I had been eagerly anticipating the opportunity to read some of Dostoyevsky's short stories, as I was more acquainted with his novels. So, I am delighted to state that I was not let down, and I thoroughly relished this collection!

First and foremost, from an organizational standpoint, I highly valued the editor's decision to arrange the stories chronologically. In this manner, one can observe Dostoyevsky's evolution as a writer throughout his lifetime. It is truly captivating to see which themes underwent changes and which ones endured in each of the pieces.

I don't have the time to write about every story, but I will offer my thoughts on a few that had the most profound impact on me. I was deeply impressed by Dostoyevsky's forward-thinking stance in "A Christmas Tree and a Wedding." Despite the brevity of the story, it has a great deal to convey. With a satirical tone, the piece critiques several conventions of 19th-century society, most notably the coercion of young girls into marriages for the sake of wealth and power. Dostoyevsky portrays the girl's intended fiancé as an extremely shady character who literally calculates the interest that the girl's dowry will accrue in the next few years. Just like a man wagering on a racehorse, he tallies up the sum that his "winnings" will amount to by the time the unfortunate young lady turns 16 and marries him. Such blatant contempt on Dostoyevsky's part for this practice must have caused quite a stir in its day!

The most prevalent theme in the later stories of this collection is one of Dostoyevsky's favorites, namely the need for compassion among human beings. In "A Gentle Creature," the lack of understanding and sympathy between people is shown to have devastating consequences. And most powerfully in "The Dream of a Ridiculous Man," Dostoyevsky vividly illustrates how an increasingly individualistic society leads to war, suffering, and an inability to remember that we are not so dissimilar from one another. These issues resonate just as strongly today as they did when Dostoyevsky wrote about them, and perhaps there is a reason why the Russians refer to him as a prophet.

Perhaps the most poignant passage in this book is from "The Dream of a Ridiculous Man": "I have beheld it and know that people can be happy and beautiful without losing their ability to live on earth. I will not and cannot believe that evil is the normal condition among men. And yet they all laugh at this faith of mine. But how can I help believing it?" (284).

I believe this encapsulates Dostoyevsky's philosophy remarkably well, and it is the reason why he will always be my favorite author. Because regardless of how much cruelty he witnessed and endured, he still firmly believed in the inherent goodness of humanity. And he didn't care if others labeled such a mindset as naïve, because it was the only way he knew how to live.

I think I'm about ready to give up on reading classic literature. It seems that every time I pick up a classic, I'm faced with a narrative voice that is just as irritating as the many long diversions that ruined "The Brothers Karamazov" for me. In that book, the author went on and on about the evils of atheism and the character of the Russian peasant, which felt like a never-ending tangent. Now, in this new work I'm reading, it's no better. The author is addressing the reader directly and ascribing annoying straw man arguments to "you" just so he can rant about the laws of nature and determinism. I keep wondering if it will ever improve and actually develop some plot. Should I give up now or keep going in the hope that it will get better?

If you are like me and have not read any prior Dostoevsky, this book of seven of his short stories is a great place to start.

Each story is engaging, relatively short and told in a similar style. Usually, it features a male narrator who is troubled, lonely, intelligent and narcissistic.

The longest and I think most famous story in the collection is also the most rewarding: Notes from the Underground.

In that story, the narrator is a 40-year-old misanthrope. He is very intelligent and knows it, but he is also loathsome, vain and over-sensitive, and he knows this too.

The underground man secludes himself from others with only books, but occasionally he emerges to experience real life.

He tells us he is oppressed by a memory from 16 years earlier, and so begins a sort of confession that is at once horrifying and revealing of human nature. Through the narration, we are invited to enter the mind of a man whom we ought to despise for his narcissism and cruelty, especially toward Lisa, a young prostitute whom he seeks to utterly demoralize and humiliate (notably only with words). He acts from a twisted motive of wanting to inflict pain on her because he himself had had his pride injured at a dinner party among friends earlier that night.

