I always remember this line from the very end of the book: "Ah children, ah, dear friends, do not be afraid of life! How good life is when you do something good and rightful!" I think that sums up the book pretty well. It also sums up a good life pretty well too.
I see Alyosha as the personification of heaven, he is motivated by helping, he's kind and prone to sacrifice himself for the good of the people. Dimitry meanwhile is the hell on Earth not because he's evil but because he's a puppet of his own passions and morbid ways of thinking that leads him to ruin himself and everything he touches. Ivan represents the humankind full of words of wisdom, and appealing philosophy, the great inquisitor etc, but he's empty of love and compassion, he's like everyone else full of pride and at the same time full of doubts, he is a living existential crisis and by far the most appealing and interesting character. The conversation in the tavern between Alyosha and Ivan is probably the very best part of the book. BTW I think it is wrong to call it a "novel". Is pretty much a cryptic writing about the fundamentals of human existence, society and even theology. Not for everyone for sure. It has even terror parts when Ivan Karamazov is tormented by the devil, who apparently is his own conscience. Smerdiakov is a kind of condemned soul and there's no redemption for him, because he doesn't believe anymore in anything and is a kind of warning about what would happen to a society like that.
I’ve read the book when I was at the university (about 17 years ago). I think this is my favorite book among all I’ve read. Thanks a lot to remind me that book.
This was awesome! I am just about ready to start reading this book...The way you speak of books is insightful and you really have a grasp of what makes classics so "classic'. Bravo!
I put this off for a long time because I am an atheist and I knew that this was a book that was concerned in no small part with religion as written by a person who was himself religious. What I found when I finally read it is a brilliant perspective on many different and still relevant topics, but also a take on various aspects of Christianity that granted me a newfound empathy and respect for religious people. Having grown up in the US I always associated Christianity with the blind and robotic faith, the prejudice and the baseless arrogance of the religious people I grew up around, but this gave me a different outlook. It didn’t change anything about my own epistemological approach to reality, but in delving into the spirituality of a person who remained faithful and yet invited the ideas of the enlightenment to shake his own foundations granted me so many insights into the moral and philosophical quandaries of non-secular societies, which in turn shed so much light on who we are now and the nature of the eras which preceded us.
When I was in high school and college, Crime and Punishment was my favorite Dostoyevsky novel (or maybe my favorite novel overall). As I got into my 30s, Karamazov took over that title. I'm not sure how much age has to do with that, but I think it's at least a little bit.
I've always thought that if there were only two books I could choose as 'the best, must reads', they would be 'Huckleberry Finn' and 'The Brothers Karamazov'. They're two of the most practical, yet spiritual books written.
Reading this novel was one of my unacomplished goals each new year. Finally, this year i started reading the first day of January and it took me less than three weeks to read it completely. It became with "Dangerous Liaisons" from Choderlos de Laclos ,"Pedro Páramo" from Juan Rulfo and "The Kingdom of this World" from Alejo Carpentier, the four best novels I´ve read in my (pretty long) life. I´m also an atheist, but , as you very well explained the debate about good and evil is relevant for all human beings. Furthermore, as a "rusophile", I find this work an extraordinary revealing document of "a country with souls...and not very at ease with both of them". Of the various reviews I´ve seen of this novel, yours is, the most appealing. Thanks
Thanks for summarizing the book. I'm a fan of all of Dostoyevsky's books. I appreciate the psychology underlying all his works, which emphasizes human suffering. You did an awesome job with your storytelling and commentary.
I want to read this book but I think I’m too young. I’m 14 and I feel like I won’t be able to finish reading it over the summer. Maybe when I’m older in a couple of years but one day I will read it!
Hey, I am so sorry for taking so long to respond. Don't fret! Some of my favorite books I knew I was not ready at the time for and returned to years later and were probably better because of my doing so. This is a very wise book, and it's very beautiful and interesting, if you do wind up reading it, I'd love to hear your thoughts.
its_n if you are interested in reading Dostoyvesky, i suggest you start with Crime and Punishment before you read Karamazov Brothers. Also, Notes on Underground is also a good choice too.
