The Brothers Karamazov: A Novel in Four Parts and an Epilogue (Penguin Classics) [Paperback]

Fyodor Dostoyevsky (Author), David McDuff (Translator, Introduction)

Book Description

Release date: April 29, 2003 | Series: Penguin Classics

This novel was Dostoyevsky's last and finest work, telling the story of the four Karamazov brothers—each with his own distinct personality and desires. Driven by intense, uncontrollable emotions of rage and revenge, they all become involved in the brutal murder of their despicable father. Exploring the secret depths of humanity's struggles and sins, Dostoyevsky unfolds a grand epic which attempts to venture into mankind's darkest heart, and grasp the true meaning of existence.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Russian --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Fyodor Dostoyevsky (1821–1881), one of nineteenth-century Russia’s greatest novelists, spent four years in a convict prison in Siberia, after which he was obliged to enlist in the army. In later years his penchant for gambling sent him deeply into debt. Most of his important works were written after 1864, including Notes from Underground, Crime and Punishment, The Idiot, and The Brothers Karamazov, all available from Penguin Classics.

David McDuff was educated at the University of Edinburgh and has translated a number of works for Penguin Classics, including Dostoyevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov.

David McDuff was educated at the University of Edinburgh and has translated a number of works for Penguin Classics, including Dostoyevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov.

Product Details

• Paperback: 960 pages
• Publisher: Penguin Classics; Reissue edition (April 29, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0140449248
• ISBN-13: 978-0140449242
• Product Dimensions: 5.1 x 1.7 x 7.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (39 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #99,832 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

59 of 61 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The whole package May 27, 2004

By H. Huggins

Format:Paperback

This book is over 900 pages long, and it took me only 2 weeks to read it, while working full time, which is a true testament to its compelling plot and masterful prose. That being said, this is not an easy read, but demands much of the reader. Besides being the recounting of a fictional parricide and the ensuing courtroom drama, this is also Dostoevsky's greatest rumination on the meaning of life, the difference between good and evil, the phenomenon of human guilt, and the existence of God and the Devil. Phew.

The novel begins with introduction of the three Karamazov brothers (there is one other bastard son, but he is largely in the background), Alexei, Dmitry, and Ivan. All are unique and represent different parts of the human psyche. Alexei is benevolent and good, Dmitry is passionate and generous, Ivan is serious and intellectual. They all have their inner battles with God, which Dostoevsky brilliantly brings into the plot without losing the believability of the characters. About halfway through the book, their father, Fyodor Karamazov is murdered. Much like Dostoevsky's victim in "Crime and Punishment", Fyodor is an unsympathetic character who treated his sons horribly. Dmitry is the immediate suspect and a trial follows. Even though Dmitry is blamed for the murder, this novel circles around collective guilt in the eyes of God (if he exists, which is a question that clearly torments Dostoevsky). Who is responsible for the maltreatment of the Karamazov children? Who is responsible for tolerance of Dmitry's excesses? A rich cast of characters brings every possible aspect of personality into this debate, making this novel one of the most complete and well-rounded I have ever read. The theme of this book is the human condition...what it means to be human, to have freedom of choice, to have a moral conscience...issues that have been the subject of eternal debate, but find some of their clearest conveyence here in Dostoevsky's prose.

This book starts out a bit slow; Dostoevsky doesn't give the reader much of an intro before he launches into a treatise on religion and the state. But I promise that it picks up quickly and never lets go. Be prepared for your mind to travel to all sorts of different places. This book is entertaining, thought provoking, literary...it's the whole package.

One of the finest books I have ever read or will ever hope to read.

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars My favourite translation of the greatest novel ever written March 19, 2009

By Paul

Format:Paperback

I have read The Brothers Karamazov 12 times in three different versions - those by Garnett, Pevear-Volokhonsky, and McDuff. This one is by far my favourite of those three. While the other versions would take me at least a month to read, this one only took two weeks. Not only is the translation easier to read and more compelling, but there is a helpful introduction that explains some of the themes.

I'd also recommend these two introductions:
The Brothers Karamazov: Worlds of the Novel
Dostoyevsky: The Brothers Karamazov (Landmarks of World Literature)

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars An Intense Masterpiece February 18, 2004

By Whitney R.

Format:Paperback

The Brothers Karamazov is a dramatic and insightful Russian novel written by Fyodor Dostoyevsky. In this novel, Dostoyevsky intricately weaves the actions and emotions of his characters to create a masterpiece that describes the flaws and complications of society. As well as drawing out an intricate plot of a patricide, Dostoyevsky also confronts discrepancies in religion, the contrast between social classes, the power of money and love, and the complexity of the human nature.
Although many people are discouraged by its length, I strongly recommend this novel because of Dostoyevsky's ingenious writing style. He depicts the culture of Russian society through the case of a disputed murder as well as debating the line between good and evil. He also challenges the morals and lifestyles of that time, revealing his inner struggles to the reader. Dostoyevsky uses a wide variety of people in society as his characters: from wealthy individuals to impoverished families, from atheists to religious elders, from bastards to legitimate children, and from buffoons to moral figures. Between the characters, he draws parallels and contrasts in order to emphasize hope in the midst of a severe and cruel society.
What I love most about this novel is the character development. In the very beginning of the book, Dostoyevsky introduces his main characters by describing each of their backgrounds and their development to the point of the central plot. Thus, the reader feels as if he has grown up with these characters and understands each of their personalities. Each character is viewed realistically: they have imperfections and strengths, as well as unpredictable and unique qualities that could be found in people today. The reader is torn by the differences between each character that eventually lead to disaster and confusion. Overall, Dostoyevsky paints an almost flawless picture of humanity, captivating the reader with his intensely detailed and overall beautiful piece of literature.
This book is not very easy to read; it requires much concentration and contemplation. However, its depth and incredible composition has placed it as one of literature's greatest works. I highly recommend this novel and encourage the reader to be persistent when the reading becomes tedious, because, in the end, they will never regret picking up the book, as I never will.