This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

1. 1. Crime and Punishment

   

   A young, impoverished former student in Saint Petersburg, Russia, formulates a plan to kill an unscrupulous pawnbroker to redistribute her wealth among the needy. However, after carrying out the act, he is consumed by guilt and paranoia, leading to a psychological battle within himself. As he grapples with his actions, he also navigates complex relationships with a variety of characters, including a virtuous prostitute, his sister, and a relentless detective. The narrative explores themes of morality, redemption, and the psychological impacts of crime.

   The 11th Greatest Book of All Time

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2. 2. The Brothers Karamazov

   A Novel in Four Parts With Epilogue

   

   This classic novel explores the complex, passionate, and troubled relationship between four brothers and their father in 19th century Russia. The narrative delves into the themes of faith, doubt, morality, and redemption, as each brother grapples with personal dilemmas and family conflicts. The story culminates in a dramatic trial following a murder, which serves as a microcosm of the moral and philosophical struggles faced by each character, and by extension, humanity itself.

   The 18th Greatest Book of All Time

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3. 3. The Idiot

   

   The book follows the story of a kind-hearted and naive protagonist who returns to Russia from a Swiss sanatorium, where he was treated for a severe epileptic condition. Despite his pure intentions, he gets entangled in a web of love, greed, and manipulation, leading to tragic consequences. The novel explores themes of innocence, love, sacrifice, and societal expectations, offering a profound critique of Russian society during the 19th century.

   The 57th Greatest Book of All Time

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4. 4. Demons

   The Possessed

   

   "The Possessed" is a complex political novel set in a provincial Russian town, exploring the destructive influence of radical ideologies on society. The narrative revolves around a group of revolutionaries, their philosophical debates and their destructive actions, driven by nihilism and anarchism. The story is a critique of the political and social chaos of the time, showcasing the author's deep understanding of human psychology and his profound insights into the human condition. It is an exploration of faith, reason, and the nature of freedom and is considered one of the most significant works of Russian literature.

   The 94th Greatest Book of All Time

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5. 5. Notes from the Underground

   

   This novel is a profound exploration of the human psyche through the eyes of a bitter and isolated retired civil servant living in St. Petersburg. The protagonist, a self-proclaimed "sick" and "spiteful" man, delves into his past experiences and personal philosophies in a series of rambling and often contradictory monologues. His existential musings touch on themes such as free will, determinism, and the nature of human action, often challenging the prevailing ideologies of his time. The narrative provides a deep and unsettling insight into the darker aspects of human consciousness.

   The 342nd Greatest Book of All Time

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6. 6. The Gambler

   

   "The Gambler" is a novel that explores the psychological implications of addiction, specifically gambling. The story is narrated by a young tutor working in the household of a wealthy Russian general. He becomes obsessed with roulette and falls in love with a beautiful but cruel woman in the general's employ. The narrative delves into his descent into addiction, his tumultuous relationship with the woman he loves, and the impact of his destructive habits on his life and those around him.

   The 2609th Greatest Book of All Time

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7. 7. Poor Folk

   

   The novel unfolds as a poignant exchange of letters between two impoverished relatives, an elderly clerk and a young woman, who share their struggles, hopes, and the grim reality of their lives in 19th-century St. Petersburg. Their correspondence reveals the depth of their bond and the social pressures that keep them trapped in poverty. Through their heartfelt and sometimes despairing messages, the narrative paints a vivid picture of the harsh societal conditions of the time, exploring themes of poverty, class, and the human desire for dignity and connection amidst adversity.

   The 3000th Greatest Book of All Time

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8. 8. Notes From Underground & Other Stories

   

   This collection delves into the complexities of the human psyche through a series of introspective narratives, exploring themes of existential angst, alienation, and the struggle for identity. The central piece, a monologue by a disenchanted and isolated narrator, reveals his disdain for society and his own self-destructive tendencies, offering a profound critique of rationalism and the human condition. Accompanying stories further illuminate the intricacies of human emotions and moral dilemmas, painting a vivid picture of the inner turmoil faced by individuals in a rapidly changing world.

   The 5904th Greatest Book of All Time

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9. 9. Short Novels

   A Collection of Masterpieces

   

   This collection of works by the renowned Russian author delves into the depths of the human psyche, exploring themes of morality, free will, and the existential struggles of individuals in society. The narratives often focus on characters who are grappling with profound internal conflicts, societal pressures, and ethical dilemmas. Through a series of intense, philosophical dialogues and dramatic plot developments, the author examines the nature of good and evil, the possibility of redemption, and the enduring question of what it means to be human. Each novella in the collection serves as a powerful exploration of the complexities of the soul and the human condition.

   The 7216th Greatest Book of All Time

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10. 10. Humiliated And Insulted

    

    This novel delves into the complex emotional and psychological landscapes of its characters, focusing on a young writer who becomes entangled in the lives of an orphaned girl, his unrequited love, and a friend who betrays him. Set against the backdrop of 19th-century Russia, the narrative explores themes of redemption, love, and the human capacity for forgiveness amidst societal decay and personal despair. Through its intricate portrayal of relationships and moral dilemmas, the story examines the depths of human suffering and the potential for humility and compassion to emerge from humiliation and insult.

