The Brothers Karamazov (Classics Collection)

Rating:
Summary: A Classic
Review: Dostoyevsky's last work relates the tales of three squabbling brothers and their sick father. One is a man of the monastery, who grapples with the problem of pleasure, while his brother and father fight for the love of a woman.
Though, what makes this novel so great is not so much the objective character of what happens, but the intrinsic dispositions of the personages (relating in a sense, Schopenhauer's statement that great literature relates the inner states, rather than the outer). It touches on all the problems of human life, all those infinitesimal events which torture us in this brief, fleeting and painful existence, one, that through literature such as this, we for moments, overcome.
Also recommended: Toilet: The Novel by Michael Szymczyk (A Tribute to the Literary Works of Franz Kafka)


Rating:
Summary: Complex novel that examines human themes
Review: Dostoyevsky's The Brothers Karamazov is one of the best novels I've ever read. I had to read this book for one of my literature classes in college, and first looked at the 900 odd pages with disdain like many who were "required" to read something would. Although this is not a novel that one immediately gets into, the depth of the novel becomes a gripping event to witness.

The detail of the four brothers and the Karamazov family is well constructed and outlined in the beginning chapters. As we move on, what makes the novel a great work is the mystery that we must uncover about the death of Fyodor Karamazov and what roles the 4 brothers played in it. Also, the debate over good and evil is constantly addressed through Aloysha, the "good" son, (one of the Karamazov brothers and probably considered the main character)in his questions to his brother and his asking for advice from the elders and priests. What makes the work impressive is that although the four brothers are different in personality, there is a parallel between them in that they must deal with their father's "foolishness" and are all involved in the his death.

This novel, although long in duration, is quite impressive in expressing many outlets and themes. Good vs evil, family relationships, conflicts between life and death, murder, and faith to others are among some of the major subjects in this novel. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a book that deals with the aspect of the human experience and what we all endure spiritually-- conflicts of life.

Rating:
Summary: Great Dostoyevsky book!
Review: God, murder, a love triangle, and a trial, these are the things that Dostoyevsky loves to write about. Unlike the Idiot, where I felt there was a overemphasis on Prince Myskin, I felt that each of the three brothers, Dmitry, Ivan, and Aloysha had their own equal emphasis and character development.

Rating:
Summary: It made me rediscover the joy of reading
Review: I hadn't had a reason to read until my latest work commute changed adding a 1 hour plus train ride. As a result I was drawn to this book as a fascination with the author first, and second as a 'test' to see if I could get through it. I noticed it's length and was drawn to see if I could finish it and more importantly enjoy it.

In the end it was the most satisfying book I have ever read in my life. What else can I say here that hasn't already been said? There are passages in this book and chapters that have some of the most unique writing I have ever come across. The characters are so litteraly vivid that the amount of detail in describing their thoughts and conversations practically puts you in their head as they speak.

It's also amazing how almost half the book is just background and conversations (fascinating they are), and the plot doesn't come out until much later, and then when it does it certainly leaves you hanging on every word. You really get an insight into how these characters think, live, and breathe. I still keep thinking of them days after finishing this book. It is as if you can see yourself in all of them in some way or another.

Remember a pound of nuts, ask if hell has hooks if there is no ceiling, know the grand inquisitor, try to recognize the devil, find the balance between mans hatred and spirituality with god.

Read this book at some point in your life before you die. I am amazed a human can create something like this as Dostoevsky did. It is absolutley mind-boggling.. Sheer brilliance.

Rating:
Summary: A review by a realist
Review: I'd first like to correct an error from a previous review. The translator is not Constance Garnett; it is one Andrew MacAndrew (tragic name, I know), and the prose is snappy and completely understandable. I was surprised by how informal the writing was at times, and I think the translator probably captured the style, although I can't be sure because I don't know Russian. As for the actual book, the material presented, the characters developed and the themes explored, this book is really good. But not perfect.

It starts out wonderfully. Meeting the brothers, and that crazy father of theirs, is a joy. Hilarious, sometimes painfully awkward. The saga of Grueshenka and Katya is compelling, and the plight of our little boy Ilyusha is the best part of the book. Other parts of the novel are not so exciting. Like the entirity of Book VI, about the Elder Zosima. He tells us all about his life and his thoughts on the Bible, and how you should be nice to kids. If you are looking for a book to skip, this is it. Some of book XII is painful as well. We already know all about the theories of the murder, but we have to listen to both the prosecutor and defense attorney tell us about it from a psychological point of view. Important I know, because Dostoevsky was trying to say something about justice, about crime and punishment. But, all literary snobbery aside, it's boring. So chapters 6-13 in Book 12 can be optional if you're not interested in the nature of judgement.

The book also relies on excessive coincidence and unlikely circumstances. It can get pretty outlandish. But overall, an enjoyable read. Good characterization, and the conflicts and love between the brothers is fascinating to read about. The theories early on in the book about the existence of God are thought-provoking. You'll love that Alyosha, whether you are a believer or non-believer.

