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The Best Short Stories of Fyodor Dostoevsky

fyodor dostoevsky david magarshack

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This collection, unique to the Modern Library, gathers seven of Dostoevsky's key works and shows him to be equally adept at the short story as with the novel. Exploring many of the same themes as in his longer works, these small masterpieces move from the tender and romantic White Nights, an archetypal nineteenth-century morality tale of pathos and loss, to the famous Notes from the Underground, a story of guilt, ineffectiveness, and uncompromising cynicism, and the first major work of existential literature. Among Dostoevsky's prototypical characters is Yemelyan in The Honest Thief, whose tragedy turns on an inability to resist crime. Presented in chronological order, in David Magarshack's celebrated translation, this is the definitive edition of Dostoevsky's best stories.

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 1,1877

This edition

Format
320 pages, Paperback
Published
February 13, 2001 by Modern Library
ISBN
9780375756887
ASIN
0375756884
Language
English

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About the author

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fyodor dostoevsky

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Фёдор Михайлович Достоевский (Russian)

Works, such as the novels Crime and Punishment (1866), The Idiot (1869), and The Brothers Karamazov (1880), of Russian writer Feodor Mikhailovich Dostoyevsky or Dostoevski combine religious mysticism with profound psychological insight.

Very influential writings of Mikhail Mikhailovich Bakhtin included Problems of Dostoyevsky's Works (1929),

Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky composed short stories, essays, and journals. His literature explores humans in the troubled political, social, and spiritual atmospheres of 19th-century and engages with a variety of philosophies and themes. People most acclaimed his Demons(1872) .

Many literary critics rate him of the greatest of world literature and consider multiple highly influential masterpieces. They consider his Notes from Underground of the first existentialist literature. He also well acts as a philosopher and theologian.

(Russian: Фёдор Михайлович Достоевский) (see also Fiodor Dostoïevski)

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Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 100 votes)
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28150199
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Masterpieces.

I initially had no intention of continuing my reading journey after going through White Nights and An Honest Thief. However, the allure was simply too strong to resist. These works were deeply moving, having the power to put me in a state of frenzy.

The emotions they evoked were intense and profound, making it impossible for me to walk away.

I am truly glad that Notes from the Underground is included in my reading list. Although it is a novella and not a short story like the previous ones, it holds its own charm and significance.

This piece offers a unique perspective and delves into the depths of the human psyche, captivating me from the very first page.

It has added another layer of richness to my literary exploration and has further enhanced my appreciation for the world of masterpieces.
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Melakias
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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As with most of what I've read by Dostoevsky, this short story collection mainly focuses on people with mental disorders. It is truly an excellent read, written beautifully, and delving deep into the psychology of these individuals. The most prominent example of this is the short story titled Notes From the Underground. In this story, the protagonist experiences fits of intense anger and acts impulsively. It is perhaps the best story in the book. Another favorite story of mine is White Nights. In this tale, the protagonist is a little less blatantly disturbed, yet he still has an issue. He is a young man who is so shy that he is unable to meet girls until an incident allows him to speak to a girl he is attracted to. This leads to a strange and short-lived friendship that ends badly for him, partly because of his own actions.


The collection as a whole offers a fascinating exploration of the human psyche, showing the various ways in which mental disorders can affect a person's life and relationships. Dostoevsky's writing is masterful, painting vivid pictures of these characters and their struggles. It makes the reader empathize with them and understand their inner turmoil. Whether it's the anger and impulsiveness of the protagonist in Notes From the Underground or the shyness and naivety of the protagonist in White Nights, each story offers a unique perspective on the human condition.


Overall, this short story collection is a must-read for anyone interested in psychology, literature, or the human experience. It is a powerful and thought-provoking work that will stay with you long after you've finished reading it.

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VKBoomsticks
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I truly loved Notes from the Underground and White Nights. These works had a profound impact on me. However, when it comes to A Gentle Creature, I think I need to mature a bit more to fully appreciate it. I still possess the kind of cheap generosity that lingers from my younger days.

The Dream of a Ridiculous Man, on the other hand, was quite the fascinating thought experiment. It seemed to be inflamed by the author's fervent beliefs in his later years. (Fyodor Dostoevsky - why did you have to libel Science??) Reading it felt somewhat like experiencing Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind on a timelapse. It was a unique and thought-provoking journey through different ideas and concepts. I look forward to exploring more of Dostoevsky's works as I continue to grow and develop as a reader.
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Ririka
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Well, I was rather exhausted by this book. Somehow I managed to struggle through to the very end. Actually, these are the first stories I've read by Dostoyevsky, and there are a total of 8 in this book. "Uncle's Dream," the one that I'm firmly convinced I liked the most, so if you ever come across my recommendation somewhere to read it. I think there are better short story writers, but for some reason I wanted to read this one specifically, so suddenly a certain desire emerged. There's everything in these stories, sadness, laughter, love, sudden changes in mood, a lot of inner musings, downfalls, hope... just everything.

