Rawley’s review of The Brothers Karamazov > Likes and Comments
1679 likes · Like
Wow! Dostoevsky must have been brilliant to come up with THREE opposites to one issue, what an innovator! Haha, I think I know which brother you see yourself as (Ivan?), who do you think I identify with? Anyway I am out in the Rockies right now lifeguarding a 25 meter pool with no diving board and no one shows up, so I am getting a lot of reading done, and this slipped back into my repertoire. I picked up the Constance Garnett translation, which John says you say is the best. I have to say it seems more readable than the last translation that I only made 300 page headway like 6 years ago... ONLY 300 pages! The commentary here claims Fyodor planned on making 2 more parts to this epic piece (of what?) so that in reality this is only 1/3 of the story. It is a pretty good book yeah I'll admit it, but certainly wordy despite any claims to the contrary. My favorite character so far (on book The Forth) is Fyodor part deux, he's pretty lol. I'll let you know my final thoughts laters. Have a good time doing whatever it is you do! :D
The month it takes to get through the novel is fully worth it.
If you can read this book in only a month, you either are a speed-reader or have lots of free time. I expect to need six months. And I identify with Ivan too, regrettably. I see myself in him and wish I did not. I'd rather be Alyosha.
I just finished it for the 3rd time over the last 15 years and it finally made a full impact. The first couple of times I felt that certain moments were incredibly beautiful and inspiring and I got a little too caught up in the actual drama taking place. The third time I knew what was going to happen and so was finally able to fully absorb Alyosha's inner turmoil.
Amazing that a translation can strike so deeply in any language. Also strange that such a notoriously dark personality can make the anonymous reader feel so valued/loved.
Yes. "You owe it to yourself to set aside the time, someday, for the Brothers Karamazov."
I bought the constance garnett translation a few years ago, is it going to be such a big difference?
I see. You must have a completely different worldview from Dostoyevsky's.
Personally, I saw myself in Ivan, Fyodor and Alyosha. Depending on circumstances I have noticed becoming similar to each of these characters. During times of solitary (Alyosha), times of inebriation (Fyodor) and times of serious discussion (Ivan). As the original poster wrote life is full of contradictions. I think Dostoevsky genious lies in his ablility articulate thoroughly many of the contradictory dispositions and personalities humans encompass.
I am reading the book and see myself in Alyosha. I have been reading it for two years and finally have gotten to where the trial is about to start. This is a very thought provoking novel about the philosophies of life. Parts of the book are very slow, but the story lines of the three brothers is very intriguing.
I saw myself somewhere between Dmitri and Ivan, but a younger me (say, in my teens) would relate to Alyosha. It wasn't a depressing experience by any means, though. On the contrary, it was quite moving.
Have read it probably 10 times in my life, I read it again when I need it. Didn't think I needed it, but read "the brothers Karamazov and its critics" by Wasiolek, and felt need to read it again. Which I am. Freud's analysis was um, freudian, but Camus, DH Lawrence, Rahv, Matlaw, and Wasiolek, eye-opening. Had to read it AGAIN! and doing so!
(the novel is really about Ivan, btw. How can there be a god when there is suffering on earth? and if you knew that suffering was for a grand plan, would you accept it?)
Only took me 2 weeks :-) but then again I have a lot of free time these days and the book is intriguing to the point that I couldn't put it down! A book for all times....
Only took me 2 weeks :-) but then again I have a lot of free time these days and the book is intriguing to the point that I couldn't put it down! A book for all times....
a month! i envy your reading strength. this is my second year reading The Brothers Karamazov. so dense - complex. life. salutations...
a bit long don't you think....just kidding, absurd how deep it is. What a work of art! Mind boggling really. Although I enjoyed The Idiot even more. The Brothers is not only a story, it is life. It is a stamp of literature I shall never forget. "You will behold great sorrow, and in this sorrow be happy."
I just started reading this book,and I have a question. In the first book,chapter 4, the third son Alyosha: why does pavlovich say that "if there is no roof in hell there cannot be any hooks?" I believe it is not necessary to have a ceiling to have hooks..will someone please explain what does that all conversation about roofs and hooks?THank you :)
Beautifully put Rawley!
Having read the book about some 8 years ago, your review made me want to read it again and see what has shifted in my perception of it.
How does the Constance Garnett translation compare to the alternate?
I started it this morning, your review is beautiful and will keep me going!
I'm done with one fourth of it and I love it. I love rereading the observations and arguments over and over until the gravity and the beauty in the way it's written sinks in. It is so grotesquely beautiful. The melancholic instances used to substantiate their theories. It's bind blowing. It's easily my favorite book.
i finished it this morning in my bed - i belive one can never be purely one character but rather an amalgam of all - or i am still uncertain of who i am - the struggle of existence lol
Wonderfully written review. Exactly my sentiments. I am possibly prejudiced toward Dostoyevsky however. Without a doubt my favorite author.
