Fyodor Dostoevsky
Fyodor Dostoevsky was a Russian novelist, short story writer, essayist, and journalist. He is best known for his novels 'Crime and Punishment', 'The Idiot', 'Demons', and 'The Brothers Karamazov'. His works explore human psychology in the troubled political, social, and spiritual atmospheres of 19th-century Russia.
Books
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.
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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 13th Greatest Book of All Time -
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 21st Greatest Book of All Time -
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 66th Greatest Book of All Time -
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 97th Greatest Book of All Time -
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 407th Greatest Book of All Time -
6. 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 2371st Greatest Book of All Time -
7. 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 5318th Greatest Book of All Time -
8. 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 5554th Greatest Book of All Time -
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 11278th Greatest Book of All Time -
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 11263rd Greatest Book of All Time -
13. Onda Andar
The book explores the psychological and moral dilemmas faced by its protagonist, who grapples with the complexities of human nature and the consequences of his actions. Set against a backdrop of societal change, the narrative delves into themes of guilt, redemption, and the search for meaning in a world fraught with existential challenges. Through introspective monologues and interactions with a diverse cast of characters, the protagonist's journey reveals the intricate interplay between individual conscience and the broader social fabric.
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14. The Adolescent
The Adolescent (‹See Tfd›Russian: Подросток, romanized: Podrostok), also translated as A Raw Youth or An Accidental Family, is a novel by Russian writer Fyodor Dostoevsky, first published in monthly installments in 1875 in the Russian literary magazine Otechestvennye Zapiski. Originally, Dostoevsky had created the work under the title Discord. The novel was not considered to be a success after its publication in Russia, and it is generally thought to be not on the same level as Dostoevsky's other major novels of the period. However, some modern critics value it highly and consider it to be one of his most underestimated works.
