As a recent convert to Eastern Orthodox Christianity, I was
interested in learning more about Fyodor Dostoevsky, an Orthodox Christian
writer who lived in Russia from 1821-1881. I admit that I’ve never ready any of
Dostoevsky’s works, but my daughters list his Crime and Punishment among their
favorite books. I decided to read this biography to learn more about him.
As is true of many artists, Dostoevsky was a tortured soul,
in more ways than one. He suffered from epilepsy and other ailments,
experienced profound loneliness at times, and was unfaithful in marriage.
Because of his political views, he was sent to a prison camp in frigid Siberia.
It was there that his faith took root, and this faith became a central part of
his novels. Though he achieved success as a novelist, he struggled financially
all his life. The final chapter tells of a moment of victory he experienced
during a speech he gave honoring the Russian poet Pushkin.
The author uses fiction techniques to tell the story of
Dostoevsky in an interesting way. The
story comes out in bits and pieces, through conversations, recollections and
flashbacks. I found myself confused at
points, and more than once I wished the author had told the story in a
chronological, linear format.
I found Dostoevsky a fascinating character, and I learned a
lot about a little-known period of Russian history. Perhaps it’s my turn to
read Crime and Punishment.
NOTE: I received a complimentary copy of this book from
Booksneeze. The opinions expressed are my own.
You can see the books I've read so far (starting in 2011) here.
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