Reading and finishing this book was truly a story for myself! At first, I went through Jalal Al-e Ahmad's translation of "The Clown," and in the update comments, my friends and I also believed that the translation was difficult, incomprehensible, and old-fashioned. So I had to listen to the book in audio form, and fortunately, it finally led me to finish it. And I recommend to all of you friends that if you plan to read this book, only read it with Servush Habibi's translation and definitely don't go towards Jalal Al-e Ahmad and Saleh Hosseini's translations...

However, my opinion about the book "The Gambler": There is no doubt that it is an attractive story that easily leads the reader after itself, and it seems that the reader also gambles on the story and the fate of its characters with each page that progresses, along with the main character. Although in the real world, I am extremely amazed by people who rely on windfall capital and I don't understand their efforts to continue this path that is like a deep well. But this book well presents the lifestyle of a gambler. Maybe some fans of this book will only remember the wins of the gambler and show his short-lived and limited life easily and without sensitivity, ignoring the dark part of the story and the fact that in the end, he becomes completely empty and brainless, and that little by little in his confusion, he falls into whatever he wants or doesn't want, and becomes separated from the real world and a habitual calculator of chance and fate and ahead, who has never been completely loyal to anyone...

The characters in the story were also well-constructed and developed. Although Polina truly had an unimaginable behavior and actions, and she was the only character that until the end of the book, I couldn't guess her next move or step! And for the other individuals and characters, I could guess their next step or their fate in advance, or my guess was somewhat close to their outcome, but none of the characters and their endings were boring for me at all. And in general, it was a package of disloyal, profit-seeking, and sometimes really smart friends' money! And sometimes really smart! They were together, and their lives were bound to gambling, and the red, black, or yellow house, in a completely Russian and strange game...

In fact, my intention was not to be critical of Dostoyevsky's name and not to allow anything I read from him to seem like a masterpiece in my eyes. This novel was also not a masterpiece. It had weaknesses, such as being unbalanced and having a slow and perhaps flawed start that lasted until the second half became exciting, engaging, and page-turning (I borrowed this description from the English writer P. T. Barnum).

However, when it reaches those points where it should, it really takes off. The themes that are usually characteristic of Dostoyevsky are also present here. For example, the beautiful but fatal temptations that many young men are easily drawn into, the decadent aristocrats waiting for a financial miracle to continue their aristocratic lifestyle, and various types of gamblers, swindlers, thieves, crimes, hidden and secret relationships, and finally, that famous "naive youth" of Dostoyevsky that appears in different forms in his various works and is also here. There is also the presence of physical pain and illness, psychological problems, and finally, madness to some extent.

Finally, what makes this novel different is the author's vivid description of gambling and its destructive consequences. It describes very accurately, effectively, and realistically what can happen when someone gets caught up in the web of gambling and the taste of gambling becomes addictive. Everything that exists can be destroyed and lost, although I'm not saying that this happens here or not, and I'm not spoiling the story.

But according to Rumi's words:

"The coldness of that gambling, whatever it was,

Let it remain nothing but the desire for gambling."

Finally, I should say that Soroush Habibi's translation was also excellent, to the extent that it pertains to the translation itself. But I felt (I'm not sure) that there were editorial omissions in the book, although I don't want to be presumptuous and correct them myself. Maybe it's just the point that I didn't read carefully or I have an unreasonable expectation of Dostoyevsky. I don't know. With all of this, I recommend this translation.

Oh, these people are so satisfied with themselves.

They are so vain that they have no shortage of self-esteem, and they judge others with pride and self-importance.

If only they knew how much I despise and loathe my current situation.

They don't hesitate to lecture me on life and morality, but what new things do they have to say that I don't already know?

Is this really the most important issue?

The problem is that if this wheel of fate turns one more time, everything will change. And I'm sure that these moral teachers would be the first to come to me with a smile and congratulate me, and they wouldn't look down on me as they do now.

But I reject them all.

What am I now? Nothing... zero...

What will I be tomorrow?

Maybe tomorrow I will rise again among men, start a new life, and discover the "human" within me that has not yet been destroyed.

|From the book|

Gambling addiction is a vice that the great writer Fyodor Dostoyevsky was all too familiar with. He had to pen this short novel in a hurry to settle the debts he had accumulated due to it.

