Crime and Punishment  (English, Paperback, Dostoyevsky Fyodor)

Widely acknowledged as Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s masterpiece, Crime And Punishment narrates the tale of a young Russian who thinks himself to be an innocent murderer who is helping the society.

Summary Of The Book

Rodion Romanovich Raskolnikov, the protagonist of the novel is an ex-student living in Saint Petersburg who plans to murder and steal an old woman. The anti-hero is unscrupulous and lives in dire poverty refusing the help of those who offer it. He is sure no one will miss this old lady and intends to use the stolen money for a good purpose. What he doesn’t expect is the moral dilemma that occurs after his crime, the pain of guilt, and the inner sickness.

The novel offers a deep psychological insight into the emotional and mental consequences of murder. It is a psychological thriller that makes you stop and think about the nature of crime and criminals. As the novel progresses, Raskolnikov must face his own guilt, disappointment, and transformation.

If a murder is plotted and committed and benefits the society, is it just? Is it wrong to do bad things for the common good? What constitutes a fair punishment for such a crime?

Crime And Punishment is a classic Russian classic that delves deep into the human psyche. It was first published in the The Russian Messenger in 12 monthly installments during 1866. The book explores many themes such as evil for the greater good, expiation, and retribution.

Crime and Punishment was the literary sensation of 1866. The book has been hailed as a classic and must-read for its incredible examination of a man who commits murder and how he is “punished” for it. There have been more than 25 movie and serial adaptations of the novel with Crime and Punishment (1935, starring Peter Lorre, Edward Arnold, and Marian Marsh), Raskolnikow (aka Crime and Punishment) (1923, directed by Robert Wiene), and Crime and Punishment (2002, starring Crispin Glover and Vanessa Redgrave) being the popular ones.

About Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoyevsky

Fyodor Dostoyevsky, one of the most prominent Russian novelist’s of the 19th century was also a short story writer and essayist.

Some of his most prominent works include The Idiot, The Possessed, The Adult, and The Brothers Karamazov.

Philosophical in style and theme Dostoyevsky's work focus on human emotions in relation to the social conditions. He is rightly called ‘the explorer of ideas’ for his deep insight into the human mind is thought-provoking.

His works are loved for his deep insight and for his power of deep emotions. His works give us a vivid picture of the political, social and spiritual situation of 19th-century Russia. His work consists of 15 novels, 17 short novels and 3 essays. His works are rare gems of Russian literature. Dostoyevsky's books have been translated into more than 170 languages and have sold around 15 million copies.