned the original to me. I enjoyed hearing your thoughts on redemption as well! And thinking about the concept of women in this novel is so interesting, especially in comparison with the women in British novels. Now I want to reread crime and punishment and find a picture of that illustration!

[danijelaradanovic]

I really liked this book. I read it in high school. But i am planing to read it again. :)

[madylingulley]

I really liked your analysis of this book. I agree with how the road to redemption is basically returning back to humanity.

[tortoisedreams]

"Virtuous little penguins, " great image! Hoping to re-read soon (have the P&V trans). What I remember is it being very affecting (think I had the flu while reading it, too, lol, was probably too young). I think FD (love how you pronounced his name) was reacting, in part, against existentialism (or whatever they might've called it at the time) & emphasizing the importance of values, heart, & maybe faith; he's saying there is meaning to life. If I was clairvoyant I'd say there's a philosophy class in your future Uni career.

[earlemorgan]

Dostoevsky is so fun to read. I have yet to be disappointed.

[ascendantinfluential]

Where are you! Come back and keep continue to sharing your new awesome videos!

[nilulal]

Im finally getting around to this book. Ive been wanting too but had my reservations, your review is what i needed to give me that push to pick it up. Very nice review its very thorough. 😊

[ladyscarfaceangel]

Just ordered the book on Amazon as a good friend recommend it to me after we were discussing movies & books about struggles & decent into madness. Can’t wait to read it, but have seen a lot of reviews that it’s a difficult read. I’m going to give it a try anyway. I’m glad you didn’t find it difficult to understand. Gives me hope. Lol. I wonder why so many people find it hard to get into or understand?

[r.h.]

I think this is one of the best reviews I've listened to yet. Unfortunately, I didn't find the novel to be that great, but I'm still glad I read it.

[creativesource]

Before you buy this book please research which English translation you want to read. There are pros and cons of each
There are 13 English translation of which 7 are in print. For some reason many independent translations were done in the last 5 years!

[elevenelevenx]

Such a lovely review...you're a very intelligent girl!

[bigalbooksforever]

I liked your emphasis on the importance of redemption in the text, because the title of the book mostly focuses on the more violent/dramatic parts of the book (the murder and the psychological after effects) and those are the scenes that I seem to remember the most. I always wondered *why* the women in the book were so enamoured with Raskolnikov and find it a shame that they aren't as multifaceted as the male characters. Sonia in particular struck me as a flat character, although I'd be curious to see how I'd feel on a re-read. Also- loved your shoutout to the landlady's sister who was murdered as well! #neverforget

[gurkiratkairon]

Have u read War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy?if yes, please tell me which translation you did read .

I am very new to Russian literature so don't know about different translations