Crime and punishment book review
This was the second novel by Dostoevsky that I've read, and I have to say I enjoyed The Brothers Karamazov much more than Crime and Punishment.
While I can appreciate why Crime and Punishment is considered a literary masterpiece, I found it emotionally exhausting. The atmosphere is relentlessly bleak, and by the end I felt drained.
Raskolnikov is certainly one of the most psychologically complex protagonists I've encountered, but I didn't find him particularly likable. His arrogance and constant inner turmoil made it difficult for me to connect with him.
One aspect that disappointed me was the limited attention given to the victims, especially Lizaveta. She seemed like such a kind and innocent person, yet the novel spends far more time exploring the murderer's mind than the lives that were taken. I also wished Dostoevsky had revealed more about Raskolnikov's childhood and family background.
Svidrigailov was probably the biggest surprise for me. I genuinely didn't expect him to end his life, and his suicide felt like a sudden plot twist. I'm still not entirely sure I understand what ultimately drove him to that decision, so that's something I'll probably keep thinking about.
Overall, I think this is a good and thought-provoking novel with unforgettable psychological depth, but I personally preferred The Brothers Karamazov. For now, though, I think I'll take a break from Russian literature before diving into another classic.