book discussion
topic: Well Done
Yes, the name structure can be a bit confusing, but as you get further in the book each character's traits make them stand on their own in your mind.
you have to cut the names short. it's absurd to re-read those long titles every time. i just restrict myself to reading the first two syllables and move on. what a book though! i agree w/ dane here, too...
i find it helpful to just focus on the last name. once i realized that dmitri, alyosha, mitya, fyodor, alexei, vanya, and ivan were all the same person it made much more sense.
Dostoevsky is truly a master writer and I've not found anyone else who is comparable.
The despicable character of the father is painted in such a way that I actually felt the pain of the sons in having such a father figure.
Certainly one of the best novels I've ever read. For those having trouble with the names, some editions have a forward that explains some of the mechanics and reasoning behind such titles. Aside from the characters being wonderful (while Alyosha is angelic, I'm partial to Mitya), there is a strong philosophic undercurrent. It is worth reading to get insight into Dostoevsky's worldview alone.
I'm on Book IV. It's such a fantastic novel. Any comments or thoughts you'd like to share with about your current location in the book, David?



