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.

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 14th Greatest Book of All Time

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 20th Greatest Book of All Time

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 69th Greatest Book of All Time

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 86th Greatest Book of All Time
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 394th Greatest Book of All Time

6. 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 1871st Greatest Book of All Time

7. 7. 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 4276th Greatest Book of All Time

8. 8. 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 6633rd Greatest Book of All Time

9. 9. 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 7179th Greatest Book of All Time
10. 10. 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 13127th Greatest Book of All Time

11. 11. Diário Do Subsolo

    

12. 12. The House of the Dead

    

13. 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.

14. 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.
15. 15. The Insulted And Humiliated

    

16. 16. Winter Notes On Summer Impressions

    

    The book is a reflective travelogue that captures the author's observations and critiques of Western Europe during his visit in the summer of 1862. Through a series of essays, the author offers a candid and often critical analysis of European society, culture, and politics, contrasting them with Russian values and identity. He delves into themes such as the superficiality of European progress, the alienation of individuals in modern society, and the moral and spiritual dilemmas faced by Western civilization. The narrative is infused with the author's philosophical insights and personal reflections, providing a rich commentary on the cultural and ideological differences between Russia and Europe.

17. 17. The Crocodile

    An Extraordinary Incident

    

    In this satirical short story, a man named Ivan Matveich is unexpectedly swallowed whole by a crocodile during a visit to an arcade with his wife, Elena Ivanovna, and a friend, Semyon Semyonitch. Remarkably, Ivan remains alive and well inside the creature, leading to a series of absurd and humorous events as he continues to communicate with the outside world. The story explores themes of bureaucracy, societal norms, and human folly, as Ivan's predicament becomes a spectacle and a subject of public and governmental interest, highlighting the absurdity of human behavior and the indifference of society to individual suffering.

18. 18. 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.

19. 19. The Eternal Husband

    

    The story revolves around the complex psychological and emotional dynamics between two men, Velchaninov and Trusotsky, who are bound by their shared past involving Trusotsky's deceased wife, Natalia. Velchaninov, a self-absorbed and introspective man, is confronted by Trusotsky, the "eternal husband," who is both pitiable and menacing as he grapples with the revelation of his wife's infidelity. As their interactions unfold, themes of guilt, jealousy, and the search for redemption are explored, revealing the intricate and often contradictory nature of human relationships and the enduring impact of past actions on the present.
20. 20. The Best Short Stories Of Fyodor Dostoevsky

    

    This collection offers a glimpse into the profound and intricate world of human psychology and morality, exploring themes of existential angst, redemption, and the complexities of the human soul. Through a series of compelling narratives, readers are introduced to a diverse cast of characters, each grappling with their own inner conflicts and societal pressures. The stories delve into the depths of human emotion, capturing moments of despair, hope, and introspection, all while reflecting the author's keen insight into the human condition. The tales are rich with philosophical undertones, inviting readers to ponder the nature of good and evil, freedom, and the search for meaning in a turbulent world.