Customer Reviews

The Brothers Karamazov (Signet Classics)

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Anyone interested in the central question facing mankind will find `The Brothers Karamazov' an essential guide. That question--on man's capacity for responsibility and the proper role of the state and religion--is posed throughout the story in dialogue and events, and is framed neatly in a 20-page section where Ivan presents a poem titled `The Grand Inquisitor' to his brother Alyosha. The chapter that bears that title (Book V, Chapter V) is a masterpiece in itself and should be studied for its narrative technique alone. But the ideas it presents are so immense, so mind-blowing and inspirational, that literary criticism is not sufficient.

Indeed, `The Brothers Karamazov' should not be classed merely as a novel--it is a book of philosophy, theology, and sociology as well that ranks with the greatest documents in those disciplines. There is a fictitious plot, of course, and the characters in the story are some of the most unique in all of literature, so it is rightly praised as a novel. But the modern reader looking for a plot of twists and romantic intrigues is bound to disappointment. Dostoevsky does not stir up drama through the placement of unexpected developments or improbable character traits. Instead, he relies on the inherent needs and wants of all men to make vivid his story.

The amount of dialogue may be shocking (tedious) to one accustomed to the modern show-don't-tell policy in storytelling. Today, novelists and screenwriters let a character's actions speak for them--it is quicker and provides a much more convincing impression. It also limits the kind of ideas that are posed in the story to simple, prosaic ones like `she likes him' or `he wants to defeat him.' By contrast, Dostoevsky allows the characters to speak for themselves, which creates a much longer and subtler exposition, but also frees the ideas to be vast and monumental.

What is the fundamental nature of socialism? What are the uses of the church in finding purpose? In finding salvation? Why is there suffering? What is the meaning of death? Read the brothers' dialogues and contemplate.

Dostoevsky's own philosophy is seen in the protagonist, Alyosha. This is so despite the fact that the author ably covers every perspective on every topic presented in the book, and one can hardly find a positive assertion throughout. If there is one, it rests in the overall effect of the words and actions, a concept Dostoevsky articulated in a personal correspondence--it is that "Man is a mystery; if you spend your entire life trying to puzzle it out, then do not say that you have wasted your time."

A word about the translations: The title of Book IV has been translated differently in every version I have seen (other chapter titles are also inconsistent, but Book IV is seemingly the most difficult to agree on). The original Russian is `Nadryvy,' which literally translates to `Ruptures,' though no translations I have seen use `Ruptures.' The word is used throughout the book to convey the motif of `pressures' or `strained conditions about to break.' The various options I have seen for this title are `Lacerations' (Garnett), `Strains' (Pevear & Volkhonsky), `Torment' (MacAndrew), `Crises' (Avsey), and `Crack-Ups' (McDuff). Given this is a central theme, the potential reader might look into which translation he prefers before buying. Apropos, the Princess Alexandra Kropotkin print version bears the Garnett translation, as does the Frederick Davidson audio recording.

Naxos Audiobooks should not be allowed to create this type of product. The abridged version of The Brothers Karamazov is an unethical, unacceptable, and simply evil joke that will kill any interest in Dostoevsky's novel. My advice, pick up a real book, full version and enjoy this outstanding novel.
Naxos Audiobooks went as far as putting a portrait of a famous Ukrainian poet Taras Shevchenko on the cover of this CD. I would like to know what does Taras Shevchenko have to do with the Brothers Karamazov? Any educated individual will laugh at this publisher's stupidity and absolute lack of knowledge of both Russian and Ukrainian literary heritage. What disrespect to Russian and Ukrainian cultures! Before trying to make money on using those authors, they ought to at least make a basic research... Outrageous!

Echoing the previous reviewer, this product is disappointing for anyone who is familiar with this novel. And for those who are using this to become acquainted with The Brothers K for the first time, you will not only be purchasing a truncated version, but a version that arguably cuts out the most important and most famous passages. For example, the moving chapter on Zosima's life as he lies dying in his cell is missing, and so is "The Grand Inquisitor" section which Dostoevsky himself described as the culminating point in the novel. These are essential sections of the book, and without them the story is no longer what the author meant it to be.

On the other hand, Pigott-Smith is a wonderful reader, and he does a great job in every respect. Even after I realized that they were overzealous with the editing, I couldn't stop listening, because this set is truly a pleasure. I suggest that this could be used to entice those who would never read the novel to pick it up (I'm thinking high schoolers here), or just to refamiliarize yourself with the plot without getting into Dostoevsky's philosophical and theological statements.

BUT, then you've got to read the UNabridged version! You will not regret it.

Based on one or more of the reviews, I ordered the Wordsworth edition of The Brothers Karamasov thinking that it must be the Avsey translation the review raved about. It's not. It's is the old Constance Garnett translation. Avsey's translation is available through Amazon, but this is not it. What happens is that the reviews for the Wordsworth edition and the Oxford Press edition get mixed together. The Amazon page for the Wordsworth edition does not mention who the translator is, so I guess it's my fault for being taken in by the review. Careless shoppers, beware. If you Amazon booksearch for Ignat Avsey, his translation of the novel turns up. Spend a few dollars extra for a book you're going to spend some serious time with!

This Kindle version was so bad, I deleted it and paid $9.99 for The Brothers Karamazov: A Novel in Four Parts With Epilogue.

You can find my review of the actual book on that link also, which is why I rated this one with Three Stars as I don't want to downrate the story.

