I love the story White Nights!

It is a captivating tale that takes the reader on a journey through the emotions and dreams of the characters.

The story is set in a world of mystery and romance, where the boundaries between reality and imagination blur.

The protagonist, a young man, finds himself in a strange and beautiful place during the white nights of St. Petersburg.

There, he meets a woman who captures his heart and leads him on an adventure that he will never forget.

The writing in White Nights is exquisite, painting a vivid picture of the setting and the characters.

The story is full of passion, longing, and hope, making it a truly unforgettable read.

Whether you are a fan of romance, mystery, or simply a good story, White Nights is sure to delight you.

It is a literary masterpiece that has stood the test of time and continues to charm readers today.

I highly recommend this story to anyone looking for a captivating and emotional read.

The chief thing is to love others like yourself. That's the fundamental principle, the core essence of everything. It's as simple as that, and yet it seems so elusive. Once you truly understand this, you'll immediately discover how to sort out all the chaos in your life.

However, this is an age-old truth that has been repeated countless times, perhaps even a billion times. But despite its ubiquity, it has failed to become an integral part of our daily existence.

The consciousness of life holds a higher value than life itself, and the knowledge of the laws governing happiness is more precious than happiness. These are the battles we must fight within ourselves. And I, for one, am determined to do so.

If only everyone could embrace this truth and desire to live by it, then everything could be arranged in an instant. The world would be a much better place, filled with love, understanding, and harmony. But until then, we must continue to strive and work towards making this old truth a reality in our lives.

From White Nights:

It's as if the entire scene is unfolding before me in a dreamlike state. The events seem so surreal that it's hard to believe they are actually happening.

Even in my wildest dreams, I never anticipated having a conversation with any woman.

The encounter feels both unexpected and somewhat disorienting.

As I stand there, engaged in this dialogue, I can't help but wonder if this is truly reality or just a figment of my imagination.

The words exchange between us, and I find myself lost in the moment, trying to make sense of this strange and wonderful occurrence.

It's a situation that I could never have predicted, and yet, here I am, experiencing it firsthand.

The dreamlike quality of it all adds an air of mystery and excitement, making it a moment that I will surely remember for a long time to come.

Dostoevsky is one of my favorite authors.

The way he presents the personality and vision of the characters is fascinating.

He transmits sensations and emotions through stories that are easy to perceive as close or at least possible.

The book is a compilation of the author's writings (books).

It is worth reading and rereading.

His works delve deep into the human psyche, exploring the darkest and most complex aspects of our nature.

Each character is unique, with their own set of flaws and virtues, making them relatable and engaging.

The plots are often filled with twists and turns, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat.

Overall, Dostoevsky's writing is a masterclass in storytelling and character development, and his works continue to inspire and captivate readers around the world.

Definitely worth the price judging by the number of included stories.

I always have a sense of uneasiness when I read translations, but it can't be helped.

I discovered that 'short fiction' is kind of relative with Dostoevsky. The page count is a sufficient warning to anyone expecting a quick or simple read.

The two final stories in the collection break that trend and remain very interesting. However, at least one of them has already been praised enough in other reviews.

'White Nights' is easily the best love story I've ever read. It is filled with passion and longing, and it truly touches the heart.

'A Disgraceful Affair' is a fantastic, funny deconstruction of socially awkward situations and hypocrisy. It makes you laugh while also making you think about the absurdity of human behavior.

'The Double' is somehow more than just a rehash of Gogol. It has its own unique charm and made me laugh more than I expected to.

Overall, this collection of short stories is a must-read for any fan of Dostoevsky or anyone who enjoys thought-provoking and entertaining literature.

I would have loved to have met this man. His works seem to hold a certain allure that makes me truly eager to learn Russian.

By learning the language, I could then read his masterpieces in their original prose, experiencing the full depth and beauty of his words exactly as he intended.

