The Brothers Karamazov (Modern Library Series)

Rating:
Summary: My high expectations were disappointed
Review: I read this book over 4 months and a number of subway rides (damn, it's heavy to read with one hand while holding on to a strap with the other!). As a big fan of Notes from the Underground, and having heard that this is the "greatest novel of all time," I was very disappointed. I'm sorry, but the thing is just too long. Of course this no doubt reflects the serial economics of the day in which it was written, but I've read other long novels that use their length to much greater effect (yes, Dickens' Bleak House). There are bits that are really good (Grand Inquistitor, teachings of Zosima) but it was only in these that I found meaning--the rest of it was plot and a lot of bombastic speech from the numerous characters, none of whom I could identify with to any great extent. If you want Dostoevsky espresso (intense, but somewhat bitter flavor; quick intake), read Notes. Every sentence is necessary--unlike Brothers K.

Rating:
Summary: Possibly the most profound book ever
Review: Although some may be intimidated by this book's prodigious length and status as a "classic," I implore everyone to read this novel. As simply a story, the Brothers K is an enthralling tale of murder and deception among 4 brothers and their despicable father set in pre-Revolutionary Russia. But Dostoevsky's attention to detail, use of language, and character development are what make this work literature. However the Brothers K's unparalleled status originates from the astonishingly insightful questions it raises about the nature of man and God. I consider myself relatively well-read, but in my experience, never has another work of literature speculated on the human condition in a fashion so sublime. If you are still hesitant about reading this book, then read the chapters "Rebellion" followed by "The Grand Inquisitor" (the most famous chapter in any novel) and I'm sure your reservations will vanish. I must say I believe the Brothers K is the most profound novel ever written and to me, it speaks great truths.

Rating:
Summary: Good book if you want to be a good person.
Review: Dostoevsky wrote this book with the character of Alyosha as the hero. Pay attention to this man if you wish to learn about beign a good person. This book is long, involved, intriguing, and personable. Take time if you read it, to listen to and observe Alyosha.

Rating:
Summary: Every superlative you can think of...
Review: Read this one. It starts out as a simple murder mystery, then evolves into the greatest novel of all time, written by the greatest novelist of all time. Superb!

Rating:
Summary: The Best Novel Ever Written
Review: When I first picked up a copy of The Brothers Karamazov, I could not wait to start it. I did not get through the first 100 pages. The second time, I didn't make it much further. But the third time I was totally comitted to finishing it, and I have found it to be the most rewarding experience of my 17 years of life. The characters are beautifully written, the dialogue is perfect, and the intensity makes it a gripping and powerful read. The story is huge and complex with virtually a subplot for every character to add to the main plot. I have read more Dostoevsky after reading this and he has never failed in making the same emotions I felt reading this novel rise again. A beautiful, stunning, and captivating masterpiece.

Rating:
Summary: awesome
Review: beside atlas shrugged, this is the greatest book ever written. it grips you from the moment you pick it up. although i adore dostoevsky's other works, this is quite obviously his masterpiece. completely invigorating!

Rating:
Summary: A uniquely compelling story with wonderful characters.
Review:     Dostoevsky's perennial classic about a bizarre family of four brothers in pre-revolutionary Russia. Dostoevsky originally intended it as a book about children and their world, but it evolved into one of the most expansive books in Russian literature. It deals with nearly every aspect of pre-revolutionary Russian life: the courts, churches, social life, and most of all the attitudes and quirks of her people. Although it is filled with memorable adult characters, including perhaps the most obnoxious personage in literature in the person of Fyodor Karamazov, the children in the book are so well developed one can enter their peculiar world and be transported. Wonderful reading!

Rating:
Summary: Moving and psychologically brilliant once again!
Review: This is yet another masterpiece produced by the literary genius Dostoyevsky. At it's most basic form it could simply be looked upon as a murder mystery, yet the reader will be probed into psychological and philosophical insights through the characters in the novel. It is indeed a literary atomic bomb, as a reviewer mentioned before, but I give it an 8 only because it can not compare to the brilliance that is Crime and Punishment.

Rating:
Summary: The Grandest Book Ever
Review: You must read this book, even if you only read the selection called "The Grand Inquisitor" (Book V, part 5). This may answer some of those questions you have about life, religion, and the state of human existence.

Rating:
Summary: A Timeless Classic--A MUST READ
Review: Dostoyevsky is one of Russia's finest, and he proves it in BROTHERS KARAMAZOV. This novel explores several layers of human emotion, courage, fear, and desire, giving the characters identifiable personalities. The author treats each character differently, and so makes this a read not to be missed. The denoument will make you wish you had read this novel sooner, and also make you think about your own life and the consequences of not only your actions, but more importantly your thoughts. THE BROTHERS KARAMAZOV is a must read for anyone who wants to consider themselves well-read in World literature. Also up to par with this novel are Turgenev's FATHERS AND SONS, and Aksakov's A RUSSIAN GENTLEMAN. Both are extraordinary books. Another great from Dostoyevsky is NOTES FROM THE HOUSE OF THE DEAD.