I want to start reading Dostovetsky, and I don't mind long books. Please recommend one of his best books. Okay, with a little romance and love story but not too much.
If you’re new to Dostoevsky, “White Nights” is the easiest and most convenient place to start. I personally began with “Notes From Underground” because I’ve been fascinated by philosophy for a long time. If you’re looking for philosophical aphorisms, go for either “Notes From Underground” or “Crime and Punishment.” If you want a gentle introduction choose “White Nights.” Ultimately, it depends on what you’re looking for.
I started with Crime and Punishment in Constance Garnett's translation as was instantly hooked. It's an immediately thrilling read. Just go for it! Now I'm reading the Idiot and am finding it more subtle and more difficult to get sucked into, but I'm definitely excited about finishing it.
I’ll be a contrarian and say either Notes from a Dead House or Notes from Underground. Both novels (in hindsight) are set ups for his ‘Great’ novels. The don’t have the ‘love story’ you’re looking for, but Dead House is one of the best meditations on love for your fellow man that I have read. The downside is that Dead House is an atypical D. novel (it’s really more of a memoir of his prison experience that contains profound observations with a disjointed and non-linear narrative) and Underground is half a deconstruction of the rational Utopianism the intelligentsia of his day was preaching and half the worst second hand embarassment you’ll ever get from reading a novel. Underground was my introduction to Dostoevsky and I don’t regret it in the slightest.
If you absolutely need a love story then I would recommend Crime and Punishment. As another comment put it, it’s a primer for the rest of his novels.
I haven’t read the Adolescent or the The Brothers Karamazov because I’ve been reading his novels in release order and it has been one of the best reading challenges I’ve ever done.
No reason to not start with the Brothers Karamazov - I did and it was only a bit challenging and turned out to be possibly the most important book I've ever read. I followed up with The Idiot which was valuable but it came across too contrived in comparison. Crime and Punishment is fine too. Those are all I've read so I can't help further.
I began with Crime and Punishment and felt a deep enough understanding to read The Brothers Karamazov. I felt as if I was ready for the pinnacle of his literary depth.
Then I am going to the Idiot, then Notes From Underground, and then The Possessed as a bridge into my political philosophy reading period.
I’ve felt very comfortable reading The Brothers Karamazov after Crime and Punishment so far.
Honestly, I was really surprised by how easy and enjoyable Crime and Punishment was to read. Not only was it my first Dostoevsky book, it was the first book I had read in about 4 years. It was so difficult for me to put it down. I recommend that you should start with this. Do not be intimidated by the size, I promise it is so captivating that you will wish it never ends.
I'd go with White Nights, then Notes from Underground, then Crime and Punishment. Notes from Underground is a personal favourite with a fairly simple plot but with a deeply relatable titular character, White Nights is a great, short read to get used to Dosty;s style with a focus on romance, and Crime and Punishment because it is an iconic masterpiece with strong pacing and complex characters. I started with Crime and Punishment but it was a bit hard to follow as my first exposure to his works. People have their own strong opinions about his works (White Nights gets a lot of hate, for reasons that are beyond me) but if you enjoy it, that is all that matters.
The House of the Dead as it was his first novel he wrote after his near death experience and doing hard labour. He writes about what he saw and experienced in Siberia through a fictional character.
I read that one first and Crime and Punishment after.
Like so many others have said, Crime & Punishment. The hype is real, it's that damn good.
However, you can also get his collected short stories and read those as well. That way you get White Nights, Bobok, Dream Of A Ridiculous Man, A Gentle Creature, The Crocodile, etc. So many great short stories that stand on their own next to his epics.
Strongly disagree with anyone saying White Nights or Notes from the Underground. These two works lack the depth and density his longer works offer. I'd start with Crime and Punishment, then move to The Brothers Karamasow and Demons.
Notes from the Underground is short but it does not lack the depth and density which are otherwise found in his other works! That book lives entirely inside one's mind. It perfectly showcases the feelings of shame, dread, and the desire for dignity/twist behavior. This book is also why I'm heavily into Dostoevsky's works. I think it's a perfect place to start.
