Crime and PunishmentRecommendations

Author:

Fyodor Dostoyevsky

About the book

"Crime and Punishment" by Fyodor Dostoyevsky is a must-read for anyone interested in the depths of the human psyche and the moral dilemmas that define our existence. This novel, often regarded as one of the greatest works of literature, delves into the life of Raskolnikov, a former student who believes he is above the law. As he grapples with guilt and redemption, readers are taken on a profound journey that explores themes of morality, justice, and the consequences of one's actions. Dostoyevsky's rich character development and philosophical insights invite readers to reflect on their own values and beliefs, making it a timeless piece that resonates across generations.The book has been recommended by a diverse group of influential figures, including authors, entrepreneurs, and media personalities. Notable names such as Shane Parrish, Mark Zuckerberg, and Gwyneth Paltrow highlight the broad appeal of this classic. Many of the recommenders are prominent leaders and thinkers in their fields—authors and entrepreneurs—indicating that "Crime and Punishment" resonates particularly with those who grapple with complex ideas about ethics and human behavior. Their collective endorsement suggests that the book's exploration of profound moral questions makes it a valuable read for those striving to understand the intricacies of the human experience.

The two years before he wrote Crime and Punishment (1866) had been bad ones for Dostoyevsky. His wife and brother had died; the magazine he and his brother had started, Epoch, collapsed under its load of debt; and he was threatened with debtor's prison. With an advance that he managed to wangle for an unwritten novel, he fled to Wiesbaden, hoping to win enough at the roulette table to get himself out of debt. Instead, he lost all his money; he had to pawn his clothes and beg friends for loans to pay his hotel bill and get back to Russia. One of his begging letters went to a magazine editor, asking for an advance on yet another unwritten novel — which he described as Crime and Punishment.

One of the supreme masterpieces of world literature, Crime and Punishment catapulted Dostoyevsky to the forefront of Russian writers and into the ranks of the world's greatest novelists. Drawing upon experiences from his own prison days, the author recounts in feverish, compelling tones the story of Raskolnikov, an impoverished student tormented by his own nihilism, and the struggle between good and evil. Believing that he is above the law, and convinced that humanitarian ends justify vile means, he brutally murders an old woman — a pawnbroker whom he regards as "stupid, ailing, greedy…good for nothing."

Overwhelmed afterwards by feelings of guilt and terror, Raskolnikov confesses to the crime and goes to prison. There he realizes that happiness and redemption can only be achieved through suffering. Infused with forceful religious, social, and philosophical elements, the novel was an immediate success.