Excellent review :) you have summed up amazingly what this book is about!!
what would be the follow up, 3 years later, of your personal shift? would love to know
Great review. I had a similar experience identifying with one of the brothers. This book changed my life.
I already started stopped at the amazing chapter of the Great Inquisitor!
I second the "very well said," starting with "greatest book ever written."
What a thoroughly profound and inspiring review. I shall give this book a go in a few weeks. Thanks!
Read it at university decades ago but, even then, I was moved by it-definitely a book that is worth a second (and a third?) read
“A dense work of philosophy disguised as a simple murder mystery.” Brilliant. Wish I’d read this review and skipped the book. 😫
So pleased to read your review ... I am 47 pages in ... the tittle was recommended to me a few weeks ago and whilst I am unsure of what to expect from such a novel ... clearly it is more than a murder mystery ... I am looking forward to a good month or so with my life and mind wrapped up with Dostoyevsky and as said by you his masterpiece ..
Thank you for your review. I bought it today and your description has made me want to put down the book I’m reading now and start it. It’s good to know it has such depth so I will not beat myself up if it’s taking me longer to get through it. Thanks again!
Dostoyevsky must be genius for presenting these amazing novel three different views and type of people to one father ....every one has its journey and it's view of life ...brothers but Thier journeys logically will never interact with one another....but destoyevsky make the journeys one journey in an amazing dramatic end
I couldn't take it. I quit after getting 1/3 of the way through.
Thank you. Great review. Makes me wanna read it
I just began TBK after just finishing C&P. Dostoyevsky and Tolstoy captivate me.
Einstein called TBK the supreme ultimate of literary achievement. He also mentioned he learned more from it than any other book.
Great review, Rawley. I’m finding that I identify with your claim that it isn’t light reading and will take some time to get through. I’m actually listening to it rather than reading it. And although I’m very much enjoying the story, I do find myself rewinding quite often after realizing I “missed something”. I’ve been planning to reread/listen since practically the beginning.
I have two different ideas and wanted to know if you have a preference or any thoughts one way or the other. Would you recommend I continue as I have been through the book, rewinding when necessary, and then read again (somewhat soon after)? Or....I’m about three quarters of the way through Part 2, so I considered finishing it, then starting the book over. Then, starting with Part 3, read each part twice before moving to the next. How would you recommend I proceed to get the most from this book?
PS, I’ve only started reading Dostoevsky’s work in the past few months and have found an instant love for his writing! I can’t wait to get my hands on everything he wrote!!
I just discovered that the copy I have and just finished reading is significantly abridged. I purchased it at a thrift store with no dust jacket and it doesn't say it's abridged. If I paid any attention to the headings I would have realized. Part 3 of book 9 comes right after part 3 of book 8! This explains why I felt so let down by the book. It felt like it was saying something great but I never really "got it". I even felt like Dostoevsky had let me down. So I took to the internet to figure out what it was I had missed and turns out The answer is a whole lot! Whole chapters unceremoniously abandoned without so much as a footnote! The one consolation is that Dostoevsky didn't let me down this infernal abridged copy did. Anyway I'm trying to decide whether to buy a copy and just read the parts I missed or start all over. I'm inclined to start at the beginning but I don't know which translation to purchase kind of think I want to listen to an audiobook. I'll get through it faster that way. I'd love some advice on which translation to go for.
I'm about a month in and 600 pages Into the 950 in my version (by ignat avsey). The last book I read was about 3 years ago. And nothing remotely comparable to this...on any level. I honestly feel the book is beyond me, I dont feel like am able to absorb the depth that it contains, which is why I will probably read it again, and maybe again after that....it is incredible. It reveals the human condition in a way that astounds me, dostoyevsky describes humanity on so many levels in 3 brothers, completely opposite. I belive we can all relate to all of them on some level. This book has made me laugh, cry and become Infuriated. I think about it when I'm not reading it. Waiting to get back in.
I finished it for the second time through 11 days😋 (quarantined)
you refered it took you a month, i now realise checking my internet history that i read the book in 12 days, because it was so page turning for me... must i feel that i didnt grasp the full meaning because such a fast reading
I agree. I thought i can finish it for 7 days but it took me one whole month. It was so deep to understand and inevitably one of best books that has ever written.
