The concept of a star rating seems rather absurd in this context. I can't claim to have adored it, yet I'm undeniably glad that I read it. For the past six months, I've been immersed in these 700 pages, and looking back, all I can say is that these are remarkable portrayals of deeply tragic and unlikable individuals. Dostoevsky is a sensitive soul, and in many respects, these stories were more accessible than I had anticipated when he embarks on one of his emotional tirades. Of course, it gets difficult when the patronymics and the journeys between houses in the snow blend together. I had hoped that this would enhance my vocabulary, but instead, I started having dreams of shouting accusations like, "You scoundrel! You blackguard!" Clearly, there's a British influence at play; I wish I could read Russian. But for me, this is enough.

Let's talk about the standout stories. It's all too easy to be entranced by the simplicity of the Underground Man's worldview. He's the quintessential Redditor, and the malevolence at his core corrupts the beauty of his intellect and his longing for human connection. In this story and the others, Dostoevsky reveals what I've come to understand as the ultimately isolating nature of certain interpretations of "master morality" - one discovers no equals, only gods to be worshipped or children to be coerced. This can be seen in the viewpoint characters' treatment of the women in their lives. After reading White Nights, I was amused to come across reviews lauding it as a beautiful love story, as the instant and superficial attachments struck me as nothing short of pathological. "You two don't even know each other!" I kept muttering to myself. That's what's so chilling - these narrators are so profoundly misguided in their approaches to people yet are convinced of their own righteousness. I had to abandon A Gentle Creature in the middle because of the appalling way the woman was being treated.

I'm aware that I've written this review as if I'm the one who's correct, and that's definitely not the case. It's complex. Sometimes, it's beneficial to spend time in minds like these. This collection accompanied me on subway rides between the gym and my summer job in New York. I took pictures of the pages, attempted to mimic his style. I resisted it, and that was good. It's beautiful and challenging. But for now, I've grown weary of the routine and am moving on to other books.

The Eternal Husband abides. This profound statement holds within it a world of meaning. It implies that there is a certain quality or essence in a husband that endures through time.

Perhaps it is the unwavering commitment, the loyalty that withstands the tests and trials of life. A husband who is eternal is one who is always there, through thick and thin, offering support, love, and understanding.

He is a constant presence, a rock upon which his family can rely. In a world that is constantly changing and evolving, the idea of an eternal husband is both comforting and reassuring.

It gives hope that true love and commitment can stand the test of time and that there are still men out there who are willing to make that eternal vow and abide by it.

The Eternal Husband abides, and in doing so, he becomes a symbol of all that is good and true in a relationship.

Dostoevsky is a writer who has the power to make my brain hurt. His works are so profound and complex that they require deep thought and reflection. However, despite the difficulty, he often offers critical insights into life and truth that are truly remarkable.

His characters are not just fictional creations; they are real people who wrestle with the important stuff of life. They face moral dilemmas, struggle with their own demons, and search for meaning and purpose in a world that can seem cruel and indifferent.

In these short stories, presented in the order in which they were written, we can see Dostoevsky's progression of perception. He becomes increasingly aware of the complexity of human nature and the importance of love and compassion.

One clearly-understood quotation from the last story, "The Dream of a Ridiculous Man," sums up his message beautifully: "And really how simple it all is: in one day, in one hour, everything could be arranged at once! The main thing is to love your neighbour as yourself - that is the main thing and that is everything, for nothing else matters. Once you do that, you will discover at once how everything can be arranged. And yet it is an old truth, a truth that has been told over and over again, but in spite of that it finds no place among men!" This quotation reminds us that the key to a happy and fulfilling life is to love others as we love ourselves. It is a simple truth, but one that is often overlooked in our busy and self-centered world.

I dream of ridiculous men.

These men, they are like comical figures in a strange play. Their actions are absurd, and their words make no sense.

In my dreams, they parade around, doing the most outlandish things. They might be wearing mismatched clothes, or dancing in the streets for no apparent reason.

Sometimes, they engage in conversations that are completely nonsensical, as if they are speaking a language only they understand.

Despite their ridiculousness, there is something strangely captivating about them. Their lack of inhibitions and their willingness to be completely themselves is almost refreshing.

Maybe in our real lives, we are all too afraid to be truly ridiculous. We are bound by social norms and expectations, and we often hide our true selves.

But in my dreams, these ridiculous men remind me that it's okay to let go and be a little crazy sometimes.

They make me laugh, and they make me think. And perhaps, in a strange way, they even inspire me.

He is truly remarkable when it comes to short pieces as well.

His proficiency in handling short content is truly outstanding. Whether it's a short story, a brief poem, or a concise article, he has the ability to convey powerful emotions and ideas in a limited amount of space.

His writing style is concise yet impactful, captivating the reader's attention from the very beginning. He knows how to choose the right words and phrases to create vivid images and engage the reader's imagination.

His talent for short stuff is not only a result of his natural ability but also of his hard work and dedication. He spends countless hours honing his skills, reading and analyzing the works of other great writers, and constantly striving to improve.

Overall, he is a master of short content, and his work is a testament to his creativity and skill.

