Notes From Underground -Part 1 Jan 15-Jan 21

[Silver]

For discussing Part 1 of Notes from Underground by Fyodor Dostoyevsky. If you have not completed the first part of the book than be aware that spoilers may be posted here.

[Bigollo]

I read this book a couple of months ago. I liked it a lot. I am still trying to figure out why. (Not that I have to, it’s just fun to think about it). And I agree it is not an easy read, especially the first part, and hence hard to discuss. Maybe we could start with sharing quotes we found interesting? That way, as a bonus, we could compare different translations?

Many have noticed the interconnectedness of classical literature. Dostoyevsky responded with The Notes from Underground to Chernyshevsky’s What Is to Be Done. The latter had been a response to one Turgenev’s book etc.
All literature seems as everlasting dialogue among people about their condition. Skilled authors get that dialogue written for us. It’s so nice there are always people who can write:) And the dialogue is not just among Russians, it is international. Many have noticed, for instance, that in the very beginning of the ‘Notes’, the U Man says,

“… I never managed… to become anything: neither wicked nor good, neither a scoundrel nor an honest man, neither a hero nor an insect.”

Does this line remind you about another book, by another author, of a different nationality? Is it a coincidence? Or authors like to say hi to each other over borders and centuries?

[[deleted user]]

I have just started to read this book. I find it very different. I really don't know what to think about the book. Does the writer (not the author) just need someone to tell him to get over himself? Or is more going on? I'm sure that I will find out more as I read. After all I'm only on chapter 3 of part one. :)

[Margaret]

Jamie, I feel the same way, wondering what the heck? My approach is to go with the flow and not worry about why or who or what. Just saying that I am with you wondering but allowing myself not the need to understand. I found that this is so different from C&P.

[[deleted user]]

Margaret wrote: "Jamie, I feel the same way, wondering what the heck? My approach is to go with the flow and not worry about why or who or what. Just saying that I am with you wondering but allowing myself not the ..."

This is the only book so far that I have read of this author. I'm liking it but I'm still like what is going on. I have finished part one and I still don't know what is going one. But the book does make you think. :)

[Margaret]

Part II is a definite pick-up and then you'll want to go back to part I to get some connection.