White Nights for new readers. Notes from Unferground for readers with a time constraint. Crime & Punishment for regular readers who wants to get deep into Dostoevsky
I’d start with White Nights. It’s short, easy, and fun to read. Then, if you enjoyed it, I’d recommend moving onto Notes From the Underground. It is here where Dostoevsky stretches his philosophical ideas and will give you a reference for his longer, more classical works.
I started with c&p, notes, brothers K, now reading the idiot. Would I recommend that order? I might say save brothers K for last, and just go in the order they were published, but what do I know
Il faut commencer par ses 3 courts premiers chefs-d'oeuvre, qui sont une bonne introduction à son oeuvre et à ses obsessions ( le "double-rival", l'orgueil/humiliation, l'utopie, l'amour bafoué )
I think something shorter such as white nights or notes is probably best to start with. If you like his rather unique way of writing then proceed down any longer book you find interesting
I think this order has an ascending growth in terms of difficulty and length. Starting with white nights and nftu is a perfect and interesting starting point without having to put too much effort in the reading process.
Crime and punishment imo is the best of his longer books to read first as it has interesting themes that are accessible enough without them being boring or too simple. The idiot has a moderate increase in terms of length and difficulty, while demons and the brothers are the ones which have the most and hardest themes to comprehend, ranging from political to philosophical concepts.
If you're a seasoned literature reader then I reckon u could go into some of his deeper works like the idiot or crime and punishment or the house of the dead. If you're relatively new to classical literature or just reading in general start with white nights and then move to the beefy ones. I have seen other people recommending notes from the underground but I myself can't vouch for it since I stopped reading that book about 25-30 pages into it since the underground man's rambling just hurt my head lol. I will pick it up again one of these days tho
Notes From the Underground! It was my introduction and in my oppinion a great start since it’s so short. Although it’s the Dostoevsky book I’ve enjoyed the most so I started at the top.
If you’re new to Dostoevsky, “White Nights” is the easiest and most convenient place to start. I personally began with “Notes From Underground” because I’ve been fascinated by philosophy for a long time. If you’re looking for philosophical aphorisms, go for either “Notes From Underground” or “Crime and Punishment.” If you want a gentle introduction choose “White Nights.” Ultimately, it depends on what you’re looking for.
Go for Crime and punishment
Dream of a Ridiculous Man
The player can be one.
The player can be a good starting point.
I started with Crime and Punishment in Constance Garnett's translation as was instantly hooked. It's an immediately thrilling read. Just go for it! Now I'm reading the Idiot and am finding it more subtle and more difficult to get sucked into, but I'm definitely excited about finishing it.
I’ll be a contrarian and say either Notes from a Dead House or Notes from Underground. Both novels (in hindsight) are set ups for his ‘Great’ novels. The don’t have the ‘love story’ you’re looking for, but Dead House is one of the best meditations on love for your fellow man that I have read. The downside is that Dead House is an atypical D. novel (it’s really more of a memoir of his prison experience that contains profound observations with a disjointed and non-linear narrative) and Underground is half a deconstruction of the rational Utopianism the intelligentsia of his day was preaching and half the worst second hand embarassment you’ll ever get from reading a novel. Underground was my introduction to Dostoevsky and I don’t regret it in the slightest.
If you absolutely need a love story then I would recommend Crime and Punishment. As another comment put it, it’s a primer for the rest of his novels.
I haven’t read the Adolescent or the The Brothers Karamazov because I’ve been reading his novels in release order and it has been one of the best reading challenges I’ve ever done.
No reason to not start with the Brothers Karamazov - I did and it was only a bit challenging and turned out to be possibly the most important book I've ever read. I followed up with The Idiot which was valuable but it came across too contrived in comparison. Crime and Punishment is fine too. Those are all I've read so I can't help further.