Long and depressing, as expected ;) This book truly serves as a great winter lockdown read. It has the power to keep everything in perspective during these challenging times. The story unfolds slowly, like a cold winter's day, with each page adding a new layer of depth and emotion. The characters are well-developed, and their struggles and triumphs are relatable. It makes you think about the bigger picture and how our lives are interconnected. Despite its depressing nature, there is also a glimmer of hope that shines through, giving you the strength to persevere. So, if you're looking for a book that will make you reflect and keep you company during the long winter lockdown, this one is definitely worth a read.

"White Nights"

This is a captivating story that takes the reader on a journey through the minds and emotions of its characters. Set in a city during the long, bright nights of summer, it explores themes of love, longing, and the transience of human connections.

"A Gentle Creature"

This tale delves into the complex relationship between a man and a woman. It showcases the power of love and the sacrifices one is willing to make for another. The story is filled with vivid descriptions and深刻的 insights into the human psyche.

"The Dream of a Ridiculous Man"

In this thought-provoking piece, a man has a strange dream that forces him to confront his own beliefs and values. It challenges the reader to question their own understanding of life, morality, and the meaning of existence.

Together, these three works by Fyodor Dostoevsky offer a rich and diverse exploration of the human condition. They are masterpieces of Russian literature that continue to captivate readers to this day.

Sounds like a great way to begin (again?) with Dostoevsky.

His works are renowned for their profound exploration of the human psyche and the complex moral and ethical dilemmas that individuals face.

Rereading his novels can offer new insights and a deeper understanding of his literary genius.

Dostoevsky's characters are vividly drawn, and their struggles and experiences resonate with readers on a profound level.

Whether it's the tortured soul of Raskolnikov in "Crime and Punishment" or the tragic hero in "The Brothers Karamazov," his works have the power to move and inspire.

Embarking on a new journey with Dostoevsky's works is like opening a door to a world of rich emotions, intellectual stimulation, and moral reflection.

It is a chance to engage with one of the greatest literary minds of all time and to discover the beauty and depth of his writing.

So, pick up a copy of Dostoevsky's novel and let the exploration begin!

This is my favorite book on my shelf.

It contains some of the most captivating works. I love "Notes from the Underground", which delves deep into the complex and often tortured psyche of the narrator.

The story takes us on a journey through his inner turmoil and his strange and somewhat self-destructive behavior.

"The Gambler" is another gem in this collection. It explores the themes of addiction, obsession, and the allure of risk.

The characters are vividly drawn, and the plot keeps you on the edge of your seat.

"Dreams of a Ridiculous Man" is equally fascinating. It presents a philosophical and thought-provoking narrative that makes you question your own beliefs and values.

All in all, this collection is a must-read for any lover of literature. It offers a diverse range of stories that will engage, entertain, and challenge you.

Like all the remarkable writings penned by Dostoevsky, I found these stories to be truly captivating!

The book demanded a significant amount of time to complete, yet this was solely because I desired to relish and savor each and every story to the fullest.

Among them, "White Nights" stood out as perhaps my absolute favorite. The way Dostoevsky crafted the characters and the atmosphere in that story was simply enchanting.

However, I'm not content with just reading them once. I'm eagerly looking forward to delving into each story again at some point in the future.

Thanks a million, Bob, for generously loaning me this wonderful book and for being so incredibly patient while I took my time to finish it. Your kindness and thoughtfulness are truly appreciated.

I can't wait to embark on this literary journey once more and discover new nuances and depths within these masterpieces.

Either a hero or dirt - there was no middle way. This profound statement presents a stark contrast, leaving no room for ambiguity. It forces us to confront a fundamental question: between cheap happiness and exalted suffering, which is truly better?
Cheap happiness may seem alluring at first glance. It offers immediate gratification, a quick fix to our desires. It is easily accessible and requires little effort. However, it often lacks depth and substance, leaving us feeling empty and unfulfilled in the long run.
On the other hand, exalted suffering demands sacrifice and perseverance. It challenges us to push beyond our limits and grow as individuals. It may bring pain and discomfort, but it also has the potential to lead to profound transformation and a sense of purpose.
In the end, the choice between cheap happiness and exalted suffering is a deeply personal one. It depends on our values, our goals, and our willingness to take risks. Some may choose the path of least resistance and settle for cheap happiness, while others may embrace the challenges of exalted suffering in pursuit of a more meaningful life.

I'm a bit disappointed.

I have a deep love for Dostoievski's novels. His works are usually filled with profound psychological insights and complex characters that draw me in completely.

However, this collection of short stories was a real struggle to get through. It felt like a drag, and I found myself having to force myself to keep reading.

I can't help but wonder if reading it in English had something to do with it. Maybe the essence and the unique Russian atmosphere that I so love were lost in the translation.

In Dostoievski's original language, there might have been a certain charm and authenticity that just didn't come across in the English version.

It's a pity, as I was really looking forward to enjoying these short stories as much as I do his novels. But unfortunately, this experience left me a bit let down.

Perhaps I'll have to look for a different translation or try reading some of his other works in the original Russian to truly capture that magic.