As contemptible as the underground man is, we are fascinated by his character because we see in it a reflection of our own natures.

Don’t we all live in our heads at times? Aren’t we all guilty of self-absorption? Don’t we all suffer by our thoughts and struggle to control our inner voice that fills us with self-doubt? Don’t we all struggle to cope with real life, to get along in the world? Don’t we all need to blow off steam when slighted or humiliated, and doesn’t this affect how we treat the next person we encounter?

The underground man is a magnifying glass for our consciousness, the part of human nature that sets us apart from other animals but is equally the source of so much pain and suffering. The underground man lives only in his consciousness – seldom in the society of others – and perhaps this is to remind us that though we can escape other people we cannot run away from ourselves.

Dostoevsky is very skeptical of science and rationality as a panacea and draws attention through his writing and characters to the unlovely parts of human nature: our passion for destruction and chaos, our perennial ingratitude, our desire to tyrannize and feel morally superior to others.

Having been thus introduced to Dostoevsky, I look forward to reading some of his longer works.

Here are my thoughts on some of the short stories in this collection.

White Nights
I adored this early short story by Dostoevsky. It might not possess the same level of inward exploration as his later works, yet it is a captivating romance. Such stories tend to be more poignant when the reader can draw parallels with their own experiences. With recent heartbreak, even a story that doesn't precisely mirror yours can cause a sting. However, while these fictional stings might smart, they don't inflict lasting wounds. In this way, we can encounter the pain we dread and learn to manage it.

The Peasant Marey
This story is so brief that it is nearly flash fiction. It is a single moment frozen in memory. One simple act of kindness by a peasant farmer is recalled years later as a grown man stands in a prison yard. It is effortless to be kind, but impossible to fathom how that kindness might influence someone. Like candy, this story is a source of delight.

Notes from the Underground
As one of Dostoevsky's most renowned works, I was eager to read it, but was ultimately a bit disappointed. The quote on the book's cover, "Dostoevsky, the only psychologist from whom I had something to learn." - Nietzsche, is rather pretentious. I'm not surprised that philosophers favored Dostoevsky, as this short story reads more like philosophy than a narrative. There is a story to be discovered here, but it's not light beach reading. Unfortunately for me, I did take it to the beach, and then Nietzsche, way up above, sent rain clouds and damaged my book! That's true, and I didn't care for this story. Next!

A Gentle Creature
This is undoubtedly my favorite. I loved this story. With each page, the characters unfolded like grotesque blooming flowers. The story began with the intriguing premise of a pawnbroker falling in love (sort of) with a customer who is clearly facing hard times. Dostoevsky then skillfully reveals the backstory of each of our main characters. This story offers such a profound look into the unhappy, possessive souls who marry and then create their own misery.

One aspect of these stories that was strikingly evident to me was the absence of the female perspective. I don't mean this in a feminist sense; rather, there were excellent female characters, and I was often desperate to see inside their minds, to know what they were thinking as well. I admire what Dostoevsky is capable of achieving with narrative, and I wish I could read his original Russian. Maybe someday, who knows?

White Nights: 5/5

This story is a beautiful exploration of love and longing. The characters' emotions are vividly描绘, and the atmosphere of the white nights adds a touch of mystery and romance.

The Honest Thief: 3/5

It presents an interesting moral dilemma. The thief's actions and the consequences that follow make for a thought-provoking read. However, some aspects of the story could have been developed further.

The Christmas Tree and a Wedding: 4/5

This piece combines elements of celebration and sadness. The description of the Christmas tree and the wedding is detailed and engaging, but the overall tone could have been more consistent.

The Peasant Marey: 5/5

It is a powerful and moving story that showcases the author's ability to create complex and relatable characters. The relationship between the narrator and Marey is heartwarming and leaves a lasting impression.

Notes from Underground: 5/5

This is a classic work that delves deep into the human psyche. The narrator's ramblings and self-reflections are both disturbing and fascinating, making it a must-read for anyone interested in psychology and philosophy.

