I started reading this book twice with the translation of Jalal Al-e Ahmad, but I couldn't establish any connection with it at all. Fortunately, thanks to Soroush Habibi and Arman Soltanzadeh, I got into Dostoyevsky's stewardship and really enjoyed it a lot.

Dostoyevsky's works are known for their profound exploration of human nature and the complex psychological states of his characters. His novels often delve into themes such as morality, suffering, and redemption.

By reading Dostoyevsky, I was able to gain a deeper understanding of the human condition and the struggles that we all face. His writing style is engaging and immersive, drawing the reader into the lives of his characters and making them feel as if they are a part of the story.

Overall, I am very grateful to have discovered Dostoyevsky's works and look forward to reading more of his novels in the future.

Dostoevsky's "The Gambler" may not rank among his greatest works. It was written hastily for cash due to his gambling debts, yet it contains moments of greatness.

The autobiographical aspect is what draws me in. Dostoevsky's own struggle with gambling addiction is vividly portrayed, making it a psychological study of his obsession and anxiety.

The novel features Alexey Ivanovitch, a young tutor who desires to climb the social ladder but is undermined by his desperation. His affair with the General's niece, Polina, adds to the complexity, although I wasn't overly interested in the romantic subplot.

The gambling sequences, on the other hand, are thrilling. Having some experience in casinos, I could relate to the heart-racing excitement of taking risks.

The best character is Alexey's Grandmother, who initially rails against gambling but then succumbs to it herself, losing everything in a comical way.

While "The Gambler" doesn't reach the heights of Dostoevsky's masterpieces like "The Brothers Karamazov," "Crime and Punishment," and "The Idiot," it is still a classic. I read it to explore the sources of degradation and despair for twentieth-century noir writers, but the other three works are better in that regard. Nevertheless, "The Gambler" has its own great moments that make it worth reading.

I reached a point in my reading life where I can no longer be objective with certain authors. And it's not that my reading experience isn't subjective, it always is, because I try to be guided by my feelings and the desire to learn more about literature. I'm referring to that specific thing in my brain that makes me love an author regardless of what they write, and Dostoevsky is one of them for me. I simply love everything about his stories. There is something in them that goes beyond what is understood as literary greatness.

Regarding this story, I was surprised by the direction it took. I felt very connected to the problems of this family and the role the narrator played, as his connection wasn't very clear. I was even left with curiosity and almost wished it was a complete novel with more pages. Obviously, it's a story about gambling addiction and the consequences it brings, but for some reason, I can't stop thinking about the characters, even the most detestable ones (which are most of them). The dialogues between Alexei and Polina were also very remarkable. I simply love Dostoevsky's dialogues. I would say that this story is on par with "White Nights" and "Notes from Underground". Although I loved his longer novels, I'm also in love with his shorter stories, which have the same impact and the same level of key reflections on the human being.

When the great Tolstoy invites us to the table for a game of literature, the chances of escape are nil. And when suddenly he decides to throw the ball into the roulette, we follow the path "à bout de souffle". Next to us -a select company- the heroes of the book struggle, nurture hopes, lie, "πάλ' εις μικρόν γενναίοι", with an excess of fear but also of pity.

From red to black and back again, from bet to bet, page by page, paragraph by paragraph, we proceed breathlessly to the final propositions. And only then does Dostoyevsky decide, alone and sovereign, to put an end to this -so elaborately staged- game.

Confused, but also full of emotions, we rise slowly from our position, count our winnings (words of gold and precious stones) and walk towards the exit, victorious. Until the next party, the next book of his…

It is truly an immersive experience when engaging with the works of these literary giants. We are drawn into their worlds, experiencing the highs and lows of their characters. The vivid descriptions and complex storylines keep us on the edge of our seats, eager to see what will happen next. Each page turn is like a new adventure, and we are reluctant to reach the end. But when we do, we are left with a sense of satisfaction and a longing for more. These books are not just entertainment; they are a source of inspiration and a window into the human condition.

It is said that Dostoyevsky himself was addicted to gambling and wrote this book within 26 days because he was in debt due to gambling. The story is about a Russian family that lost their wealth and emigrated to another country. The book is also written in the language of their home teacher. A person who is addicted to gambling...

Aman from the greed and lust that never leaves people...

I liked the book, but I think I can generally say that Russian literature has never been very attractive and exciting to me.

Maybe it's because of the cultural differences or maybe it's because I haven't read enough Russian literature. But overall, I think this book is still worth reading, as it can give us a better understanding of Russian society and culture at that time.

In addition, the writing style of Dostoyevsky is also very unique, and his description of characters and psychology is very细腻. Although I don't fully understand some of the content, I still feel the charm of his works.

In conclusion, although Russian literature may not be my favorite, I still respect and appreciate it, and I believe that it has its own unique value and significance.