I read it at age 16 and I liked it as much or more than Charles Dickens. You should just read it ASAP, then again in 5 to 10 years. It will make you smarter.
The best review about this book so far. This book really tormented me and healed me at the same time, and part of the is probably what you mentioned, there's a lot of contrast in the book about the suffering and salvation. Thanks for the beautiful review.
I took on "The Karamazov Brothers" now, and no regret. It's really very appealing. I am reading everyday, and I cannot wait to come back for more - it's that appealing. This is my first Russian classics, perhaps once I finish this one, after a pause, I will read Turgenev, some Tolstoy (that's the plan). Before "The Karamazov Brothers" I read "Madam Bovary " by Flaubert. This one was a real treat. From the few first lines you know that that's a masterpiece. So now there was a good time to bring some balance as those two authors are quite different in style and the way of conveying the messages and emotions. (I am not saying one is better then the other, just the style is different.) Greetings from London!🙋🏼♀️🇵🇱🇬🇧❤️
I read Doystoyevsky (Brothers) and loved it when I was 20. My comparative lit professor at the time told me correctly that I’d love Tolstoy as much when I got older (War and Peace). I still remember Aloysha and Ivan’s conversation all these years later. Dostoyevsky is more psychological. Tolstoy is more spiritual, and has great observations on human nature.
That video is relaxing.. and it felt I’m in presence with you, talking in front of me. You seem a great storyteller. Have you considered being storyteller?
Hi there, thanks for the review. I just finished reading the book. During reading and after reading, I have a question hovering in my head: can one love humanity like Alyosha does without the power of faith? Do people have that kind of strength? As you’ve mentioned you are an atheist, I’m very curious of what you think. I am an agnostic who has tried to have a faith but later decided I cannot believe on a philosophical level. But thinking back, I find myself more prone to hatefulness than my Christian days... maybe one just doesn’t have the strength to “love your enemies” without believing in God?
I think love and mercy know no denomination, but doctrine certainly can help. I think there's many people that see Jesus as an example but are not religious, but I'm maybe not best qualified to answer your question. I just really loved the book, and Alyosha, too.
I read this book because I'm a fan of Flannery O'Connor and she spoke so highly of Dostoevsky herself. So I knew I would probably enjoy it, but I had no idea it would become one of my favorite books of all time. I was surprised at the humor in it as well--there were scenes that were literally laugh-out-loud funny.
The Brothers Karamazov is one of my favourite books. I have also read and greatly enjoyed Dostoyevsky's Crime & Punishment and Devils as well. The latter was a particularly irresistible dark psychological thriller and satirical black comedy exploring the theme of nihilism plus the follies of socialism/Progressivism, gynocentrism (essentially the cult of female virtue, victimhood and importance: feminism is simply an extreme manifestation of gynocentrism) and radical individualism (cult of the individual). When it comes to the classics, Dostoyevsky is my favourite author, along with Kafka. As far as I'm concerned, both The Brothers Karamazov and Crime & Punishment are books that serve as 'an axe for the frozen ocean inside of us', to use Kafka's words.
I didn't watch all of your video because I haven't read it & want to go in blind as could be. This series sounds like it's going to be a pretty awesome one, I'll have to follow along. I notice Imagined Communities on your shelf, very cool. 😃 It's awesome to meet another fan of classics & dusty books. Will you make a video that shares a bit of your background? Hugs & welcome to booktube! ☺️
Thank you so much! I really like your channel, I stumbled on it the other day and you have so many videos I'm looking forward to watching. I really appreciate the welcome and kind words - it's a little slow going at first but hopefully my quick classics reviews will inspire some people to read some great dusty books :)
I read this book two years ago, it's my favourite of all time. I came across this amazing documentary called Almost Holy recently. The main character in it was massively inspired by this book, I highly recommend it
Nicole, I think that was a pretty good summary and review of a book that is among the most profound influences in my life. Thank you. We see Dmitri, Ivan and unfortunately Alyosha less frequently, in our day to day lives. Somebody has commented on your using the 'you knows' once too often. I do find it irritating/distracting but would nowhere near consider it as disrespecting your listeners! I think you should work on getting over using it.