Our story commences in 1866. There is passionate Alexei Ivanovich, known as The Gambler. He is an unhappy tutor to the two young children of retired Russian General Sagorjanski. The once-rich soldier has squandered all his wealth on excessive living and reckless spending. No matter how wealthy a person may be, when the money drains out faster than it comes in, the inevitable outcome is bankruptcy, as Benjamin Franklin so aptly put it long ago.

The General borrows money from the mysterious Frenchman, the Marquis des Grieux, a sophisticated nobleman with a rather sinister reputation. No amount of charming manners can conceal this. In Roulettenburg (Baden-Baden) in Germany, a spa and gambling resort town dominated by the casino, and the Roulette table reigns supreme. The desperate visitors inside seem to be all royalty.

The poor Russian teacher Alexei is smitten by the General's stepdaughter, the beautiful Polina Alexandra Praskouja, who is in her early twenties. Like him, she is rumored to be involved with the prosperous Marquis des Grieux and enjoys teasing and playing games for her own outlandish amusement, with the tutor as the target. The love-obsessed man even insults a German baron at her behest.

Another player is the Englishman, the quiet Mr. Astley, a fabulously wealthy businessman with noble blood. He is much richer than the Frenchman but the shyest person around. He befriends Alexei and naturally desires to meet and be introduced to Polina.

Yet another crucial character is the General's Aunt Antonida, affectionately called "Granny". She is seventy-five and据说 to be in poor health in Moscow. She is very affluent and will leave her fortune to her closest relative, the hopeful nephew, the General, who constantly sends telegrams for the latest news.

You can envision the consternation that ensues when this supposedly dying lady shows up at the resort hotel and astonishes everyone there. They are left speechless. Mlle Blanche, the gold-digging woman and considerably younger fiancee of the retired military officer, walks out, not surprisingly.

The invalid old woman likes to intimidate those in her presence, and they comply with her orders, after all, she has a great deal of money. But this is a gambling town, and the fever can grip anyone.

It's a pity this novella wasn't longer. The characters are not fully developed, and the plot progresses too rapidly. However, I am a huge fan of this talented author and have only read his lengthy novels before. Any book by Dostoyevsky is well worth reading.

Thanks to Dostoyevsky, how great you are!!

Fyodor Dostoyevsky is a renowned Russian writer whose works have had a profound impact on literature and the human psyche. His novels, such as "Crime and Punishment" and "The Brothers Karamazov," explore complex themes of morality, guilt, and the human condition.

Dostoyevsky's writing style is characterized by its psychological depth and vivid portrayal of characters. He delves deep into the minds of his protagonists,揭示 their inner turmoil and struggles. His works make us question our own beliefs and values, and force us to confront the darker aspects of human nature.

Overall, Dostoyevsky's contributions to literature are immeasurable. His works continue to be studied and admired around the world, and his influence can be seen in the works of many contemporary writers. We are truly indebted to him for his remarkable body of work.

I finished reading the novel "The Gambler". I bought it in London from a bookstore on Kingsway to read during my journey from London to Paris by the high-speed train. I started with the first three parts on the train and then put it aside to enjoy the beautiful scenery around me while the train was speeding along, in harmony with the pattering of the falling rain. When I read that the group was about to read "The Gambler", it reminded me and I read it today until I finished it. I was impressed by the beautiful writing style of the author. I remembered some of my acquaintances who had a passion for gambling and how their situation ended up going from wealth to sadness, misery, and humiliation to pay off huge debts. Gambling is a curse that afflicts everyone who practices it with bankruptcy. I concluded from my reading of the novel: "Some people live their lives like a game of gambling, despising the value of money, time, emotions, and feelings."

Quotes from the book that I noted:

"He who fears the wolf does not go into the forest."

"Dreams, my dear aunt... are they possible? And why not? All men are brave. They would fight and it would be over. But you are chickens, it is clear, you are incapable of defending the honor of your country."