i can’t agree more with the review
this is indeed the best book ever written
i couldn’t put it down at times, and at times i wouldn’t wanna touch it as it disgusted me with the scenes in it
it’s philosophical, and practical at the same time
it’s captivating and thought-provoking and makes you love the life and people and humanity
it’s just so brilliant there is nothing else you can say about it
Dostoyevsky is my favourite writer, he’s very close to my heart, i love his understanding of a human soul and nature
Every thing you need to know about life is in Brothers Karamazov
back to top
message 1:
by
Trevor
(new)
Sep 16, 2008 07:00AM
Wow! Dostoevsky must have been brilliant to come up with THREE opposites to one issue, what an innovator! Haha, I think I know which brother you see yourself as (Ivan?), who do you think I identify with? Anyway I am out in the Rockies right now lifeguarding a 25 meter pool with no diving board and no one shows up, so I am getting a lot of reading done, and this slipped back into my repertoire. I picked up the Constance Garnett translation, which John says you say is the best. I have to say it seems more readable than the last translation that I only made 300 page headway like 6 years ago... ONLY 300 pages! The commentary here claims Fyodor planned on making 2 more parts to this epic piece (of what?) so that in reality this is only 1/3 of the story. It is a pretty good book yeah I'll admit it, but certainly wordy despite any claims to the contrary. My favorite character so far (on book The Forth) is Fyodor part deux, he's pretty lol. I'll let you know my final thoughts laters. Have a good time doing whatever it is you do! :D
reply
|
flag
*
The month it takes to get through the novel is fully worth it.
If you can read this book in only a month, you either are a speed-reader or have lots of free time. I expect to need six months. And I identify with Ivan too, regrettably. I see myself in him and wish I did not. I'd rather be Alyosha.
I just finished it for the 3rd time over the last 15 years and it finally made a full impact. The first couple of times I felt that certain moments were incredibly beautiful and inspiring and I got a little too caught up in the actual drama taking place. The third time I knew what was going to happen and so was finally able to fully absorb Alyosha's inner turmoil. Amazing that a translation can strike so deeply in any language. Also strange that such a notoriously dark personality can make the anonymous reader feel so valued/loved.
Yes. "You owe it to yourself to set aside the time, someday, for the Brothers Karamazov."
I bought the constance garnett translation a few years ago, is it going to be such a big difference?
I see. You must have a completely different worldview from Dostoyevsky's.
Personally, I saw myself in Ivan, Fyodor and Alyosha. Depending on circumstances I have noticed becoming similar to each of these characters. During times of solitary (Alyosha), times of inebriation (Fyodor) and times of serious discussion (Ivan). As the original poster wrote life is full of contradictions. I think Dostoevsky genious lies in his ablility articulate thoroughly many of the contradictory dispositions and personalities humans encompass.
I am reading the book and see myself in Alyosha. I have been reading it for two years and finally have gotten to where the trial is about to start. This is a very thought provoking novel about the philosophies of life. Parts of the book are very slow, but the story lines of the three brothers is very intriguing.
I saw myself somewhere between Dmitri and Ivan, but a younger me (say, in my teens) would relate to Alyosha. It wasn't a depressing experience by any means, though. On the contrary, it was quite moving.
Have read it probably 10 times in my life, I read it again when I need it. Didn't think I needed it, but read "the brothers Karamazov and its critics" by Wasiolek, and felt need to read it again. Which I am. Freud's analysis was um, freudian, but Camus, DH Lawrence, Rahv, Matlaw, and Wasiolek, eye-opening. Had to read it AGAIN! and doing so!
(the novel is really about Ivan, btw. How can there be a god when there is suffering on earth? and if you knew that suffering was for a grand plan, would you accept it?)
Only took me 2 weeks :-) but then again I have a lot of free time these days and the book is intriguing to the point that I couldn't put it down! A book for all times....
Only took me 2 weeks :-) but then again I have a lot of free time these days and the book is intriguing to the point that I couldn't put it down! A book for all times....
a month! i envy your reading strength. this is my second year reading The Brothers Karamazov. so dense - complex. life. salutations...
a bit long don't you think....just kidding, absurd how deep it is. What a work of art! Mind boggling really. Although I enjoyed The Idiot even more. The Brothers is not only a story, it is life. It is a stamp of literature I shall never forget. "You will behold great sorrow, and in this sorrow be happy."
I just started reading this book,and I have a question. In the first book,chapter 4, the third son Alyosha: why does pavlovich say that "if there is no roof in hell there cannot be any hooks?" I believe it is not necessary to have a ceiling to have hooks..will someone please explain what does that all conversation about roofs and hooks?THank you :)
Beautifully put Rawley! Having read the book about some 8 years ago, your review made me want to read it again and see what has shifted in my perception of it.
How does the Constance Garnett translation compare to the alternate?
I started it this morning, your review is beautiful and will keep me going!
I'm done with one fourth of it and I love it. I love rereading the observations and arguments over and over until the gravity and the beauty in the way it's written sinks in. It is so grotesquely beautiful. The melancholic instances used to substantiate their theories. It's bind blowing. It's easily my favorite book.
i finished it this morning in my bed - i belive one can never be purely one character but rather an amalgam of all - or i am still uncertain of who i am - the struggle of existence lol
Wonderfully written review. Exactly my sentiments. I am possibly prejudiced toward Dostoyevsky however. Without a doubt my favorite author.