Before I read this incalculably brilliant novel, I was aware of the sinister shadow that seems to follow it, such as mention of "The Brothers Karamazov" constituting the "birth of existentialism." Rubbish! Existentialism is a philosophical movement created by precocious, metaphysically insecure, and misdirected followers of the great Sartre, whereas "The Brothers Karamazov" is a masterful novel.

So I marched with my machete through the obstinate weeds of calamitous equivocation and misconstruction and bought the novel. It took me a summer to read it. The best literary summer of my life. What a novel! Wow. No one in the history of world literature has ever delivered more of a banquet of characters, cleverly-woven stories, quotable quotes (my favorite: "To not be yourself is the beginning of the end of everything"), comical and philosophical depth, and heart-wrenching craftsmanship than Dostoevsky.

And what is so dark and existential about this novel? That man is God? That without religion anything goes? These concepts were deeply entrenched in humanity long before the existentialists came along. There is darkness in life, and when a brilliant author like Dostoevsky captures it with humorously random bravado, such darkness only accentuates the beauty of the human experience. We all have the "Karamazovian seed" within us ... perhaps all born as "Fyodorian buffoons." How we choose to deal with it defines our lives ... makes us who we are. We can run from it like Alyosha and Ivan, or we can ride it like a great wave (Dmitri) and burn out like brightly glowing meteors; however we live, we have lived ... and that is that. "The Grand Inquisitor" is less The Devil and more of an eloquent metaphor for the self-questioning that I think Dostoevsky believed was integral to a well-lived life.

After readers have lost themselves in a world where laughing at the randomness of existence brings satirical yet aesthetic relief, after they have seen how the Karamazov brothers have finally and inevitably come to terms with their own belching humanity, how their lives have come to full circle, after the master storyteller of all time has spun his eternally haunting web, we find an ending that is anything but dark: that whatever we are, whatever we do, whatever we have suffered, we all have at least one positive memory to share with ourselves and with others. So, if anything, perhaps this novel is a glimpse of the beauty of life without consulting God ... but, not necessarily rejecting God. Perhaps, after all, just like the brothers in the novel, Dostoevsky just wanted us all to decide for ourselves.

In short, if you have not read this novel, you have not read anything.

I am still reading this book, about 75% through it. Great character development and great story, which is why it is a classic. This is one of Amazon's free books for the Kindle, and it works very well on the Kindle. It does have an active table of contents.

Echoing the previous reviewer who questioned the choice of a portrait of Ukrainian poet Taras Shevchenko as cover art... wha?? What an entirely inappropriate selection.

Anyway, it is a GREAT shame that Naxos did not order this edition to be the full, unabridged version. Tim Piggott-Smith's narration is second to none, and, judging this as abridged, as it is advertised, I will give it 5 stars due to his excellence. I have heard the unabridged versions narrated by Fredrick Davison and Walter Covell, and this narration, abridged as it is, is so superior in its characterisation and nuance that I would rate it above those efforts.

This is the last Dostoyevsky novel and possibly the best. I only consider his Crime and Punishment to be better than this one.

The Brothers Karamazov is a typical Dostoyevsky story. Story of love and hate between brothers and his father, money and girls are involved, and psychology of all characters is being painted with a great skill. In the end, you will not be sure who was actually guilty of what...

The story is rather short in its abridged form and especially in the first third it does not flow that smoothly. Later it gains more momentum and you just can not stop the tape. Sir Anthony Quayle's (reader) performance helps very much to keep the tension and excitment high.

THE BROTHERS KARAMAZOV, which is one of Dostoyevsky's all time best, perhaps the best, adds to make him perhaps the best writer of all times. The author came up with so many great ideas and characters that are so real to life even in their complex emotions and rationales that we relate to the characters as if we are in their heads. In the end, not only do we have a great story, we are also left with a beautifully written work of political, psychological, sociological, ethical and psychological thought that is very true not only to Russia, but to other lands and peoples as well.

The greatest soul writer of all times and great contributor to human psychology successfully created a beautiful and amazing dynamism between the Karamazov brothers that has been the core of many stories after involving siblings. There is the unreliable father, the old Fyodor Karamazov whose life dominates his sons and whose death casts a huge shadow on their future.

Sensual Alyosha who is the youngest of the Karamazov brothers is the main character of the story, and he is noted for his strong faith in god and humanity, deep kindness and sense of sacrifice.
Ivan the atheist has a sharp mind and is the critical analyzer who seeks for meaning in everything. He is skeptical and dwells more on rationale in his dealing with people and issues. In the end, his intellectual mind misleads him and opens the doors to the nightmares in his life.
Dmitry is the sensitive brother who has a strong consideration for anything living, Smerdyakov their half-brother, is the cunning illegitimate son of old Fyodor Karamazov and works as Fyodor's servant.

The characters of the brothers and the events of their lives made for the complex and fascinating story of exceptional proportions, where faith, meekness, atheism, indifference and slavery to negative instincts and impulses are often in conflict. Faith and atheism or disbelief in God is taken to epic proportions in Ivan's encounter with the devil.

Dostoevsky stated that, "when there is no God, all is permitted.". That assertion is reinforced in books like The Union Moujik, The Idiot, Crime and Punishment. The absence of God or lack of faith in man makes it possible for man to thrive in his worst animal instincts. Even when man starts with good intentions, the absence of faith usually derails him to the point where the good intentions are overshadowed by the negative effects of his actions. My conclusion is that this is a rare masterpiece.