When Dostoyevsky loses all his fortune at roulette, he has a brilliant idea. He decides to write a book about the hell of the game. The story is set in Roulettenbourg, Germany. We are introduced to a young man named Alexis Ivanovitch. He works as a "Uchitel" (tutor) for the children of a general. Psychology plays a crucial role in this novel. Alexis is in love with his employer's stepdaughter. He devises a plan to earn money in order to seduce her. However, things don't go as planned. Slowly but surely, he falls into the mad passion of the game. At first, Paulina appears contemptuous, strange, and ungrateful. But beneath her exterior lies a beautiful soul, scared of life. The general is eagerly awaiting the death of his aunt Baboulinka. He wants to marry Blanche, a young and beautiful Frenchwoman who is eyeing the general's legacy. The author presents us with a vivid picture of the bourgeois society of his time. At the same time, he plunges us into a thrilling universe. The Player was a remarkable first encounter with the Russian world, and Dostoyevsky handles it masterfully.

“تنها برنده قمارخانه است” means “He is the only winner of the casino” in English. This simple statement holds a certain allure and神秘感. It implies that in the often unpredictable and high-stakes world of the casino, there is one individual who has emerged victorious.

Perhaps this winner has defied the odds, using their skill, strategy, and a touch of luck to come out on top. Their achievement is not only a testament to their own abilities but also a source of envy and admiration for others.

The concept of being the only winner in a casino can also be seen as a metaphor for success in other areas of life. It suggests that in a competitive environment, only one can truly claim the title of champion.

However, it is important to note that winning in a casino is often a fleeting experience. The odds are always stacked against the player, and what goes up must come down. Therefore, while this winner may be celebrating their victory today, they must also be prepared for the possibility of future losses.

In conclusion, “He is the only winner of the casino” is a powerful statement that captures the essence of success and failure in the exciting and unpredictable world of gambling.

The Gambler by Dostoyevsky is a remarkable work. The opening line, “Oh, I am that proud gold which accompanies the speech of those two rich men when they give their advice, warnings, and expressions,” sets a tone of mystery and allure. The story unfolds with the protagonist's experiences in the roulette halls. The vivid descriptions of the colors - black, red, yellow - and the decisions of betting add excitement. Dostoyevsky's portrayal of the characters is masterful. He shows the different types of gamblers, from those who seek constant gain to those who flee without even betting once. The appearance of the old woman (Babushka) makes the story even more beautiful. The love aspect in the story is also of great importance. It is the driving force behind many of the events, whether from the perspective of the general or our hero, Alexei Ivanovich. However, the ending, while appropriate for Dostoyevsky's dark and nihilistic character, didn't fully satisfy me. I felt something was lacking, perhaps a more intense moment or a more powerful event. Overall, The Gambler is a captivating read that offers insights into human nature and the world of gambling.

’’ آه من ذلك الزهو المغرور الذي يصاحب كلام أولئك الثرثارين حين يأخذون يطلقون نصائحهم مواعظهم وعباراتهم ’’

التقييم: 3.5

أسود؟ أحمر؟ الصفر؟ تراهن على الباس؟ تضع مائة فلورين على الأحمر مرة أخرى؟



لقد أدركت مذعوراً هلعاً في ومضة من الشعور، ماذا كان يعني الخسران عندي في هذه اللحظة
لقد قامرت بحياتي كلها!.


تلك ما كتبه دوستويفسكي على عجالة؟ تلك الرواية أخرجها دوستويفسكي على مضض، من أجل الضغوطات والمال والحفوظ على حقوقه في رواياته السابقة، ما بالك إذا كتب دوستويفسكي الرواية بأريحية وتفكير عميق كما يريد؟ إلى أي مدى كانت ستصبح رائعة وفائقة الجمال.

لا يعرف القمار إلا المقامر، ولا يعرف جلسات الروليت إلا من جلس عليها ولو لمرة واحدة، ولحسن حظنا - وسوء قدره هو - أن دوستويفسكي كان مقامراً لبعض الوقت، وجلس يتسامر ويقامر ويربح ويخسر ويراهن على تلك المنضدة الملعونة، في دورة واحدة تنتهي حياة شخص وتبدأ حياة أخر، في دورة واحدة وفي آن واحد يربح أحدهم ويجني ثمار رهانه، ويذهب الأخر إلى الجحيم، أتقن دوستويفسكي بكل براعة وصف الروليت والتناقل بين شخصيات المقامرين، وربما لن نحصي جميع أنواعهم لكن على الأقل قد ترى معظمهم من خلال تلك الرواية، وتشاركهم رهونهم وتحبس أنفاسك معهم.


