...
Show More
I usually pen down my reviews immediately after finishing a book. However, I have been postponing this one for several weeks as I truly have no clue what to write. I really struggled to complete this book. I had to force myself through each chapter, taking long breaks in between. Maybe that's why it never clicked with me. It was dull, laborious, and had a dark tone.
Generally speaking, I have a penchant for Russian literature. After reading \\n Crime and Punishment\\n for the first time, I would have claimed to be a devotee of Dostoevsky. But, it took me three attempts to finish \\n The Brothers Karamazov\\n. This novel was filled with profound themes and had a complex structure. After finally completing it, I was relieved that I had made that third attempt; it was a book that I didn't regret reading. Sadly, I don't have the same sentiment regarding this particular book.
This novel is highly political, dealing with the various factions active in Russia during that era. Without at least a reasonable understanding of Russian history, I firmly believe it would be almost impossible to comprehend.
It's disheartening to admit, but I have several other Dostoevsky works on my must-read list. I'm now contemplating either removing them or relegating them to the bottom. I simply can't face another one at the moment, and it's difficult for me to envision ever doing so. The edition I have is beautifully bound, with exquisite illustrations. Now, I'm in a dilemma as to whether I should leave it on my shelf or pass it on, hoping that someone else can appreciate it not just for its aesthetics but also for its content.
Generally speaking, I have a penchant for Russian literature. After reading \\n Crime and Punishment\\n for the first time, I would have claimed to be a devotee of Dostoevsky. But, it took me three attempts to finish \\n The Brothers Karamazov\\n. This novel was filled with profound themes and had a complex structure. After finally completing it, I was relieved that I had made that third attempt; it was a book that I didn't regret reading. Sadly, I don't have the same sentiment regarding this particular book.
This novel is highly political, dealing with the various factions active in Russia during that era. Without at least a reasonable understanding of Russian history, I firmly believe it would be almost impossible to comprehend.
It's disheartening to admit, but I have several other Dostoevsky works on my must-read list. I'm now contemplating either removing them or relegating them to the bottom. I simply can't face another one at the moment, and it's difficult for me to envision ever doing so. The edition I have is beautifully bound, with exquisite illustrations. Now, I'm in a dilemma as to whether I should leave it on my shelf or pass it on, hoping that someone else can appreciate it not just for its aesthetics but also for its content.