Fyodor Dostoyevsky

One of the few classics that remain classics across genres and timelines includes the writings of Fyodor Dostoyevsky. The 'Notes From Underground' writer has a vast collection worth exploring, for the depths of symbolism, allegory, and philosophical themes explored through his writing could put most contemporary writers to shame. The most extraordinary moment of storytelling in his writings is the use of plot twists in a very unconventional manner. In his book Crime and Punishment, what feels like a central plot point ends up being just one of the things that happen in the very first act of the book, leaving you wondering if the read-ahead is even worth it. However, the sordid retelling of every human emotion explored further leaves the reader grappling with more. Conflicted, flawed, and deeply misunderstood characters are the trademark for Dostoyevsky, proving to be an accurate reflection of the idea that there is no actual bad in any person. However, there is no perfect goodness either. 

Crime and Punishment :

Crime and Punishment, his seventh published work, in its essence, targets the philosophy behind human guilt, humiliation, delirium, and moral superiority through the main character, Rodion Raskolnikov, an impoverished student in St. Petersburg. He staunchly believes that a human with enough moral superiority can justify any crime simply by canceling it out due to their personal positive contribution to society. Which he promptly puts to the test. As the story unfolds, he has to deal with his guilty conscience, his unraveling mental state, and his deteriorating relationship with his mother, his sister, and Sonya, a young woman forced into prostitution by her family. This book is considered the pinnacle of psychological novels and existential literature, and rightfully so, because as the last page turns over, it leaves you wondering if Raskolnikov truly has a point. 

The Brothers Karamazov:

The Brothers Karamazov is another masterwork off the desk of Dostoevsky, with its rich dive into characterization, philosophical insights, and exploration of the deprived human condition. With three brothers and their fathers being the main attraction, their relations with others outside their little dysfunctional family and the dynamics within form the crux of the story. The youngest brother is a novice monk, gentle and spiritual; the middle brother is characteristically facing existential questions and is cynical about morality and religion, the blood of a confirmed intellectual atheist running through his heart, and the eldest is passionate and impulsive, interested solely in his father's inheritance and Grushenka, a beautiful woman with a scandalous past. The story culminates in the last act towards Alyosha, the youngest brother's spiritual awakening, taking the reader on a long journey to question everything from faith, free will, and moral responsibility to even the existence of God.

While Dostoyevsky remains one of the most excellent writers I have ever come across, what must be kept in mind when experiencing the beauty of his characters and his world is that unless one is ready to constantly be swept into the tempting currents of utter existential dread and mid-life crises, it is advised to take a hike around the moors of some softer classics like Emma and Madame Bovary, and come back a little more prepared. While his works may seem intimidating, his insights on the human condition are irreplaceable and unique to him alone.  See you later :) Saili Narvekar