’’ ما أنا الأن؟ صفر. ماذا أستطيع أن اكون غداً؟ أستطيع أن احيي موتي فأستانف الحياة أستطيع أن اكشف في نفسي الإنسان قبل أن يضيع ’’


وكالعادة وسأقولها مراراً وتكراراً كما عُرف على دوستويفسكي أنه يبحر في النفس الإنسانيه، فالحق كل الحق أن براعته الأهم وقدرته الأعظم هي إتقانه للشخصيات دوستويفسكي فنان شخصيات، رسام يرسم بفرشاه ما يريده من ضمائر وفضائل وخصائل في الإنسان، دوستويفسكي يصور أبطال قصته كيفما يريد، وحيثما يريد، وبأي شكل يحبه.

ومع ظهور الجدة ( البابوشكا ) أصبحت الرواية أجمل وأروع، تلك الجدة القادمة بدلاً من برقية وفاتها، ومشهد مقامرتها في صالات الروليت هو الأروع، وأوضح لنا هنا دوستويفسكي الفارق أيضاً بين شخصيات المقامرين، بين من يريد المكسب الدائم، ومن يكسب ويركض إلى الخلف، ومن يركض دون حتى أن يراهن ولو لمرة واحدة، وعلى كل حال المقامرة سنة الحياة خارج صالات الروليت، تحتاج مننا الحياة كل يوم لمقامرة ومغامرة كبيرة في كل أمور حياتنا، وما الحب إلا مقامرة خاسرة الرهان.

وأيضاً كان للحب أهمية قصوى في الرواية، وأرى أختيار دوستويفسكس لتلك الشخصيات الغارقة في العشق، وضعفها تجاه ذلك، كان موفقاً إلى حد بعيد، أي أنه برغم كل ما يحدث في الرواية من أحداث غير مرتبة ومضطربة، إلا أن الحب كان الدافع الأوحد وراء كل ذلك، سواء من جانب الجنرال، أو بطلنا اليكسي إيفانفوتش. ومرة أخرى وما الحب إلا مقامرة خاسرة الرهان


“إنني لا أرى في أي مكان شيئاً سواك ، و كل ما عداك فهو عندي سواء .
لماذ أحبك ؟ و كيف أحبك ؟ لا أدري .
قد لا تكونين من الجمال على شيء البتة .
هل تتصورين أنني لا أعرف أأنت جميلة أم لا ، حتى من ناحية جمال الوجه ؟
أما قلبك فسيئ ولا شك ، و أما فكرك فمن الجائز جداً أن يكون مجرداً من كل رفعة و نبل .”


وفي جانب أخر واضح من الرواية، أراد دوستويفسكي أن يعقد مقارنة بين الشخصيات الفرنسية والألمانية والأنجليزية، والروسية بطبيعة الحال، وإن كان تحامل بعض الشيء على الألمان في روايته -م وجهة نظري - لكن أتفق معه في كل الحروف التي وصف بها الرجل الفرنسي ولا سيما في القرن العشرين والتاسع عشر. وكعادة دول غرب أوروبا، كانت تتحامل، ولاتزال تتحامل، وستظل تتحامل على دول شرق أوروبا، دائما يشعرون وكأنهم شعب الله الأفضل في أوروبا، وكل تلك الروس ماهم إلا كالأنعام أو البهائم - أعزكم الله -

وإن كانت النهاية مناسبة جدا، للشخصية الدوستويفسكية السودواية العدمية :D
إلا إنها لم تروق لي بشكل كامل، أشعر وكأن ينقصها شيء، ينقصها حبكة اكثر من ذلك أو احداث أقوى من ذلك، أردت أن تكون النهاية قوية كأحداث الرواية الوسطى، لكنها جاءت سريعة ومهلهلة بعض الشيء، وعشوائية نوعاً ما.


’’ غداً، غداً ينتهي كل شيء ’’

"The Gambler" is a short, but very good and educational novel! For the first time I read the work of Dostoevsky and I was impressed by his mastery in creating complex and contradictory characters. The author has impressively described how a young and intelligent teacher gradually turns into a passionate gambler... The main hero, Alexei, initially plays roulette in a casino in a German town because of the rich and decadent noble family he works for. However, soon he experiences a love disappointment and later he himself becomes insanely addicted to gambling games...