I don't know if this Chekhov story is a bit rarer or if it's really a simpler story than the other books of his that I've read or got used to the Chekhov story model. Anyway, I didn't have much of a grip on this book. Soroush Habibi's translation was very good and the descriptions were very attentive to the conditions of the story for me. Arman Sultanzadeh also read the book well.

Chekhov's works are known for their depth and complexity. Each story has its own unique charm and offers insights into human nature and society. In this particular story, although it may seem simple at first glance, there are underlying themes and emotions that are worth exploring. The translation by Soroush Habibi plays an important role in bringing out the nuances of the original text. His careful attention to detail and ability to convey the meaning accurately make the reading experience more enjoyable.

Arman Sultanzadeh's reading of the book also adds another dimension to it. His voice and intonation bring the characters and the story to life, making it easier for the listener to immerse themselves in the narrative. Overall, this combination of a great story, a good translation, and a skilled reader makes for a memorable literary experience.

Some of the many reasons why 'The Gambler', and by extension all of Dostoevsky, is so good:

- It is surprising. Practically all of his novels are disconcerting at first: you don't quite understand the characters and the relationships between them, because they are extremely contradictory; but above all because you have no idea where the plot is going and what Dostoevsky intends with such a tangle. But, in the end, everything fits magnificently. In 'The Gambler', I wondered why it was called 'The Gambler' if there was no gambler there. I thought that the best thing would have been for the novel to be titled 'The Crazy German Vacations of a Russian Family', because it effectively focused on an eccentric Russian family in Germany and the interested parties who swarmed around them.

- It is pure sadomasochism. Among the characters, extremely and sick power and dependence relationships are established. Everyone either enjoys torturing, or humiliating themselves, or both. The clearest case in 'The Gambler' is the narrator-protagonist, Alexei Ivanovich, the tutor of the family, who is obsessively in love with Polina, the stepdaughter of the head of the family, who normally ignores him and sometimes directly humiliates him. Alexei doesn't even know why he likes Polina, he hasn't even noticed if she is beautiful, most of the time he is even aware that she is a despicable person, but despite everything he literally throws himself at her feet and revels in humiliating himself.

- It is neurosis. All the characters are neurotic, on the verge of madness, and sometimes even fall into it. In addition, the action is also feverish and spasmodic, it traps you and doesn't let you go. In 'The Gambler', all the action is concentrated in about four days (although some are separated by ellipsis), but an infinity of things happen at a thrilling pace; everything is a constant and nervous coming and going.

- It is self-destruction. All the characters tend towards self-destruction. They know they are messing up but they insist on continuing to mess up, on not correcting themselves, because if they did they would stop being themselves. It is our defects and our mistakes that define us. Alexei knows that nothing good will come of his relationship with Polina, but he insists on his obsession. Then, it seems that he has achieved her, but once he can have her he is no longer interested, what interested him was being able to pursue something that he knew he would never achieve, something that caused him pain. So he changes his obsession with Polina for the obsession with playing roulette, because in the end it satisfies the same compulsive and self-destructive needs.

- It is real. Yes, because despite presenting such extreme characters, he manages to make them completely believable and close. Even the secondary ones, in this case especially the hangers-on who swarm around there waiting for a certain inheritance to fall or the head of the family who is also pathologically and obsessively in love despite the fact that he knows perfectly well that the woman he wants only wants his money. And that's because in Dostoevsky everything is always terribly alive.

- It is ambiguous. Dostoevsky does not make moral judgments, he presents us with characters as they are and leaves us to judge if we want to. In addition, Dostoevsky also avoids telling us everything about the characters and their motivations and once again leaves it up to the readers to draw our own conclusions. Thus, we will never know exactly why Alexei behaves in such a self-destructive, masochistic and compulsive way. Is it all the fault of a character from which we cannot escape? Is it out of a sense of guilt? Fear of being happy, because being happy is being stupid and ceasing to be oneself? That, we will never know...

Character descriptions and events: 10/10

Translation: 10/10

The charisma of the grandmother (aunt): 50/10 !!!

The grandmother is an extremely charming person. Her presence fills the room with warmth and a sense of security. She has a kind heart and a gentle smile that can melt anyone's heart.

She is always there to listen to our problems and offer wise advice. Her life experiences have made her a font of knowledge and wisdom.

Whenever there is a family gathering, she is the center of attention. Everyone loves to be around her and listen to her stories.

Her charisma is not only limited to her family but also extends to her friends and neighbors. She is well-respected in the community for her kindness and generosity.

In conclusion, the grandmother's charisma is truly remarkable. She is a shining example of what a kind and loving person should be.

A good book, for sure.

However, something was missing. Maybe it was too short, and I didn't have sufficient time to get really familiar with the characters or become deeply invested in what was happening.

This is my second Dostoyevsky read, and it's certainly not going to be the last. I have a great hope that my relationship with Russian literature is going to be a long and fulfilling one.

I find the works of Dostoyevsky to be so profound and thought-provoking. Although this particular book had its limitations in terms of length, it still managed to leave an impression on me.

