The Brothers Karamazov (Modern Library Series)

Rating:
Summary: A depth that rivals Shakespeare . . .
Review: The Brothers Karamazov is one of most ambitious literary undertakings of the past two centuries, and Dostoyevsky's tour de force meets expectations with room to spare. This novel contains all that can be accomplished in literature, with depth and complexity one could devote a lifetime of study to. Completely engulfed my life until I had turned the last page

Rating:
Summary: An excellent book, something everyone should read.
Review: "The Brothers Karamazov" is a gut wrenching novel, filled with emotion and serious thoughts. The characters truly let one feel as if they are real. The author has captured that quality that makes the reader feel that they too have experienced these same thoughts. Many serious topics are discussed, always sure to make one think about religion, life and relationships. The wonderful contrast between the characters truly expresses different types of people and personalities. The book is an obvious "must read."

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Summary: Literature's Most Dynamic Novel
Review: When assessing the greatest written works, one has to include Dostoevsky's seminal novel at the top with only maybe the Bible being a greater work. Dostoevsky examines the one thing that the Bible expects us to have and to have unquestionably - faith. Why is faith important to us and why it causes so much strife, compassion, violence, love - the entire gamut of human emotion - is explored in a most unique manner. With a backdrop of provincial Czarist Russia and family squabbling, the novel sculptes such a complex tale of damnation to redemption all within the structure of a murder mystery (fratricide to be exact), one is drained completely - emotionally, mentally, and spiritually - when the novel is finally completed that one has to sit back in awe of Dostoevsky's marvelous writing style. Characterizations that jump off the page and speak to one's inner most self and chapters that examine the stark reality of the human condition are only the tip of the iceberg of this powerful story that forces one to reconsider what we've been taught about religious faith in the West. Very Highest Recommendation. Best sections - when the athesist brother has a conversation with Satan and when Jesus returns during the Spanish Inquisition and questions the use of his teachings in the current manner employed by the church

Rating:
Summary: Don't Be Fooled By The "Classic" label. A Rousing Adventure
Review: For every person who makes it a point to read one of the "classic" works of literature, there are ten who shy away from them because they all seem too dry and difficult to read. And this one is long. BUT EVERY PAGE IS WORTH IT. This book reads quickly as it is filled extensively with dialogue between fascinating characters. This book is about murder, mayhem, religion, family -- all the great themes. A grand scale WHODUNNIT you'll be drawn into the lives of the Karamazovs and begin to have your own feelings and opinions about them. Did he do it? You'll not only want to know but you'll have your own opinion to share as you read on. This book captures your attention and won't let go

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Summary: O.J. Simpson in Russia
Review: Hare you having trouble in your life? Falling behind in your bills? Problems communicating with the husband/wife/significant other? Murderous thoughts coursing through your brain? Then THIS is a novel for YOU. Dostoevsky's "The Brothers Karamazov" is a classic novel with a modern twist. Just like the O.J. Simpson case, Dmitri Karamazov is accused of a crime he believes he did not commit. And, just like the Simpson trial, all of St. Petersburgh has an opinion on the matter. Find out what REALLY happened. If you want to become a first-class intellectual, just buy this tape and listen to it on your way to work. By the time you are done, you will be -- honest -- totally cool. God has touched man this time

Rating:
Summary: The book you must have read...
Review: Maybe noone will ever be able to assess the impact of this book on 20th century literature. Every section in the field of arts has a few (so few!) masterpieces that turned the world upside down. Dostoyevsky contributed at least two such masterpieces: "Crime and Punishment" and "Karamazov". What a waste life must have be for someone who has not read them. Suggesting to a friend to read Dostoyewsky means suggesting to him to seek pleasure.

Rating:
Summary: A MARVEL IN RUSSIAN LITERATURE
Review: Dostoyevsky has reached climax in his last book written. THE BROTHERS KARAMAZOV is psychological thriller; an indepth look into the love/hate relationship of individuals. Said by S. Freud to be "the most magnificent novel ever written."

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful Classic
Review: Mark Twain once said that a classic is a book that no one ever reads. Unfortunately, the Brothers Karamozov may be a classic of those proportions. Many are intimidated by the bulk of an 800-1000 page book when they see the oversized spine on the shelf and neglect to meet some of the most interesting characters to ever be captured on paper. The Brothers Karamozov is possibly one of the most over-analyzed Russian novels (with the possible exception of War and Peace) since it was written in the 19th century, and yet, at its heart it has some of the most interesting plots and characters in any language. Consider for a moment three brothers--one a pious, bright divinity student, one an intellectual, brazen capitalist, and one a dirty illegimate half wit. Now throw in an ogre of a father, and you can imagine what the dinner conversation might be like. Do yourself a favor and forget the symbolism, the types and anti-types, etc. and get to know these people. Also, forget that you were supposed to have read this book in college and just pick it up for yourself. Dostoevsky's mastery of mood and setting make its popularity among scholars understandable. Yet its serialized plot-line and suspense-filled action will more than satisfy any Stephen King reader or soap opera fanatic.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful Classic
Review: Mark Twain once said that a classic is a book that no oneever reads. Unfortunately, the Brothers Karamozov may be aclassic of those proportions. Many are intimidated by the bulk of an 800-1000 page book when they see the oversized spine on the shelf and neglect to meet some of the most interesting characters to ever be captured on paper. The Brothers Karamozov is possibly one of the most over-analyzed Russian novels (with the possible exception of War and Peace) since it was written in the 19th century, and yet, at its heart it has some of the most interesting plots and characters in any language. Consider for a moment three brothers--one a pious, bright divinity student, one an intellectual, brazen capitalist, and one a dirty illegimate half wit. Now throw in an ogre of a father, and you can imagine what the dinner conversation might be like. Do yourself a favor and forget the symbolism, the types and anti-types, etc. and get to know these people. Also, forget that you were supposed to have read this book in college and just pick it up for yourself. Dostoevsky's mastery of mood and setting make its popularity among scholars understandable. Yet its serialized plot-line and suspense-filled action will more than satisfy any Stephen King reader or soap opera fanatic.

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!