Here's how I did it:
All or nothing start with brothers karamazov
What? That's the hardest Dostoesky
Nooo, the adolescent is way harder imo
Nope. Easier to digest.
If you want to begin reading Dostoyevsky’s novel containing a little romance read Crime & Punishment. It is a great primer into Dostoyevsky’s novels.
White nights
I am going out of the traditional / ideal order.
I began with Crime and Punishment and felt a deep enough understanding to read The Brothers Karamazov. I felt as if I was ready for the pinnacle of his literary depth.
Then I am going to the Idiot, then Notes From Underground, and then The Possessed as a bridge into my political philosophy reading period.
I’ve felt very comfortable reading The Brothers Karamazov after Crime and Punishment so far.
Honestly, I was really surprised by how easy and enjoyable Crime and Punishment was to read. Not only was it my first Dostoevsky book, it was the first book I had read in about 4 years. It was so difficult for me to put it down. I recommend that you should start with this. Do not be intimidated by the size, I promise it is so captivating that you will wish it never ends.
I just picked up C&P over the weekend and it’s my first Dostoevsky. It’s so good and I can’t put it down.
Crime and Punishment intense, classic Dostoevsky with a hint of romance, no fluff. Perfect starting point.
I started with The Double (kinda hard to read) and The Gambler (way easier)
Why did you find the double hard to read, just curious?
I judt finished it and despite Golyadkins long ass rambles about how things should be and what-not I thought it was pretty ok.
I started with Crime & Punishment (for school but still loved it). Worth it if you're willing to read 600 pages of existential dread.
I'd go with White Nights, then Notes from Underground, then Crime and Punishment. Notes from Underground is a personal favourite with a fairly simple plot but with a deeply relatable titular character, White Nights is a great, short read to get used to Dosty;s style with a focus on romance, and Crime and Punishment because it is an iconic masterpiece with strong pacing and complex characters. I started with Crime and Punishment but it was a bit hard to follow as my first exposure to his works. People have their own strong opinions about his works (White Nights gets a lot of hate, for reasons that are beyond me) but if you enjoy it, that is all that matters.
White Nights or Notes from Underground are the answers most will give. I started with C&P and adored it. Most important thing is that TBK is last
Notes from a Dead House. Humiliated and Insulted.Notes From Underground. Crime and Punishment. The Karamazov Brothers
The House of the Dead as it was his first novel he wrote after his near death experience and doing hard labour. He writes about what he saw and experienced in Siberia through a fictional character.
I read that one first and Crime and Punishment after.
I second this.
I don't see a single person recommending - The meek one. That's a lovely little book too! :(
White nights for sure
it could be kinda unusual But my recommendation would be " The dream of a ridiculous man "
White nights
White nights or Notes from the Underground
Like so many others have said, Crime & Punishment. The hype is real, it's that damn good.
However, you can also get his collected short stories and read those as well. That way you get White Nights, Bobok, Dream Of A Ridiculous Man, A Gentle Creature, The Crocodile, etc. So many great short stories that stand on their own next to his epics.
Crime and punishment
Crime and punishment
Do y'all agree with what Penguin says?
https://www.penguin.co.uk/discover/articles/where-to-start-reading-fyodor-dostoyevsky
Strongly disagree with anyone saying White Nights or Notes from the Underground. These two works lack the depth and density his longer works offer. I'd start with Crime and Punishment, then move to The Brothers Karamasow and Demons.
Notes from the Underground is short but it does not lack the depth and density which are otherwise found in his other works! That book lives entirely inside one's mind. It perfectly showcases the feelings of shame, dread, and the desire for dignity/twist behavior. This book is also why I'm heavily into Dostoevsky's works. I think it's a perfect place to start.
Notes was the first one I read and the reason I'm now on my 5th book from him. It's still my favourite.
Notes from Underground has some of the most depth out of anything he wrote. Maybe you need to reread it.
