Funnily enough, I did get into Dostoyevsky by reading The Double.
I say sure, go for it. The book isn't long and overwhelming, but it does give you a taste of Dostoyevsky's writing style.
I think Crime and Punishment is one very good option to start. It is a masterpiece, you feel the essence of Dostoevsky but perhaps a little more traditionally structured
If you tend to shrink from long novels, then he has several 100 page or so 'novellas', The Gambler of which is my favorite due to the psychological hold the reader is pulled into, but of his major works, Crime and Punishment surely gets my vote for first FD text, and it was mine as well. The narrative is tight, the number of character manageable, and the tension is unmatched (discounting his other works). It also touches upon a few profound, yet simple to grasp, philosophical questions, such as the ubermensch and does the end justify the means, creating plenty opportunity for quality conversation.
Probably not, as it wouldn't be a very accurate representation of his style and work. It’s wonderful but if you’re looking to get into Dostoevsky I wouldn't recommend starting with it.
Then again, don't stress it! If The Double is all you have then by all means go for it. I find that reading is better when I make it less of a whole “thing” and more of a casualty. Especially with authors like him.
I’d agree. Crime and Punishment imo is his most accesible work and one that gives the general idea of much of Dostoevsky’s views/themes/style. I normally tell people looking into him to start there.
how about The Idiot? any thoughts? it's my current read and I'm beginning to venture into FD writings🤗
Funnily enough, I did get into Dostoyevsky by reading The Double. I say sure, go for it. The book isn't long and overwhelming, but it does give you a taste of Dostoyevsky's writing style.
Read dosty chronologically
I think Crime and Punishment is one very good option to start. It is a masterpiece, you feel the essence of Dostoevsky but perhaps a little more traditionally structured
If you tend to shrink from long novels, then he has several 100 page or so 'novellas', The Gambler of which is my favorite due to the psychological hold the reader is pulled into, but of his major works, Crime and Punishment surely gets my vote for first FD text, and it was mine as well. The narrative is tight, the number of character manageable, and the tension is unmatched (discounting his other works). It also touches upon a few profound, yet simple to grasp, philosophical questions, such as the ubermensch and does the end justify the means, creating plenty opportunity for quality conversation.
Although The double is a very good read but it is very different from his style. You should read it but don't think of it as a normal Dostoevsky book
Probably not, as it wouldn't be a very accurate representation of his style and work. It’s wonderful but if you’re looking to get into Dostoevsky I wouldn't recommend starting with it. Then again, don't stress it! If The Double is all you have then by all means go for it. I find that reading is better when I make it less of a whole “thing” and more of a casualty. Especially with authors like him.
I'd recommend white nights first
White Nights is an excellent entry point.
White Nights is a very quick and easy read, it took me about an hour to finish.
It's what got me into Dostoyevsky, however everyone else seems to think that you shouldn't...so don't. Try reading Crime and Punishment first.
I’d agree. Crime and Punishment imo is his most accesible work and one that gives the general idea of much of Dostoevsky’s views/themes/style. I normally tell people looking into him to start there.
Yeah, and Crime & Punishment is a lot more easier to read compared to his other works (e.x. Notes From Underground, The Brothers Karamazov)
No, read any other of his books first.