Excellent review :) you have summed up amazingly what this book is about!!
what would be the follow up, 3 years later, of your personal shift? would love to know
Great review. I had a similar experience identifying with one of the brothers. This book changed my life.
I already started stopped at the amazing chapter of the Great Inquisitor!
I second the "very well said," starting with "greatest book ever written."
What a thoroughly profound and inspiring review. I shall give this book a go in a few weeks. Thanks!
Read it at university decades ago but, even then, I was moved by it-definitely a book that is worth a second (and a third?) read
“A dense work of philosophy disguised as a simple murder mystery.” Brilliant. Wish I’d read this review and skipped the book. 😫
So pleased to read your review ... I am 47 pages in ... the tittle was recommended to me a few weeks ago and whilst I am unsure of what to expect from such a novel ... clearly it is more than a murder mystery ... I am looking forward to a good month or so with my life and mind wrapped up with Dostoyevsky and as said by you his masterpiece ..
Thank you for your review. I bought it today and your description has made me want to put down the book I’m reading now and start it. It’s good to know it has such depth so I will not beat myself up if it’s taking me longer to get through it. Thanks again!
Dostoyevsky must be genius for presenting these amazing novel three different views and type of people to one father ....every one has its journey and it's view of life ...brothers but Thier journeys logically will never interact with one another....but destoyevsky make the journeys one journey in an amazing dramatic end
I couldn't take it. I quit after getting 1/3 of the way through.
Thank you. Great review. Makes me wanna read it
I just began TBK after just finishing C&P. Dostoyevsky and Tolstoy captivate me.
Einstein called TBK the supreme ultimate of literary achievement. He also mentioned he learned more from it than any other book.
Great review, Rawley. I’m finding that I identify with your claim that it isn’t light reading and will take some time to get through. I’m actually listening to it rather than reading it. And although I’m very much enjoying the story, I do find myself rewinding quite often after realizing I “missed something”. I’ve been planning to reread/listen since practically the beginning. I have two different ideas and wanted to know if you have a preference or any thoughts one way or the other. Would you recommend I continue as I have been through the book, rewinding when necessary, and then read again (somewhat soon after)? Or....I’m about three quarters of the way through Part 2, so I considered finishing it, then starting the book over. Then, starting with Part 3, read each part twice before moving to the next. How would you recommend I proceed to get the most from this book?
PS, I’ve only started reading Dostoevsky’s work in the past few months and have found an instant love for his writing! I can’t wait to get my hands on everything he wrote!!
I just discovered that the copy I have and just finished reading is significantly abridged. I purchased it at a thrift store with no dust jacket and it doesn't say it's abridged. If I paid any attention to the headings I would have realized. Part 3 of book 9 comes right after part 3 of book 8! This explains why I felt so let down by the book. It felt like it was saying something great but I never really "got it". I even felt like Dostoevsky had let me down. So I took to the internet to figure out what it was I had missed and turns out The answer is a whole lot! Whole chapters unceremoniously abandoned without so much as a footnote! The one consolation is that Dostoevsky didn't let me down this infernal abridged copy did. Anyway I'm trying to decide whether to buy a copy and just read the parts I missed or start all over. I'm inclined to start at the beginning but I don't know which translation to purchase kind of think I want to listen to an audiobook. I'll get through it faster that way. I'd love some advice on which translation to go for.
I'm about a month in and 600 pages Into the 950 in my version (by ignat avsey). The last book I read was about 3 years ago. And nothing remotely comparable to this...on any level. I honestly feel the book is beyond me, I dont feel like am able to absorb the depth that it contains, which is why I will probably read it again, and maybe again after that....it is incredible. It reveals the human condition in a way that astounds me, dostoyevsky describes humanity on so many levels in 3 brothers, completely opposite. I belive we can all relate to all of them on some level. This book has made me laugh, cry and become Infuriated. I think about it when I'm not reading it. Waiting to get back in.
I finished it for the second time through 11 days😋 (quarantined)
you refered it took you a month, i now realise checking my internet history that i read the book in 12 days, because it was so page turning for me... must i feel that i didnt grasp the full meaning because such a fast reading
I agree. I thought i can finish it for 7 days but it took me one whole month. It was so deep to understand and inevitably one of best books that has ever written.
i can’t agree more with the reviewthis is indeed the best book ever written
i couldn’t put it down at times, and at times i wouldn’t wanna touch it as it disgusted me with the scenes in it
it’s philosophical, and practical at the same time
it’s captivating and thought-provoking and makes you love the life and people and humanity
it’s just so brilliant there is nothing else you can say about it
Dostoyevsky is my favourite writer, he’s very close to my heart, i love his understanding of a human soul and nature
Every thing you need to know about life is in Brothers Karamazov