A Gentle Creature: 3/5

The story has a tragic and poignant quality, but it also feels a bit rushed in some parts. The characters could have been more fully developed to enhance the emotional impact.

The Dream of a Ridiculous Man: 5/5

It is a profound and visionary tale that challenges the reader's beliefs and价值观. The dream sequence is both vivid and symbolic, and the message it conveys is both timely and timeless.

Overall, these works offer a diverse range of themes and styles, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. They are a testament to the author's talent and creativity and are well worth reading for anyone interested in Russian literature.

I've delayed long enough, and must sadly admit that for now, this was a DNF.

Notes from the Underground is what did me in. I was thoroughly enjoying the stories up to that point, especially White Nights. It was like a breath of fresh air, captivating my attention from the very beginning.

However, when it came to the Underground narrator, his endless circumlocution failed to grab me. It felt as if he was going around in circles, never really getting to the point.

Maybe I'll read Crime and Punishment (again), hoping that it will reignite my passion for Dostoevsky's works. Then, with a full head of steam, I'll come back and give this another try. I'm still hopeful that I'll be able to appreciate the depth and complexity that this book has to offer.

I'm not sure if this is simply a poor translation or if my feelings towards Dostoyevsky have changed. I once adored "Notes from Underground" (oh, how miserable I must have been! Forgive my youthful gloom and despondency), but now all I perceive is a strange nastiness that I find rather unappealing. I have matured beyond the pessimistic mindset and sometimes find the style rather tiresome. Nevertheless, some of his ideas still hold true: our consciousness can be overbearing; we spend more time in dreams than in actual life. But to label this collection as his "best" short stories when several are rather insignificant and dull is false advertising. However, I'm glad to have read "The Dream of a Ridiculous Man", which is a positive exception to an otherwise soul-crushing and arrogant negativity.

White Nights - 2.5
The Honest Thief - 0.5
The Christmas Tree and a Wedding - 0.5
The Peasant Marey - 0.5
Notes from Underground - 1.5
A Gentle Creature - 0.5 - 1
The Dream of a Ridiculous Man - 3.5 - 4

White Nights : 5/5
This work is truly outstanding. It captivates the reader from start to finish with its engaging story and well-developed characters. The atmosphere it creates is both enchanting and mysterious.

The Honest Thief : 4.5/5
A very good piece. The concept of an honest thief is quite unique and interesting. The story unfolds in a way that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat.

The Christmas Tree and a Wedding : 2/5
This one, unfortunately, falls a bit short. The plot seems rather单薄 and fails to fully engage the reader.

The Peasant Marey : 4/5
A solid work. The portrayal of the peasant Marey is vivid and realistic. The story delves into the human psyche in an interesting way.

Notes From the Underground : 5/5
Another masterpiece. This work is deep and thought-provoking. It challenges the reader's perceptions and makes them reflect on various aspects of life.

A Gentle Creature : 3.5/5
A decent effort. The story has its moments, but it also feels a bit uneven at times.

The Dream of a Ridiculous Man : 5/5
This is a remarkable piece. The dream sequence is both奇幻 and profound. It leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