Rating:
Summary: Dostoyevsky the Inquisitor, Dostoyevsky the Genius
Review: Some call this book - with good reason - the best novel ever written. Even the author himself realized that he had written something deserving of continuation. Dostoyevsky's death, however, halted these dreams and we can only wonder how it would be possible to top this literary atomic bomb. Why atomic bomb? The power and breadth of The Brother's Karamazov are so huge and so effective - even today - that its power and energy has a half-life that rivals that of deadly nuclear material. Its darkness is so deadly as to suggest that God, as Christ coming back for a semi-return, could be sat down and questioned like a common criminal in the Grand Inquisitor. And, even more deadly, questioned by a member of the clergy. No doubt, however, this is the author himself asking the questions we dare not ask of God, for they are too scandalous for us to even ponder. Amidst the darkness and ludicrous antics of the characters stands a shining figure of Dostoyevsky's hero: Alyosha. Reflecting Prince Myishkin in his other great novel, The Idiot, Dostoyevsky paints a figure of innocence with his colorful words and abundant descriptions. Against Alyosha Ivan and Dimitry are compared and contrasted. Each possesses some hint of their brothers innocence, but reject it in their own personal darkness. Yes, the fallout from this bomb is still felt today, quoted by countless speakers, preachers and teachers. We, the common people, can only stand back and bask in the glow of a literary great. If you haven't read The Brother's Karamazov, you simply have not truly read.

Rating:
Summary: Essential Dostoevsky, beginners maybe start elsewhere
Review: The Brothers Karamazov is a magnificent piece of literature. Anyone the least bit familiar with Fyodor Dostoevsky will easily spot his hand at work here, which means some familiar ground for readers of other works by the author. This is not at all negative, however; this volume overflows with illuminating, thought-provoking Dostoevsky ideas.

The Constance Garnett translation is somewhat awkward; I find Garnett overly monotonous and convoluted. Though Dostoevsky is no quick nor casual read, his text was certainly confused in some of Garnett's meandering passages. I feel other translators do a more concise and entertaining job, while keeping the same ideas intact, though I've only briefly read other translations.

To give evidence to my critique, the notes on translation in the back of my text indicate some issues, including the title itself! Instead of "The Brothers Karamazov," the book should probably be "The Karamazov Brothers." As editor Ralph E. Matlaw states, "we do not refer to 'the brothers Kennedy'," and I'll mention "the sisters Hilton." On the bright side, I feel the strange title makes the book feel more "foreign" and exotic.

Matlaw also states Garnett doesn't just confuse the reader with some language, but actually simplifies and cleans up other language, turning at least one character into a more polished version than Doestoevsky probably intended. Thankfully, Garnett's peculiarities become familiar and comfortable. Overall, this book is sufficiently readable.

Of note to first-time Dostoevsky readers is the extreme number of characters quickly introduced near the beginning of the book, with the traditional cavalcade of Russian names, surnames, and nicknames. This is no deficiency of the translator, but rather a difficulty inherent with the source text.

Fans of Dostoevsky may simply be wondering: is this worth the time to read? After taking in all 700+ pages, I can answer a resounding yes. Ideas introduced in earlier works are here fleshed out into living, breathing, bleeding human beings. I feel the characters are some of the most real I've ever encountered in literature. The variety in people eases the reader's process of identifying with a character; I identified with multiple throughout the book.

For those being introduced to Dostoevsky, Crime and Punishment may be better, simply because Karamazov has a slow, disorienting beginning. However, if you enjoy the Russian master, you will relish in the delight of Karamazov.

Rating:
Summary: A thought-provoking page-turner
Review: There is so much to this amazing classic, it's impossible to get it all on the first reading. On one level, it's a murder mystery. The town lech, Fyodor Karamazov, is murdered and all of his sons have one motive or another for wanting to murder him. His oldest, Dmitry, appears to be guilty. Fyodor owed Dmitry 3000 rubles (mysteriously missing after Fyodor is killed) and they were both in love with the same woman.

But then on another level, the book is about the nature of faith and God. Each of the relationships is the relationship between ideas. It juxtaposes individualism with the affect of the social order on individuals.

Does faith in itself make people virtuous? Or is faith a structure to prevent people from acting NOT virtuous? Which is more important -- love for all humanity? Or love for the individual? For the religious, morality depends on the immortality of the soul. But, is that then truly morality? Is it morally superior to do wrong and hate yourself for it? Or to not know you're doing wrong at all? Where is the line between suspicion (there's this whole theme in the book that dishonest people cannot love because they will always be suspicious) and skepticism? Is the concept of sin a doomed idea intent on controlling the baser parts of what it means to be human? In which case, the idea redemption is just a way of distancing ourselves from our own humanity. If God gave free will, then why do the religious attempt to take it away? They take away free will and offer security instead, which is like saying God failed and they need to jump in and take over.

Rating:
Summary: One of the best
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.

Rating:
Summary: A Great Storyline, But...
Review: this was definitely too long.

The story of the murder of 3 brothers' father.
But at the end I find out there's a fourth brother. This is also
the story of the trial that followed. I don't claim to be smart, but this book was definitely over my head.

I just don't know why so many people thought this book was the best, and I'm not one of them.This was definitely too long!