I look forward to delving deeper into the world of Russian literature and exploring more of Dostoyevsky's masterpieces in the future.

The Gambler was the very first book that I delved into from the works of Dostoevsky. I must confess that the unique comedy-tragedy theme of this novel truly held my interest captive.

It appeared to me that the author was making a valiant attempt to vividly depict the striking resemblances between life, love, and the allure of the gamble.

Dostoevsky himself was a compulsive gambler throughout his life, and this personal experience had a profound and indelible impact on the way he narrated this captivating story.

His in-depth understanding of the emotions, the highs and lows, and the addictive nature of gambling added a layer of authenticity and depth to the novel.

It made me reflect on how these three aspects - life, love, and gamble - often intertwine and influence one another in our own lives.

The Gambler not only entertained me but also made me think deeply about the human condition and the choices we make.

After this second reading, I find myself compelled to completely alter my entire opinion on this book. This was my initial foray into the world of Dostoevsky, and thus, I had no clear expectations at the outset. Additionally, I had heard that this particular work was not among his very best. Undoubtedly, all of these factors had an impact on my initial perspective of the book. However, after falling deeply in love with Dostoevsky's writing, I felt a strong urge to revisit this book to determine if I had truly done it justice.

Upon this second encounter, I must confess that I had grossly under-appreciated the book. It is, in fact, an incredibly interesting story. It delves into the complex themes of addiction, obsession, frustration, anger, and arrogance - the very vices that pose a threat to the sanity and peace of the human mind.

The protagonist of the story is Alexey Ivanovitch, a tutor by profession and a gambling addict. His addiction, when combined with his obsessive love for Polina, transforms him into an emotional slave, gradually leading him towards ruin.

I thoroughly enjoyed Dostoyevsky's psychological portrayal of the main protagonist, Alexey. The way his conflicting emotions, vacillating between his addiction and his obsession, were so meticulously and accurately described was truly remarkable. Dostoyevsky's own personal experience with gambling addiction must have served him well in achieving such precision. It made the character come alive and elicited the readers' sympathy. Even with the other characters, Dostoyevsky does an outstanding job of bringing out their unique characteristics and emotions with great finesse. Polina's enigmatic self, Blanche's shallowness, De Grier's cunning nature, the General's depression intertwined with his obsessive love, and even Mr. Astley's steadfastness all add a rich tapestry of variation to the story.

The ending, though somewhat vague, holds a glimmer of promise. Dostoevsky paints a hopeful picture for Alexey, hinting at his recovery and his potential to find love and affection in Polina.

Overall, I derived great pleasure from this interesting short work by Dostoevsky. The fact that he is one of the greatest storytellers in the literary world is an incontrovertible truth.

The gambler is the closest to madness. His obsession is so strong in his mind that he believes it is certain to be achieved, even if this obsession is related to a strong and overwhelming desire. He believes it is an inevitable thing... something that must be and will happen!

In a new experience with him, Dostoyevsky amazes me again, even in his novel written in a hurry. He makes me delve into the character of the gambler. How could he describe the gambler's personality and the types of gamblers? The cautious gambler... the gambler who bets everything... The one who plans and leaves everything to chance... the one who plays for money or for pleasure... the aristocrat or the one who has nothing... the gambler who has nothing in life but gambling. They all came here for nothing but to win.

"And people, when it comes to gains and losses, not only in roulette but in every other field, are motivated by one thing: to win or take something from someone else." And if one of them is lucky and smiles, he may either be satisfied with what he has and win with his gains or continue gambling until the equation turns and he loses everything. Because "one turn of the wheel can change everything." How could he make you live the game and live what he lives? How could he describe everything they feel with such precision? The desire to win... to bet on not losing... the crazy rhythm behind the game... one round after another.

This literary work can only be created by Dostoyevsky's "The Gambler." Yes, it is an autobiography rather than an ordinary novel. The gambler here, the lover of Pauline, is none other than Dostoyevsky himself. Gambling is another kind of addiction. The real gambler bets until the last moment... until the game ends or until he loses everything he has.

"They came only for this, and they hardly notice anything that is happening around them, and they do not care about anything else throughout the season. They only gamble from morning till evening, and there is no doubt that they are ready to continue gambling all night until dawn if possible." And our dear author did not stop at taking us into the depths of the gambler's personality but told us a lot... about greed and avarice... about man's eternal desire for money... about superficiality and false appearances... about exploitative people... about cruelty and pride... about nobility. He described each of his characters with great accuracy.

Not to mention an important part of the novel, which is Alexei Ivanovich's love for the cold-hearted Pauline. "Do I know what I desire? I am like one who has lost his way. All I want is to stay close to her, in the state that surrounds her, in the radiation that emanates from her, forever, for the rest of my life. I know no more than this... Can I leave her?" "I love you without hope, and I know that my love will increase a thousand times after that." I did not understand his love for Pauline... until the end, I did not understand it. He loved her and hated her at the same time. He wanted to please her and wanted to kill her