White Nights for new readers. Notes from Unferground for readers with a time constraint. Crime & Punishment for regular readers who wants to get deep into Dostoevsky
I’d start with White Nights. It’s short, easy, and fun to read. Then, if you enjoyed it, I’d recommend moving onto Notes From the Underground. It is here where Dostoevsky stretches his philosophical ideas and will give you a reference for his longer, more classical works.
I started with House of the Dead then got so hooked I read all his works.
I started with Crime and Punishment, then The Idiot, Notes from Underground, then short stories and soon TBK when I finished Lolita (Nabokov)
either Crime and Punishment, White Nights, or Notes from Underground
personally I’d say Crime is the best choice of those tho
I started with c&p, notes, brothers K, now reading the idiot. Would I recommend that order? I might say save brothers K for last, and just go in the order they were published, but what do I know
Publishing order is what I’ve been doing.
I started with Notes, then i went to Poor Folks, the Double and the Idiot. Right now I am reading Crime and Punishment
I’d recommend starting with The Idiot.
Il faut commencer par ses 3 courts premiers chefs-d'oeuvre, qui sont une bonne introduction à son oeuvre et à ses obsessions ( le "double-rival", l'orgueil/humiliation, l'utopie, l'amour bafoué )
NOTES D'UN SOUTERRAIN
LE DOUBLE
L' ETERNEL MARI
Crime and punishment is very fast to read
Notes from Underground, Crime and Punishment
I think something shorter such as white nights or notes is probably best to start with. If you like his rather unique way of writing then proceed down any longer book you find interesting
Notes from the Underground, White Nights might give you a distorted idea of what Dostoevsky is.
Perfect order
if i might ask, why?
I think this order has an ascending growth in terms of difficulty and length. Starting with white nights and nftu is a perfect and interesting starting point without having to put too much effort in the reading process. Crime and punishment imo is the best of his longer books to read first as it has interesting themes that are accessible enough without them being boring or too simple. The idiot has a moderate increase in terms of length and difficulty, while demons and the brothers are the ones which have the most and hardest themes to comprehend, ranging from political to philosophical concepts.
https://preview.redd.it/r8hdao400k8g1.jpeg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=895115a8441c3b35b590190a17c536f0bf39ace4
Thanks man
crime and punishment
If you're a seasoned literature reader then I reckon u could go into some of his deeper works like the idiot or crime and punishment or the house of the dead. If you're relatively new to classical literature or just reading in general start with white nights and then move to the beefy ones. I have seen other people recommending notes from the underground but I myself can't vouch for it since I stopped reading that book about 25-30 pages into it since the underground man's rambling just hurt my head lol. I will pick it up again one of these days tho
Thanks for the help. Underground one seems like a good book 😅
Personally I think White Nights, Notes From Underground then Crime and Punishment is the way to go.
Demons!!
well, i started with the idiot nd loved it.
Underground Man. For me, mind-blowing.
Brothers Karamazov. For me, the greatest piece of literature.
Notes From the Underground! It was my introduction and in my oppinion a great start since it’s so short. Although it’s the Dostoevsky book I’ve enjoyed the most so I started at the top.
Read white night perfect for you
Crime & Punishment
If you want to understand Dostoevsky the writer, his main project, philosophy and ideas there really is only one pathway-ish with little wiggle room:
Crime and Punishment, then Notes from the Underground, then The Idiot or Demons, then Brothers Karamazov.
Crime and punishment—> Notes from underground—> The idiot—> The Devils—> TBK
why no the adolescent?
My suggestion was only for Dostoevsky’s big five. Ofc there are other works also
but his big five doesn’t include Notes from undeground. It only includes all of his novels which is The adolescent
Opinions are divided on that. Some people swap Notes for the adolescent. Both are wonderful books though
oh, ok. I agree with you
The dream of a ridiculous man was my first reading of D - as an adolescent I had read the adolescent but I remember nothing
Letters from the Underground
Here’s my journey so far: Crime and Punishment -> The Brothers Karamazov -> The House of the Dead -> Demons -> The Gambler
Definitely just go Crime and Punishment.
Crime and punishment