Comments on: The Brothers Karamazov–Book review

By: David Bennett

David Bennett — Sat, 22 Mar 2025 18:09:42 +0000

His books are heavy going that’s for sure. All the best

By: LisaNotes

LisaNotes — Sat, 22 Mar 2025 17:24:04 +0000

In reply to David Bennett. Good to know. I have Crime and Punishment pushed aside on a bookshelf somewhere (probably alongside War and Peace), but maybe I won't leave it untouched forever. :) Thanks, David!

By: David Bennett

David Bennett — Sat, 22 Mar 2025 17:06:15 +0000

Crime and Punishment was stellar and I also enjoyed Notes from thee Underground.
But they can be difficult and disturbing too. It seems to be his style. Very deep.

By: LisaNotes

LisaNotes — Sat, 22 Mar 2025 16:29:07 +0000

In reply to David Bennett.

I get what you’re saying about Brothers Karamazov. I’m glad I read it so I know what it’s about, and I did get some good things out of it, but I won’t ever read it again. 😉 It was tough getting through it. It was more of a challenge (and less interesting) than I was expecting.

I’m curious what other book you’d recommend by Fyodor Dostoevsky.

By: David Bennett

David Bennett — Sat, 22 Mar 2025 00:40:31 +0000

Brothers Karamazov. I’ve read some difficult books and enjoyed them, but this for me was a waste of time. By page 150 I was no more involved than page 1. The character development was sketchy, there was no plot, the scenes were superficial and pointless and I just grew tired of it all. Where are we? What’s happening? Who are these people? And mostly – How is this considered to be one of the greatest books ever written? If you’re a fan- sorry! I’ve read other works by him that were soulful and engaging. But this one- thumbs down.

By: LisaNotes

LisaNotes — Mon, 04 Aug 2014 01:48:30 +0000

In reply to Darlene @ Lost in Literature. Oh yes, Darlene! I actually did read A Severe Mercy a few years ago. There were times I thought this is so boring, but then whammo! a good part would come and leave me thinking it was an awesome book. That's the thought I ended with. I gave my copy away though; I need to find another one sometimes for a re-read.

By: Darlene @ Lost in Literature

Darlene @ Lost in Literature — Fri, 01 Aug 2014 23:23:57 +0000

In reply to LisaNotes.

I don’t know if you ever read A Severe Mercy by Sheldon Vanauken or not, but it was the same way with that one. It was such a chore to read, but when I was done I was like..
“That was profound!” It was so incredibly meaningful and it made such an impression on me but while I was reading it I was like…”oh my gosh….this chapter is soooo long…let’s get on with this!”

So, there’s another recommendation for you.:)

By: LisaNotes

LisaNotes — Sun, 20 Jul 2014 21:19:33 +0000

In reply to Darlene @ Lost in Literature. Hmm...hearing comments like that always pique my interest. Maybe I shouldn't totally give up on ever reading War and Peace. But 10 years? Wowsa. ha. Yeah, I agree it better be good after that investment! :)

By: LisaNotes

LisaNotes — Sun, 20 Jul 2014 21:17:56 +0000

In reply to Darlene @ Lost in Literature. I was trying to explain to my husband last night why I'm glad I read this book, even though I was bored with parts of it at the time I was reading it. I should have just read him your comment instead. :) Thanks, Darlene!

By: Darlene @ Lost in Literature

Darlene @ Lost in Literature — Sun, 20 Jul 2014 17:47:43 +0000

In reply to LisaNotes. I have a friend who claims it took him about ten years to read War and Peace but says it was the most incredible piece of literature he ever encountered. It better be, if your gonna stick with it for that long.:)