I haven't related to anyone more than how you described Dimitri. I'm trying to read 52 books this year, so far I've been successful. This is in my shelf and I think I'm reading it next, I should finish Fight Club tonight.
I just finished Dostoevsky's Idiot and I liked it very much. A year back I started with crime and punishment but only read few hundred pages and didn't continue. So I decided to read it from the beginning, however I do my reading on phone with PDF file. But after having seen your review I thought I should go for Brothers Karamazov first. So my question is should I go for crime and punishment or Karamazov?
Well, one note: be sure to go with Pevear and Volokonsky's translation if you want my opinion. Crime and Punishment is another great book, but I haven't read it since high school, and I definitely liked The Brothers Karamazov more and it's considered his best. It takes a bit to take off, so you have to kind of hang in there, but I found it one of the most rewarding reads I've ever experienced. Let me know what you wound up doing and thank you for viewing!
Nice video. I can't wait to read this book, I constantly hear mentions of it in some books and yt videos, so I'm really excited to read another book from Dostoyevsky.
Most Russian novels by Dostoevsky,Tolstoy etc are very long. Infact,most Russian novels are too long ! I know that one can the same about Dickens,but the difference is we can remember most of his character'snames where's Russian names are a bit confusing....one person maybe referred to by various names. Anyway,I read all the Dostoevsky novels and two stick out as the best: Crime and Punishment and the other The Brothers Karamasov. I picked up TBK to read again after a few years and found it very deep and philosophical ,much more so than when I was 17 years old! It is truly a great book. I particularly love Alyosha"a "diary about Father Zissima ;not forgetting the famous The Grand Inquisitor. There are a number of people who say " This book is all about religion", but that is not all its about. If you think so then treat those parts discussing religion as philosophical discussions and ask your own questions. If there is one book that must be in Must Read Books then this one is one which should not be missed. All the Best from GB.
Hello, Nicole. I would like to have a suggestion from you. I finished reading 'Notes from Underground' & 'Crime and Punishment'. What should I take up next? 'Demons' or 'The Brothers Karamazov'?
I think I'll re-read it sometime. The first time i read it I took 3 months. There was something very deep about it, but I could not pin it, or at least articulate well. Maybe I'm a little wiser now and can pick more from it.
Hey Nicol, The P&V version of the book is unavailable currently on amazon for last few weeks(in my country India) , so which version should i pick - the Garnett(which i heard is tough to read) one or the McDuff(Penguin Classics) one... Or should i wait patiently for the P&V version to be available.?? Please Let me know... And keep up the good job that you are doing... Hope you get 1 million subscribers some day soon.❤😊👍👍
Thanks Shuvo! I have not read other translations of this book, but do not recommend Garnett. She did an amazing thing by single-handedly translating most of the Russian Canon first and bringing it to an English reading audience, however her work has been much improved upon. I would recommend waiting for the P&V translation or looking further into what people have to say about McDuff. This is a very special book, and you are right to be careful about translations. Thanks for watching, take care!
Excellent review, but sad to hear that you're an atheist. Actually, I don't believe in atheism, since everyone worships something, i.e., everyone lives by some ultimate rule, even if it's their own brain. So glad to have found Christ as my Saviour and source of lasting JOY. Why not embrace the one Dostoyevsky is pointing you to? Thanks again!
I think it's a good thing you have found a faith that makes you passionate, but I would argue that it seems Dostoevsky struggled with his faith for much of his life. The world is vast and teeming with people, and part of what makes us special is our diversity in world views, opinions, and beliefs.
I really enjoyed and agreed with much of your take on this novel. It's sad to see the rejection of classic russian art by contemporary people due to the actions of the modern russian state, and I hope they get inspired to at least give it a try after watching videos such as these.
