Devils

Slow start but definitely worth it. It grows in value in the time after reading it. Great characterisation and a book you’ll remember. Although I would suggest buying another translation, NOT the Garnett one

I have spent nearly five months reading Devils. I'll finish the final 50 pages by tomorrow. At 700 pages it is marathon. The book is character rich and the complicated Russian names are a challenge as well. The subject matter is quite parallel to 2024 world events. Read the book with a sharp pencil and a highlighter for notations and emphasis. This is my fourth Dostoyevsky novel in the past 18months.

The Devils by Fyodor Dostoevsky is a dark and intense novel that delves into the dangerous allure of revolutionary ideologies and the destructive power of radicalism. Set in a small Russian town, the story follows a group of intellectuals and revolutionaries who plot to overthrow the established order, but their ideals quickly spiral into chaos and violence. At the heart of the novel is the character of Pyotr Verkhovensky, a manipulative and charismatic figure who seeks to incite a revolution, and his interactions with a variety of characters, each representing different facets of society. Through these characters, Dostoevsky explores themes of nihilism, the search for meaning, and the consequences of abandoning moral and spiritual values in pursuit of political goals.

Not good. Book ends at page 680 - the last chapter missing.

One of Dostoevsky's greatest masterpieces. The book itself was new without any physical defects. Quality literature made available at a very accessible price. Wordsworth Classics' cover design are usually hit-or-miss but this one completely nailed the novel's atmosphere, representing the young men who become possessed by the radical, deviant ideas and especially by devils themselves.