Classical Novels by Fyodor Dostoyevsky – Fyodor Dostoyevsky is one of the most popular novelists who came from Russia, most of the novels written by Fyodor Dostoyevsky are classics.
Fyodor Dostoyevsky (1821-1881) is one of the most influential writers in Russia. The many hardships and tragedies in his life later reflected and inspired his work, helping him to create memorable characters that would later shape the image of 19th century Russia.
In each of his novels, Dostoyevsky often depicts the life of the marginalized, forgotten, alienated, but actually represents the lives of the majority of people. They are the backbone of a country, and deeply understand life. So, here are five recommendations for Dostoyevsky’s best novels that deserve to be included in your booklist.
1.Crime and Punishment (1866)
The best way to get to know Dostoyevsky is by reading his most phenomenal novel Crime and Punishment. The story of a poor man who commits a crime to survive, but then deals with a bigger struggle than poverty – extreme guilt.
Along the way, readers will be confronted with all kinds of pathetic and despised human beings who inhabit the streets of St. Petersburg. But behind it all they are human beings who have a sense of humanity. This psychological novel allows us to understand the other side of people who have been thrown and alienated by life.
2.The Idiot (1868)
If you feel like the world is filled with ugliness, then it’s time to read The Idiot. The main character, Prince Myshkin, is one of the gentlest and kindest characters, but is trapped in a world of judgmental and cunning imperfect people. He recently returned after undergoing treatment at a Swiss mental hospital.
But her involvement in shameful forbidden love and persecution by those around her brought her back to where she was once cared for – a mental institution. In the end, however, Myshkin’s honesty, kindness, and integrity proved unequal to the moral emptiness of those around him.
3.Poor Folk (1846)
This epistolary novel was written as an exchange of letters between two poor people in St Petersburg – the old Makar Devushkin and his lover, Varvara Dobroselova. Although ironic in tone, this work is an important social novel that speaks for less fortunate people.
Devushkin’s love for his distant cousin Varvara leads him to continue looking for money to help support her, hoping to one day marry her. But despite her hopes, her parents disapproved of her and a richer man proposed to her, so Varvara was faced with a choice many young women used to face.
Also Read:Novels With a Rural Background
4.Demons (1871)
Demons is one of Dostoyevsky’s most politicized works. Inspired by the true story of the political assassination that horrified Russia in 1869. The plot is based on the story of the murder of a student named Ivan Ivanov, who was allegedly committed by members of revolutionary circles.
The novel is a reflection of a radical movement growing among intellectuals and the early signs of terrorism. This work is a reflection of Dostoyevsky’s thinking about the part of society protesting at his time and perhaps also a reflection on his participation in the circle of free thought.
5. The Gambler (1866)
This novel has an ironic story behind it, as Dostoyevsky previously lost a lot of money. The commission for this work came after Dostoyevsky lost a large sum of money that was not only his, but also his friend’s due to gambling. Due to heavy debt, the author made a contract to complete the work of The Gambler in a very short time.
This short novel tells the story of Alexey Ivanovitch, a young teacher who works at the home of a proud Russian general. Alexey then tries to break through the walls of the established order in Russia, but ends up mired in endless gambling and losses. His intense addiction was further exacerbated by his affair with the General’s violent nephew, Polina.…