I truly respect Garnett for what she did. She was a one man show in translating the Russian canon for English-speaking readers, she first gave us the chance to read these wonderful books, but her translations have been improved upon.
@@thepearlreview9236 I also respect her for that, really. It may be because of "TRANSLITERATION" that the use of language in her edition sounds unusual or even weird for a typical English speaker.
One of the arguments I use talking with atheist is we both agree that the world isn’t as it ought to be. If not for police your neighbors would break in and steal or kill if there were no consequences. Atheist accept the notion there is no heaven no afterlife and accept that “downer” and yes it’s a downer. But when it comes to the fact humans are horrendous beings the atheist pulls out his/her atheist bible and speaks of love kindness goodwill and self fulfillment. All the while paying police to keep other humans from killing them practically everywhere they go. Because without the fear of punishment murder would be rampant you couldn’t go outdoors. But the atheist silences all that sound reason and thumbs through a pie in the sky notion of humanity. Great faith
776 pages! I like your video as I am searching around to get those who have actually read it, their tone of the book. I too have read all 776 pages and could not wait to put it down. Perhaps everything is not for every person but it was required reading in my grad program. You and many commenters here seen to really enjoy the text. For me there was not enough "push and pull." Everyone seem to have an agenda as to how they could impede or manipulate their next fellow persons. And the poor (sympathy not monetary) Alyosha, seem to have everyones issues dumped into his lap as he runs around wild eyed-ly chasing after the elder. At one point I almost thought that Smerdyakov was smart but OMG did he turn out not to be...Any who, I love to read and at one time I would say that I would read almost anything, and still feel this way but looking at it more of or from a "side-eye" point of view. Keep creating the videos!
Did a huge exhale when you said you were an atheist. As an atheist myself, it made me a bit uncomfortable to realize how religious Dostoevsky was. If I'm being honest, it really colors my interpretation and enjoyment of his work in a negative way. With that being said, what I think is so great about Dostoyevsky though is that the ambiguity of his text (i.e. "Without god all things are permitted") can shift the message of the book entirely whether you are an atheist or a religious person. It's not preachy or judgmental the way religious texts are generally written and it has given me a greater empathy for people whose values are fundamentally different than mine. And while I will never understand how someone so intelligent and pragmatic as Dostoeyevsky could ever fall for the lie that is religion, i'll admit that this novel has made me (marginally) less ignorant towards non-secular points of view. One of my favorite novels without question.
Dostoevsky was brought up in a deeply religious home, his grandfather I think was a priest. He struggled with his faith throughout his life, and Ivan might even be somewhat based on him, though maybe not his theories. Ivan is a brilliant person who has such strong feelings and difficulties with religion, I can't help but think that this was a personal subject for the author. As an atheist I find that I must try to understand from his perspective, as a man born in Russia in the 19th century. He is one of my favorite figures in history, and I can empathize with your difficulty in understanding his point of view and feelings on the subject. I'm glad you enjoyed the novel as much as I did.
@@MargaritaMagdalena Your capacity for unwavering faith in something that is not real makes me uncomfortable, yes. But it's definitely more of a pitying feeling rather than an uneasy feeling.
i love the line of thinking that this book initiates. but i always found things to be a bit narrow in scope. i mean, understand that God is, theoretically, something infinitely more intelligent and complex than you. i'm agnostic. but the doubts people always present about God are not logical doubts. how can one even begin to comprehend how God should act, what actions he/she/it should prevent, or how she should intercede. it just seems like an illogical approach to talking with God to a large degree. one approach might be to play a different kind of chess with God on a completely subjective board. express your genuinely blocked avenue and talk about why this is the case with her. if you are meeting with circumstances that you feel are genuinely impossible, in a way in which your soul simply couldn't remain in tact for you to handle, this flimsy case would even be a better argument against God than trying to use your preconceived notions about God's objective attributes. perhaps ask her to help you find a way to meet this in your head; to eliminate your cognitive dissonance and help you to be creative with regards to your agency and helping others. again, how is your little inappropriate conception attempting to properly identify, "God?" what tiny little box are you placing her in and what facts support this designation (subjectively or objectively. both are valid pov when talking about God)? why do you think God should be absolutely relegated to behaving in your preconceived way? do you know exactly what would happen should God behave in your prescribed way, in every regard (to weigh against the current shape of events)? if not, it isn't a good argument for an alternative prerogative.