full review coming soon

This Russian writer, to me, is the epitome of a "tortured artist". It is palpable in each and every one of his books and stories. He appears to long for a transcendence of his life and times that reality simply refuses to grant him. The overall impression is that of a man whose brilliant intelligence and highly attuned consciousness are both a source of inspiration and a curse. Time and again, he描绘出一个感觉自己像局外人的男人的形象，不仅与他所处时代的政治氛围疏离且格格不入，而且在与一般人相处时也存在困难，他似乎在觉得人们乏味愚蠢和将他们浪漫化到有些荒谬的程度之间摇摆不定。他与女性的关系充满了过度的情感、令人窒息的情感需求、不信任和冲突。也许他就像一部失控的俄罗斯单人肥皂剧，但我得到的印象是，即使他的脆弱吸引了某些女性，他也是一个令人疲惫且可能像吸血鬼一样的浪漫伴侣。他的角色聪明且善于观察，但也充满了焦虑、忧郁和内疚。（尤其是在《地下室手记》中，有时候我会厌倦他冗长的赘述，但总体来说他的节奏还算不错。）所有这些因素结合在一起，造就了充满激情和情绪化的故事，而这本书在这方面表现得淋漓尽致。尽管很容易认为这个男人是一位成功的作家，他确实也是，但他也一直被贫困所困扰。不幸的是，他沉迷于赌博，这让他一直处于艰难的境地。这就是从这些故事中得到的印象，一个要么深陷于自己在经济和情感稳定方面的挣扎的“地下室”中的男人，要么是一个渴望着现实世界，尤其是在他所处的时代和地点无法提供给他的精神乌托邦的男人。他的写作对他来说一定是最具治疗性的，因为他的哲学和社会分析的天性似乎无休止地困扰着他。你不禁会喜欢上这个人；这些故事既精彩绝伦、又悲伤忧郁、令人不安，同时还美丽动人。书中几乎每一页都闪耀着他的激情。这是我第三次涉足这位作家汹涌澎湃的作品之海，他是一个值得珍藏的作家；《卡拉马佐夫兄弟》是我接下来要读的，但我可能得为这次阅读体验做好准备，因为我知道它可能会非常强烈。没有人能像陀思妥耶夫斯基那样表现出强烈的情感！

The title of the book seems a bit exaggerated.

This collection indeed includes some of the finest short stories of Dostoevsky. However, it can by no means be considered a definitive compilation of his absolute best works.

There are seven stories in total. One of them is his renowned masterpiece novel/la Notes from Underground, which is undoubtedly the highlight.

I derived enjoyment from all of them in various ways. Nevertheless, within his body of work, the shorter pieces are rather disposable.

White Nights and A Gentle Creature were definitely standouts.

The Dream of a Ridiculous Man conveys a powerful and clear message and feels more like an essay.

In general, the tone of these stories is extremely bleak and isolating, with that characteristic futile hope.

It's as if Dostoevsky is painting a vivid picture of the human condition, filled with despair yet still holding onto a glimmer of something more.

Each story offers a unique perspective into the complex and tortured minds of his characters, making this collection a worthwhile read for any fan of his work.

Despite its flaws, it provides a valuable insight into the genius of Dostoevsky and his ability to explore the depths of the human psyche.

I truly wish that I had the ability to read Russian. The English translation that I perused was indeed wonderful. However, I couldn't help but constantly wonder how it would feel to read these stories in the very language that Dostoyevsky thought, wrote, and felt in. The sadness that is so pervasive, composed merely by words, is truly remarkable.

Russian Literature is not something that I can wholeheartedly say I enjoy. It is, without a doubt, an enriching reading experience. Nevertheless, it does not bring me happiness. This holds true for this collection of stories as well. It was definitely worth reading, but upon finishing it, I felt the need to pick up a much lighter book for my next read. I mainly read this collection for "Notes from the Underground", and that is surely the one that I most need to reread. I don't feel that I gave it enough attention and thought during the first go-around. One definitely needs the right mental state to understand, if not at least appreciate Dostoyevsky.

The editor did an outstanding job of organizing the stories. However, I found it challenging to distinguish the different narrators of each one. Perhaps this is because they all spoke in the first person and were almost all men in difficult circumstances. But each story felt more powerful and evocative than the previous one. I am particularly fond of the romanticism of the first story, 'White Nights'.

The content of these stories varies.

Some of them I found more enjoyable than others.

However, what truly stands out in my mind is the way they are written and the beauty of the language.

The authors have employed unique writing styles and techniques that make each story engaging and captivating.

The use of vivid descriptions, interesting characters, and thought-provoking plots adds to the overall charm of the stories.

Even those that I didn't initially find as interesting still had elements of beautiful language that made them worth reading.

It is this combination of engaging content and beautiful language that makes these stories a pleasure to read and remember.

Overall, I am grateful to have come across these stories and look forward to reading more in the future.