It's not just about understanding the story, but also about delving into the nuances of his writing style, the rhythm of his sentences, and the emotions he conveys through his choice of words.

I can imagine the joy and satisfaction I would feel when I am able to read his works in the language in which they were first created.

It would be like opening a door to a whole new world of literary exploration and discovery.

From my amazing college Dostoyevsky class, I have gained profound insights into the works and mind of this literary giant.

Dostoyevsky's novels are not just stories; they are explorations of the human psyche, delving into the deepest recesses of our emotions, desires, and moral dilemmas.

In class, we dissected his masterpieces, such as "Crime and Punishment" and "The Brothers Karamazov," analyzing the complex characters and their inner struggles.

The discussions were lively and thought-provoking, with each student bringing their own perspective and interpretation.

Through this process, I learned to appreciate the intricacies of Dostoyevsky's writing style, his use of symbolism, and his ability to create a sense of psychological realism.

This class has not only enhanced my understanding of literature but also broadened my perspective on life and human nature.

It has taught me that there are no easy answers, and that the human experience is filled with contradictions and ambiguities.

I am truly grateful for this amazing college Dostoyevsky class and the impact it has had on my intellectual and personal growth.

Notes from the Underground: This is not an easy read by any means, yet it is most definitely a worthwhile one. Dostoevsky possessed an uncanny ability when it came to psychological insights, delving deep into the human psyche. As you peruse through this 'underground', you are bound to recognize certain aspects of yourself, particularly those parts that you grappled with during your adolescent years, whether you like it or not. 4 stars
(March 13, 2009) [Note: Due to a group read, I read this one out of chronological order.]

The Double: In the beginning, it appears to be humorous and farcical, but it swiftly becomes confusing and melancholy. It is yet another psychological study that makes for captivating reading. Pay close attention to what is mentioned at the start; it holds great significance as you progress further. 4 stars
(Sept 16, 2012)

White Nights: Perhaps due to a 'hangover' from the previous story, initially, I had the thought that the female character might not be real. In fact, she is real, but she might as well not have been. It is an astute portrayal of an extreme dreamer, yet not as powerful as the other stories thus far.
3 stars
(Sept 20, 2012)

A Disgraceful Affair: Similar to "The Double" in that the character is paranoid, although his paranoia stems from excessive drinking rather than mental illness. The changes in point of view were rather clumsy in the early stages, yet the last one was seamless and even entertaining.
It is a merciless satire of a political 'idealist.' 3 stars
(Sept 28, 2012)

The Gambler: I'm not an addict - no, reading is not a vice! - but I do know a few (doesn't everyone?). And this fast-paced novella, narrated by an engaging personality, rings true in its portrayal, which is hardly surprising considering Dostoevsky himself suffered from a gambling addiction. Also of interest is the interspersed commentary on the different national characters of Russians, Englishmen, Frenchmen, and Germans. 4.5 stars
(April 5, 2016)

Any writing penned by Dostoyevsky is truly an outstanding piece of work. I firmly believe that Dostoyevsky is a genius when it comes to exploring the human heart. He is an existentialist in the same spirit as Kierkegaard. Reading either of them enriches one's understanding and perception. This collection of short stories is crowned by The Dream of a Ridiculous Man, which, in my opinion, is his greatest story. It delves deep into the human psyche, exploring themes of meaning, purpose, and morality. The characters are vividly portrayed, and the plot is engaging and thought-provoking. This collection truly deserves a perfect 10 stars. It is a must-read for anyone interested in literature and the human condition.

The more I immerse myself in Dostoevsky's writing, the deeper my love for it grows.

Up until now, I have only delved into some of his lengthier masterpieces such as "Crime and Punishment" and "The Brothers Karamazov". Therefore, I was overjoyed to come across this collection of his shorter works.

I would say that my personal favorite from this collection is "The Gambler", closely followed by "Notes from the Underground". However, all of them are truly remarkable.