    The 11543rd Greatest Book of All Time

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11. 11. White Nights

    

    The story unfolds over several nights in St. Petersburg, where a solitary and dreamy young man encounters a distressed woman named Nastenka. As they walk the city's streets, he becomes infatuated with her, sharing his fantasies and loneliness. Nastenka, however, is waiting for her true love to return. Through their conversations, themes of unrequited love, longing, and the contrast between dreams and reality are explored. Ultimately, the protagonist's hopes are dashed when Nastenka's lover returns, leaving him to face the solitude of his existence once more.

    The 14783rd Greatest Book of All Time

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12. 12. O Sonho De Um Homem Ridículo

    

    In this philosophical short story, the protagonist, a man plagued by feelings of insignificance and despair, contemplates suicide but is interrupted by a dream that profoundly alters his perspective. In the dream, he is transported to a utopian world where purity, love, and truth reign supreme, only to witness its corruption by human flaws. Upon awakening, he is transformed, realizing the potential for redemption and the importance of love and compassion in the real world. This revelation ignites a newfound purpose in him, as he dedicates himself to spreading this message of hope and moral awakening.

    The 16512th Greatest Book of All Time

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13. 13. The House of the Dead

    

    The 16706th Greatest Book of All Time

14. 14. Notes From Underground, White Nights, The Dream Of A Ridiculous Man, And Selections From The House Of The Dead

    Four Short Novels

    

    This collection of works delves into the depths of human psychology and existential despair, exploring themes of isolation, redemption, and the search for meaning. Through a series of introspective narratives and character studies, the stories examine the complexities of the human condition, often highlighting the struggles between rational thought and emotional turmoil. The protagonists grapple with their own inadequacies and societal alienation, ultimately seeking understanding and connection in a world that seems indifferent to their plight. These tales offer profound insights into the nature of suffering and the potential for personal transformation.

    The 17041st Greatest Book of All Time
15. 15. The Double And The Gambler

    

    In this compelling narrative, the protagonist grapples with the duality of human nature and the destructive allure of gambling. The story delves into the psychological turmoil of a man who encounters his doppelgänger, leading to a profound identity crisis and a descent into madness. Simultaneously, the seductive pull of gambling ensnares him, highlighting the tension between rationality and compulsion. Through vivid characterizations and intricate plotlines, the tale explores themes of self-destruction, existential dread, and the relentless pursuit of fortune, ultimately painting a poignant picture of the human condition.

    The 17049th Greatest Book of All Time

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16. 16. The Gentle Spirit

    A Fantastic Story

    

    In this poignant and introspective novella, a pawnbroker reflects on his tumultuous relationship with his young wife, who has recently taken her own life. Through a series of fragmented memories and inner monologues, he grapples with the guilt, pride, and misunderstandings that plagued their marriage. As he delves deeper into his own psyche, he confronts the harsh realities of his controlling nature and the emotional distance that ultimately led to her tragic decision. The narrative unfolds as a haunting exploration of love, despair, and the human condition, leaving readers to ponder the complexities of the soul.

    The 16954th Greatest Book of All Time

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17. 17. Uncle’s Dream

    

    Set in a small provincial town, the story revolves around the ambitious Maria Alexandrovna, who concocts a scheme to marry her daughter Zina to the wealthy but senile Prince K. The narrative unfolds with a blend of comedy and satire as Maria navigates the town's social dynamics, manipulating and outsmarting the local gossips and rivals. However, the plan is complicated by Zina's own desires and the prince's unpredictable behavior. Through a series of misunderstandings and revelations, the tale explores themes of ambition, deception, and the absurdity of societal pretensions.

    The 17093rd Greatest Book of All Time

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18. 18. Notes From Underground & The Double

    

    In this compelling exploration of the human psyche, the narrative delves into the mind of a disillusioned and isolated man who grapples with his own contradictions and the absurdities of society. The protagonist, a self-proclaimed "underground man," offers a scathing critique of rationalism and the pursuit of self-interest, revealing the complexities of human consciousness and the struggle for authenticity. Alongside this, the story of a man who encounters his doppelgänger unfolds, highlighting themes of identity, duality, and the unsettling nature of self-perception. Together, these tales present a profound meditation on the inner turmoil and existential dilemmas that define the human experience.

    The 16941st Greatest Book of All Time

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19. 19. An Unpleasant Predicament

    

    In this satirical tale, the story unfolds during a wedding reception where a pompous and self-important civil servant, Ivan Ilyich Pralinsky, decides to make an unexpected visit to the home of one of his subordinates, Pseldonimov, who is getting married. Pralinsky, driven by a sudden urge to demonstrate his democratic spirit and benevolence, believes his presence will be a grand gesture of goodwill. However, his arrival disrupts the celebration, leading to a series of awkward and comical situations that highlight the absurdity of social pretensions and the disconnect between societal roles and genuine human connection.

    The 17034th Greatest Book of All Time

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