The Book Vipers discussion

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Things to consider:
1. Did you like the book?
2. Did you like or dislike the main characters?
3. Do the characters develop?
4. What did you think of the plot and the ending of the story?
5. Do you have any particular favourite quotes or scenes?
6. Would you read anything else by this author?

I read this book early this year, the first Russian lit book for me, it had been translated though. It was amazing, I thought it was going to all fancy words and way above my head.

The main character reminded me a lot to the kid in "the catcher in the Rye" and because of that I didn't like him, he felt himself to be above everybody but he hadn't proved his worth to the reader. I liked his best friend though, very nice chap who cared for everybody. Older women are portrayed in this as being very weak, whereas younger ladies are portrayed as quite strong, even without having had an education. I think the author (can't be bothered with trying to spell his name) might have a few issues with his elders.

Because I enjoyed this book so much I went on to read war and peace, also amazing. I do plan to read The Brothers Karamazov when I can find a copy.

Wow, Jason, that's impressive, two major Russian novels in quick succession! I'd like to join in with this one but I suspect it might take more than a month. Read Anna Karenina recently and that took quite a while. Never read any Dostoyevsky so maybe now's the time to start. Which translation did you read and would you recommend it?

I think the translation was by Constance Garnett or Garrett. I felt it was good, but had nothing to compare with.

I've not done Anna Karenina yet, maybe after I have finished count of Monte Cristo.

Went through a Classics phase at uni and this was one of the first I read. Seeing as its 10 years since I read it, my memory is a tad fuzzy. I remember it being grim and it being difficult to empathise with the main character. It spurred me on to read Anna Karenina but I gave up on War & Peace, felt too much of a chore at the time. Can't say Russian literature is a passion of mine so I won't be rereading this!

I can't wait to start this, it is my 'on my shelf for the last 10 years' book, and after failing to get past the first few pages about ten years ago, it has followed me around, being moved from bookshelf to bookshelf, good intentions never prevailing...until now!

I feel like this novel could be discussed for months on end. It is truly startling and the questions is provokes are fascinating: How can you identify with Raskolikov when he's a cold-blooded killer? How could the child who was so horrified at the beating of a horse grow into a man who could carry out such a grisly crime based on a philosophical theory? Why does Dostoyevsky have a generous, kind-hearted man become a murderer and a mean-spirited one like Svridigailov become generous and thoughtful? Is it to say something about the infinite complexity and contradictions in human nature?
I believe it is true that with the passage from child to young man, many espouse theories that make us blush in later life. And the urge to think of oneself as "exceptional" is not uncommon (i.e. above the normal constraints placed on the average human being). But to carry through with an idea so barbarous, it strikes me that one has to be rather narcissistic. Then there is the contradiction in Raskilnikov's apparent sensitivity and generosity.
I remember reading about a CIA or FBI agent, informer to the Soviets, that was also a church-going, family man. The theory of how he could do that was that people are very capable of "compartmentalizing" was the word used; almost like multiple personality.
Well, I could go on forever. What does anyone else think?

Got this from the library and hoping to start this weekend, though not sure I'll get it finished this month.

Finished Part 2 yesterday, and tbh I'm finding it a bit hard going, though it did pick up in the last couple of chapters. How is everyone else doing?

I had a few moments here and there that were hard going, tended to be lectures by the author I struggled with.

Finished yesterday. Though it was hard going at first, I really enjoyed it as it went along, and by the end did not want to put it down. I enjoyed all the secondary characters more than Raskolnikov and helped bring the book to life after all his dreary internal monologues.

I was impressed how self-aware it was in the use and interrelationship of psychology, philosophy and politics. The character of Porfiry, the psychological detective, was fascinating and fun. I read one commentary that said each of the main secondary characters was like a different compass point for Raskolnikov, each pointing him in a different direction. Interesting idea, though Sonya, Dounya, and Razumichin may have occupied adjacent points -- and so may have Luzhin, Svidrigaïlov, and Marmeladov.

Well, I finished it at last. There were bits I enjoyed, but mostly I found it hard work, especially the dialogue and Raskolnikov's meandering thoughts. The psychology was certainly interesting but I found myself bogged down in the dense style of writing. Also found it quite hard to empathise with any of the characters, though the idea that Raskolnikov is redeemed by his suffering at the end is interesting.