Saturday, November 1, 1980

Fyodor M. Dostoyevsky's The Brothers Karamazov published 100 years ago this month

First posted 6/26/2020; updated 7/6/2020.

The Brothers Karamazov

Fyodor M. Dostoyevsky

First Publication: November 1880


Category: philosophical novel


Sales: ?

Accolades (click on badges to see full lists):

About the Book:

This “is a towering masterpiece of literature, philosophy, psychology, and religion.” BN It “is Dostoevsky’s deepest contemplation of human existence, which has heavily influenced the existentialist movement lead by Jean-Paul Sartre and Albert Camus in the middle of twentieth century.” AZ Sigmund Freud called The Brothers Karamazov “the most magnificent novel ever written.” AZ

“A complex structure of the novel features motifs of crime, justice, and redemption through suffering that help Dostoevsky develop his major themes including the conflict between faith and doubt, the burden of free will, and the pervasiveness of moral responsibility.” AZ

It tells the story of intellectual Ivan, sensual Dmitri, and idealistic Alyosha Karamazov, who collide in the wake of their despicable father’s brutal murder. Into the framework of the story Dostoevsky poured all of his deepest concerns – the origin of evil, the nature of freedom, the craving for meaning and, most importantly, whether God exists.” BN

“The novel is famous for three chapters that may be ranked among the greatest pages of Western literature. ‘Rebellion’ and ‘The Grand Inquisitor’ present what many have considered the strongest arguments ever formulated against the existence of God, while ‘The Devil’ brilliantly portrays the banality of evil. Ultimately, Dostoevsky believes that Christ-like love prevails. But does he prove it? A rich, moving exploration of the critical questions of human existence, The Brothers Karamazov powerfully challenges all readers to reevaluate the world and their place in it.” BN


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