The lengths of these works vary, ranging from a short story of approximately 20 pages to a short novel like "The Gambler", which I believe is a couple of hundred pages long.

I think the underlying theme that permeates all of these works is the understanding of the evil that lies within human nature. It shows how we can be extremely selfish and horrible beings who cause harm to ourselves and others if our desires are left unchecked.

These shorter works offer a unique perspective into Dostoevsky's brilliant mind and his exploration of the complex and often dark aspects of human behavior.

They are a must-read for any fan of literature or anyone interested in understanding the depths of the human psyche.

Full of great stories, this book was truly a treasure.

I remember opening it with excitement, eager to explore the wonderful tales within.

The words seemed to dance on the pages, pulling me in and making me forget everything else around me.

However, fate had other plans. Before I could finish reading all the amazing stories, I somehow lost the book.

It was a great disappointment, as I had become so invested in the characters and their adventures.

I searched high and low for it, but to no avail.

Even now, I still think about that book and the stories I missed out on.

I hope that one day, I will be able to find it again and continue my journey through its pages.

This was my introduction to the Russian archetypal novelist. By the way, when are we going to decide on the spelling: Dostoevsky or Dostoyevsky?

Here you get 8 pieces, ranging from short stories to novellas. At 740 pages, they lean towards longer works. My favorite was probably The Eternal Husband, which was also Henry Miller's favorite work by this author, in case you were wondering. It is a poignant tale about the typical subjects of Modernist authors: love, marriage, status, cultural mores, sin, redemption, and so on. Reading Dostoyevsky means being immersed in his persuasive voice, being carried along by his argumentative mind, and drowning in his lengthy paragraphs. He describes less physical detail than Thomas Mann but has a similar understanding of the psychological nuances flowing through human minds. Unpacking his work reveals a wealth of applications and interpretations. You can view him through a Christian lens, a Freudian one, or a revolutionary one, but really you should just read him for enjoyment.

The Gambler is an odd and intense novella. For a summary of it, just watch the Twilight episode called "The Fever." In this one, more than in any other story in the collection, I felt that Dostoyevsky's own particular vice of gambling was evident through the fascination of his characters. It is a forceful and dense statement with action-packed scenes of increasing the stakes. It undoubtedly overshadows any other story about gambling I have ever read.

White Nights is a somewhat quaint story, but beautifully evocative. Notes from the Underground is the one for which he was best known. A possible masterpiece, but also a very peculiar combination of psychological digression and philosophical insight. You could write a thesis on this one and keep coming back to it for more commentary on the plight of the human soul and his role within society at large. This one distills the themes you will encounter in his long novels rather well.

I found "A Gentle Creature," Dream of a Ridiculous Man, and A Disgraceful Affair to be less memorable. Everything Dostoyevsky wrote had a certain amount of universal relevance, but many of his works venture into tangential and obscure territories, usually circling back to his stressed characters, struggling through their cold, dreary lives. You get a sense of Petersburg at the time, and he seemingly never writes about anywhere else.

The Double is another winner. Very influential. Of the same caliber as The Gambler. It is less fantastical than, say, Kafka's The Metamorphosis, but has a touch of the uncanny in the appearance of the doppelganger. I felt that this was an obvious riff on Gogol, who was his acknowledged influence, but you are better off reading Gogol's novellas for that off-kilter look at a satirical situation. Dostoyevsky isn't really funny at all, despite what his fans might claim. Outside of his masterpiece, The Brothers Karamazov, most of his novels and stories are sloppily constructed and lack humor, lightness, and lyricism. He is nothing like Tolstoy, which is kind of a good thing. He is a heavy, brooding author, one you can become obsessed with. But I found that after reading a few thousand pages, I was less interested in his minor works, which tended towards melodrama. In my opinion, you are better off rereading his great works and grappling with the sprawling, all-encompassing tour de force he aimed to capture.

This is an excellent introduction to his work.