I'm not so sure about good, but Dostoevsky's material is very easy to adapt given how dramatic and plot driven his work can be. I think my main point had been that though Brothers Karamazov may be a long read, knowing that the book has momentum can be reassuring if you're debating dedicating the time to reading it.
I read it when I was 12, after Crime and Punishment. I started to read a lot of classics when I was 11 because I had nothing else to do, and didn't like any of those, especially Les Miserables. However, Crime and Punishment really struck me like the book I can connect to, and then I read Brothers Karamazov. As far as I can recall, I didn't understand 1% of the book (I still don't understand more than 5% of it, and I am 33), not because the language is complex, but because the issue tackled in the book is too complex unless you are incredibly well versed in philosophy, literature, psychology, and theology probably to understand what was going through Dostoevsky, as otherwise, one might give the book an unfair explanation. However, this does not mean 12-13 shouldn't read it at all! In fact, one of the marvels of the book is that you don't need to understand it completely to be drawn into it. A random character might come up, say something that you have been thinking about for years, and then never to be seen again in the book. This is why I find it so rewarding to read, as every detail you notice uncover something either hidden in your heart, or something you didn't notice before, and you feel differently afterward. That is why I agree with the "healing" properties, especially after reading Crime and Punishment.
Hey Brad, I have thought of reviewing this one before, I read it several years ago but had mixed feelings about the book at the time. Have you read it?
thepearlreview Yes. To me, it is the most readable of D’s books. I love the story and characters. It is a page turner. My issue with Demons is that I don’t like any of the characters; while I like most of the characters in the Idiot. The part with Ippolit (sp) is my least favorite and bogged the book down a bit; notwithstanding Ippolit, I love “The Idiot.” The Brothers is no doubt his best work, but the Idiot is my most enjoyed read. (The first part of C and P is riveting, while the ending is a bit thin-my opinion.) Ha! Sorry for such a windy answer!
I definitely remember feeling really empathetic towards the prince in this one, I have debated rereading The Idiot and will try to let you know if I do.
thepearlreview ok. Thank you. I found it incredibly interesting. But, these things are subjective for sure. I’d love to hear what you get out of the book. I love: the Prince, Natasha , Aglaya, Evengy, Lizvetta, Rhogozhin, Koyla, Varvara, etc... (sp). Found them interesting and likable, warts and all.
One of the most overestimated writers of all time. Really? What can one say about Aliosa's theological discussions with a 13 year old boy? What can one think about the ending of Brothers Karamazov, where Aliosa together with some pre-adolescent children (!) are happy and celebrate the coming of Last Judgement Day!... Seriously? Is this suppose to be good literature? In Dostoevsky there is always the following concept: All "good" guys get to be rewarded and all "bad" guys either commit suicide or go to prison or get crazy. Ivan Karamazov, the one that could have saved Dmitri's, his brother's, life, gets crazy one day before the court! And why? Because he is the "atheist" of the novel! Excuse me, but is there anything more p r e d i c t a b l e in whole literature? Do you want your literature to be predictable in that silly way? How can a healthy human mind accept this forced and totally disgusting solution? This is the most horrible, boring and kitsch author out there. Not even his language has anything to offer! Please, read him anew; don't let yourself repeating "what the world is saying". Fortunately, there are at last some critical voices on Dostoevsky on YT. One can find them.
Just like you to stop saying 'you know' far too often it shows disrespect for your listeners that you haven't written out or thought out in advance what you really want to communicate about this book..but pleased you want to share your approval of this great work..
Actually I usually spend several days thinking about what I want to say; I'd rather not waste anyone's time. I admit that verbal pauses are difficult for me to get rid of even after thinking things through, but in my later videos, I've narrated them and have been able to edit them out almost entirely.
