The Idiot (Everyman's Library classics) [Hardcover]

Dostoyevsky regarded this as a sort of funny tragedy while he was writing it, but strangely very few others have viewed it as anything other than a tragic novel. Maybe it's an epilepsy thing, but once you get the trick of seeing the world of this novel both through the Prince's eyes and through the eyes of the characters around him then it really comes alive, and the shimmering fugue state which is the artistic marvel of this book will make you laugh like nothing else. To me this is Dostoyevsky's (the greatest dramatic novelist) finest dramatic achievement; to describe one world and then let the characterizations create multiple worlds within that. Of course we have to creatively empathise with the characters to be able to see the drama and the comedy, but doesn't this, as Dostoyevsky hoped, constitute the highest form of realism? Isn't everyday life delineated by the extent of our empathy? This is really what the book is about, the prince is set free by his isolation and sickness to a Christlike empathy with the world around him (although the brilliantly chaotic character of Lebedev tests the limits of this), and to see the destructive limitations of the egoism and narrow selfish passion which animate 'Society'. Of course the results of his efforts to make a difference are usually tragic or ridiculous. But it's the sometimes demonic laughter which surrounds the truly beautiful 'soul' of this book which makes it a uniquely unnerving and multi-dimensional masterpiece.

Through nobodys fault but my own, I'm not nearly as well-read as I would like to be, but in the interest of changing that I decided to give Dostoevsky a go, The Idiot being my choice.

Firstly, I should warn you that this book is a commitment. To some, that may not be a problem, and they would laugh that this is 'light reading'. Honestly, each to their own, but for myself (a 23 year old with a fairly average attention span) I found myself struggling from time to time on the 620-or-so pages, not including the supplementary pages. I should note, however, that my difficulty is not a fault of the book (which is beautifully written) becoming dull, but rather of my own inability to really focus on text for great lengths. If you just had a feeling that you're quite similar to me in that respect, then I'm here to tell you: Give it a go. I finished it (albeit after three of four attempts) but on my final attempt I was so glad that I gave the book the attention it deserves.

On a side note, you might also resemble me in the sense that you don't read the prologues, introductions, or supplementary information. For this book, by Richard Pevear, please do. It adds a dimension to the novel that would otherwise be missed. I should note, however, that if you are an expert in Russian history, or a specialist in that field, you may be forgiven for ignoring much of the links as you will already know it, however for the general public, this would not be the case!

The character development is fantastic, and you really care for all (well, most, there are a few characters that I really wanted to just disappear!) of the characters, and their individual webs of thought. It is both a tragedy, and a comedy, and a philosophy lesson, and a most-worthwhile read.

My review isn't incredibly specific, I realise, but I hope that it gives you a different perspective, and perhaps entices you to give this masterpiece a shot!

The Idiot is one of the finest novels in history, perhaps the finest. In this novel, the enigma that is often referred to as "THE RUSSIAN SOUL" is variously dissected through the different characters and more so by the hero of the story Prince Myshkin. In its simplest explanation, it is a soul with good intentions but faulty in executing the intentions. It is a soul in conflict, driven by the zest for life and a search of its meaning. Certainly the most Christian of Dostoyevsky's novels, THE IDIOT portrays how disastrous a good life can be. Rich in characters, this classic centers mostly on the good Prince Myshkin, a recovering epileptic with a rich soul who is easily perceived as an 'idiot' by the casual observer who focuses on his childlike manners especially in expressing himself and his naivety in dealing with people. But then a closer look reveals that his manners are the reflections of his honest soul, the wealth of his big heart and the broadness of his mind.

And only in deeper engagements does it become evident that Myshkin however has superior understanding and expression, which makes him modest and intelligent rather than stupid. His simple, honest and decent life is succinctly conveyed in his interactions, generating both love and resentment. The saintly Myshkin however struggles to deal with a materialistic world which has no place for the virtuous, and to reconcile his passionate and compassionate love for two women. But the love of the women corrupt and drives men out of their minds. Nastasia Filipovna whom Myshkin has compassionate love for is a tormented soul that can only love Christ and in Myshkin she found that Christ-like figure. Her rival Aglia has Myshkin's heart but failed to understand Myshkin's serene love for her and abandons him to the destructive love of Nastasia.

This is great intellectual work that we should to take seriously in general, a book to read with a serious mindset. Then you will understand the unique nature of Russia which our western minds have difficulties to comprehend. This strange land called Russia that has a bigger soul than any other is explored here in this story in a way that only Dostoyevsky unveils. Read it and you will finish it enriched. The Idiot is a thoroughly enjoyable novel of ideas that explores the nature of man and society and gives you a better idea of man and his actions. You shouldn't find it strange that the characters are philosophical, impulsive, introspective, energetic, colorful, and extreme in their passions. That is Russia, a land of extremes. This book is likely to impact you. It is one of the few of our times. I highly recommend it along with THE UNION MOUJIK.Also recommended: THE BROTHERS KARAMAZOV,THE USURPER AND OTHER STORIES, CRIME AND PUNISHMENT