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Bluegojoe
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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If one can overlook "White Nights", then this is indeed a flawless book.

"A gentle creature" and "The Honest thief" stand out as the best among its offerings.

"A gentle creature" tells a touching story that tugs at the heartstrings. It delves deep into the emotions and experiences of the characters, painting a vivid picture of their lives.

Similarly, "The Honest thief" is a captivating tale that explores themes of morality and redemption. The story keeps the reader engaged from start to finish, with its twists and turns.

Together, these two works make this book a must-read for anyone who appreciates great literature.

Despite the minor flaw of "White Nights", the overall quality of the book is undeniable. It offers a unique and engaging reading experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Whether you are a fan of short stories or simply looking for a good read, this book is well worth your time.
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byetanpopo
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I really struggled to get through Notes from the Underground. It was a tough read for me. However, I would highly recommend White Nights and A Gentle Creature. These two works will always remain in my memory.

His writing style is extremely verbose. At times, it can be so intense that it makes you lose the thread of the story, just like what happened to me with Notes from the Underground. But on the other hand, this verbosity can be quite useful. In White Nights, it helps to express the character's unconfidence, while in A Gentle Creature, it is used to depict an overconfident character.

Overall, I am glad that I read these works. But I still don't know if I could handle reading his novels. Maybe I need more time and patience to explore his literary world further.
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hope_assassin
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Personal preference plays a significant role in my reading choices. I don't have as much affinity for short stories as I do for other forms, mainly because I feel that I have less time to truly get to know the characters.

For some reason, I have an intense love for nature imagery. In "White Nights", the first short story in question, the opening line is simply gorgeous and perfect. It goes, "The sky was so bright and starry that when you looked at it the first question that came into your mind was whether it was really possible that all sorts of bad-tempered and unstable people could live under such a glorious sky."

Dostoyevsky truly understands what makes the written form special. In this age dominated by technology, authors don't need to focus on explosions or car chases. After all, these elements will never be as spectacular or breathtaking as they are in the movies. I freely admit to skimming through the shootout scene in "Goldfinch" and the bombing scene in "All The Light We Cannot See" because I know I can easily watch a "Fast and Furious" movie or "Dunkirk" whenever I want. Also, authors don't have to compete with poetry because songwriters can always enhance it with catchy melodies and verses.

When Taylor Swift sings, "Words: how little they mean, when you're a little too late," it's truly beautiful. However, when Wong Fu Productions says, "When people ask me what city I love the most, I say LA, the city where I loved the most," it's rather nauseating. I firmly believe that if the latter had added a beat and some guitar, it might have worked better.

This is where books truly shine. They are able to capture thoughts better than any other medium. While Scorsese does a good job with narration in his gangster movies, the images and music are often too distracting for the narration to have a lasting impact. And the beats and melodies of songs severely limit the expression of thoughts, making it nearly impossible to convey nuance. Just imagine trying to squeeze the complexities of "Huckleberry Finn" into a song or movie. It simply can't be done without completely destroying the essence of the story. And that's precisely what makes the book so great.

I'm growing increasingly tired of authors who mistake their screenplays for books. But Dostoyevsky has written true books. He disregards plot and thrilling action, focusing instead on delving deep into the psyches of his characters. We get to experience their lonely cynicism, their confusion in the face of a dead spouse, their gratitude towards friendly strangers, their despair at unrequited love, and their attempts to justify their own evil. Reading this collection felt like reading my own confessions. While many books allow you to escape into other worlds, here you have the unique opportunity to explore your own.

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Corpse_Crow
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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White Nights - 5/5


This story is truly a masterpiece. It takes the reader on a captivating journey through the emotions and dreams of the characters. The beautiful descriptions and the细腻的情感 portrayal make it a must-read.


An Honest Thief - 3.5/5


This tale has its own charm. Although not as perfect as some of the others, it still manages to engage the reader with its interesting plot and well-developed characters.


The Christmas Tree and a Wedding - 3.5/5


This story offers a unique perspective on love and marriage. The combination of the Christmas tree and the wedding creates a festive and heartwarming atmosphere.


The Peasant Marey - 3.5/5


This is a touching story that explores the relationship between a man and a peasant. The simple yet powerful narrative makes it a memorable read.


Notes from the Underground - 5/5


This is a profound and thought-provoking work. It delves deep into the human psyche and explores the themes of alienation, consciousness, and free will.


A Gentle Creature - 4/5


This story is a beautiful exploration of love and sacrifice. The gentle creature in the story is a symbol of purity and innocence, and her fate is both tragic and moving.


The Dream of a Ridiculous Man - 4.5/5


This is a fascinating story that blurs the lines between reality and dreams. The protagonist's journey through his dream world is both strange and enlightening, and it leaves the reader with much to思考.

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