"When he heard about my loss, the Frenchman said cheekily and even maliciously that I should have been more reasonable. I don't know why he added that although many Russians play, according to him Russians should not even play.

- And in my opinion, roulette was created specifically for Russians - I said and when the Frenchman smiled contemptuously at my reply, I noticed that, no doubt, the truth was on my side, because when I talk about Russians as gamblers, I scold them much more than I praise them, and therefore one can believe me."

"As if I'm afraid that a serious book or a serious occupation will destroy the charm of what has just passed. As if this terrible dream and all the other impressions from it are so precious to me that I'm even afraid to touch it with something new, so that it doesn't disappear like smoke!"

"Yes, sometimes the craziest thought, the most impossible thought so firmly takes root in the head that you finally accept it as something feasible... Moreover: if the idea is combined with a strong, passionate desire, it may even happen that you accept it most firmly as something fatal, necessary, predetermined, as something that simply cannot but happen and occur!"

"Maybe, after going through so many sensations, the soul is not satisfied, but only irritated by them and thirsts for even more sensations, stronger and stronger, until complete exhaustion."

"But in order to recognize the spiritual beauty and original personality, much more independence and freedom are necessary..."

The Gambler by Dostoyevsky is a remarkable work that delves deep into the human psyche. It's not just about the extraordinary psychological depth of the characters or the engaging story filled with surprises. This novella had a profound impact on me because whenever I read certain passages, I saw Dostoyevsky himself. His obsessions, fears, passion for a distant woman, and despair were all there, as if he was right beside me, trying to survive.

Alexei Ivanovich, a 25-year-old tutor working for a Russian family, including the General and Polina, the woman he loves, lives in a suite at a German hotel. Alongside them are a host of other manipulative, self-destructing, and unstable characters. Flawed yet colorful, they are like real-life people, inspiring Dostoyevsky's amusing remarks, filled with fine irony and a touch of sarcasm.

Alexei is a complex character, both lovable and obnoxious, but never indifferent. His pride vanishes when facing his obsession, and he exhibits overly analytical thinking, madness, cynicism, wit, honesty, and frankness. His frankness gives hope as he is not the timid type who keeps everything inside. It's refreshing to see an energetic, outspoken character developing the quality that many long for.

Can I possibly not understand myself that I’m a lost man? But—why can’t I resurrect? (141)

The book vividly描绘s the reality of the casino, the different kinds of gamblers, their desire to win, and their abstraction from the world. The descriptions are so detailed that it feels as if you are right there, experiencing the excitement and the despair. Every chapter and paragraph is written with such care, painting a picture of a parallel universe that inevitably leads to disgrace for its inhabitants.

I was as if in a fever and pushed this whole pile of money onto red—and suddenly came to my senses! And for the only time that whole evening, in all that playing, fear sent a chill over me and came back as a trembling in my hands and legs. With terror I sensed and instantly realized what it meant for me now to lose! My whole life was at stake! (111)

It's a story of an ill-fated relationship and a doomed Russian friend who, by trying to defeat destiny through gambling, ensures his servitude. He becomes a slave to everything he loves too much and everything he hates but still needs. It's a brief existence perpetually waiting for fate to change, waiting for another tomorrow.

Nothing could be more absurd than moral lessons at such a moment! Oh,\\tself-satisfied people: with what proud self-satisfaction such babblers are ready to utter their pronouncements! If they only knew to what degree I myself understand all the loathsomeness of my present condition, they wouldn’t have the heart to teach me. Well, what, what new thing can they say to me that I don’t know myself? And is that the point? ... What am I now? Zéro. What may I be tomorrow? Tomorrow I may rise from the dead and begin to live anew! I may find the man in me before he’s lost! (133)

Dec 13, 15
* Also on my blog.

Everyone agrees that the greatest novels of Dostoyevsky are "The Brothers Karamazov", "Crime and Punishment", "The Humiliated and Insulted", and "The Adolescent". But I find that "Notes from Underground" is the greatest work written by this genius. Have any of you found "Notes from Underground" while reading? In order to be inspired by what one reads, in order to read more, this novel makes a person "crazy" about literature in general and makes one read more and more and more. It is a genius description of the feelings of a person when he is involved in an addiction to something beyond his ability to get rid of it!!! The novel is full of horror.