Gypsy girls, dead bodies and smoking guns

In “The Brothers Karamazov” one of the brothers Dmitri Fyodorovich is described as spending a great deal of time engaged in acts of debauchery and dissipation. He is often said to have spent his money on liquor and gypsy girls. I had a consultation during the time I was reading this book by Dostoevsky with… Continue reading Gypsy girls, dead bodies and smoking guns

I have just finished “The Brothers Karamazov”

I have just finished Fyodor Dostoevsky’s novel, “The Brothers Karamazov”. I think it is Dostoevsky’s last novel, and it is widely regarded as his best. It is a remarkable book driven by the dialogue of the characters and the forensic insight into the psychology of the characters. Yes, there are events and happenings, most notably… Continue reading I have just finished “The Brothers Karamazov”

One of Fyodor Dostoevsky’s favourite words?What does it mean?

I am listening to “The Brothers Karamazov” at the moment and there is a word that pops up in the novel with a great deal of frequency. It is a word that you will not hear much nowadays in normal, everyday conversation. In fact, you may not come across it at all. The word is… Continue reading One of Fyodor Dostoevsky’s favourite words?What does it mean?

How did Russia give us Tolstoy, Dostoevsky and then Putin?

I am reading “War and Peace” at the moment and listening to “The Brothers Karamazov” on audiobook. And it is hard to believe that a country like Russia can produce such men as Fyodor Dostoevsky and Leo Tolstoy and then give us the sneering, psychopath Putin some 200 years later. The sensitivity of Dostoevsky’s writing,… Continue reading How did Russia give us Tolstoy, Dostoevsky and then Putin?

Interested in classic fiction books? This YouTube channel is a gem

I have read a large number of the classic books over the last few years. I cannot remember when I started on the project and I cannot define a ‘classic’ book, either. And I am rereading many of them now. Last week I finished Madame Bovary again and now I am reading The Brothers Karamazov.… Continue reading Interested in classic fiction books? This YouTube channel is a gem

Listening to “The Brothers Karamazov” on audiobook

I’ve started listing to “The Brothers Karamazov” yesterday evening after downloading it from Audible. I was uncertain whether I would get the audiobook or the written version, but I was determined I would read it again. I read it before on my Kindle but did not fully appreciate it or the genius of Fyodor Dostoevsky.… Continue reading Listening to “The Brothers Karamazov” on audiobook