The audiobook of Crime and Punishment is 22 hours long. It felt like more.
But let’s start at the beginning. I’ve never read a Russian classic before, but I’ve loved Chekhov’s plays from a very young age and I thought the depressing themes, the existential angst and the introspective despair in Russian literature might suit my temperament very well.
After a brief scan of the most famous classics, I decided on Crime and Punishment. The moral dilemmas and ultimate consequences of committing a crime sounded more up my street than Anna Karenina or War and Peace.
It started out well. Last year I read Hunger by Knut Hamsun, who has been called the Nordic Dostoyevsky. And there are certainly similarities between Hunger and the beginning of Crime and Punishment. In both novels the narrator walks around the city in a desperate condition, poor, starving and with very little hope of changing this situation. There are also similarities in the writing and the protagonists in both stories have a wry sense of humour, despite their desperate situation. But at the point when Hunger (at 131 pages) concludes, Crime and Punishment is barely getting started.
Are there situations where crime is justified? Are some people able to commit crime without suffering moral qualms, because they know these actions are necessary? The protagonist, Raskolnikov, didn’t belong to the people who could commit crime without being affected, he actually got physically ill. But to what extent was that caused by fear of being discovered? He never got to the stage, where he could feel remorse.
Yes, ok, these themes are interesting, but it just went on and on and on…
I didn’t particularly like the ending and I didn’t get the morale of the story. Perhaps, there wasn’t one. We have this guy, who thinks it’s ok to commit murder, because the victims are just some lowly people. But in the end he falls in love with a prostitute and all is good? Ok, I may be missing some nuances here and perhaps the reader is meant to conclude that with love comes remorse. But to me that wasn’t implied.
Dostoyevsky’s descriptions of the Russian class society and some of the characters from the bottom of society were really well done. Also, I found the portrait of Raskolnikov convincing. He was a complex young man, perhaps not likeable, but realistic and considerably more interesting to read about than all the black and white characters.
Despite of Raskolnikov’s questionable character, pretty much all the females in his life were willing to give up their freedom, money and quality of life to support him. I am not sure if this degree of love and selfishness is admirable or whether it’s bordering on stupidity. Having said that, most of the women in the novel had considerably more backbone and higher moral standards than the men.
Overall, I found bits of the story interesting, but large parts failed to keep my attention fixed and it took some stamina to get through.
With an average rating of 4.23 on Goodreads, Crime and Punishment is clearly a beloved classic. If you are one of the countless fans, I would love to hear in the comments, why it’s a favourite of yours. For me it was a disappointment.
Title: Crime and Punishment [1866] Author: Fyodor Dostoyevsky Format: Audiobook, narrated by Constantine Gregory Genre: Russian Classics
I read this book in high school and also found it very long and sometimes boring. I would recommend “Notes From the Underground” more. I haven’t read Knut’s “Hunger” but now I want to. It sounds much more concise! Great review.
Thanks, I will certainly look into Notes From the Underground at some point. Hunger is short and sweet compared to Crime and Punishment. It focuses on how being in a desperate situation will affect the mind and I did see similarities to the beginning of Crime and Punishment.
I had a similar response to Crime and Punishment, and I felt he could have benefitted from an editor who was like “let’s chop out fifty of the pages where he is just staring at that hole in the wall.” Or “I think you could have gotten from point A to point B in 1/5 of the time if you chop out some of the repetitive despairing thoughts” etc.
Hahaha, love it! Yes, a good editor might have enhanced the reading experience no end!
You could say that this book feels like a ‘punishment’ to read but that dissing it feels like a ‘crime’ π I read it once, never again.
Brilliant! I am glad, I’ve read it, but yeah, it’s a “never again” from me as well.
I have to admit I’ve struggled with every Russian classic I’ve tried (could be a translation issue but maybe just the kind of stories they are) except for ‘We’ by Yevgeny Zamyatin, have you read it?
No, I haven’t even heard of Yevgeny Zamyatin. But I haven’t been put off by Russian literature (yet), so I will continue to look into more authors. If only they knew how to write books less than 800 pages!
‘We’ is a short novel which it’s worth reading if you are interested in what was before 1984 and Brave New World.
Ok, it does sound interesting, both content wise and the fact that it is short. π
I don’t do well with Russian Literature. This review is not encouraging me to change my ways π
I know! But I’ve just read a collection of Chekhov’s short stories, which I enjoyed a lot! Maybe the key here is SHORT stories. π
And I have done a little Chekov – Sakhalin Island, which I enjoyed. I’ve been looking out for his short stories since then.
I think short stories might be a good way to investigate Russian literature for beginners like me. It feels less intimidating than committing to an 800 pages chunkster!
Yes!
Hello there. My attention span isnβt what it used to be. So, long books such as this no longer are on my TBR list. Congrats for sticking with it!
Thanks, it did feel like something of an achievement to finish it. As a rule, I am not fond of such long books either, but if it’s a good story, it might be alright.
I’m with you on this. I’ve tried to read it several times and never gotten far. It’s like “Don Quixote.” I couldn’t get past chapter one. A friend gave me a kids’ version of the book. I didn’t like that either.
Well, at least nobody can blame you for not trying! I doubt I’ll read Crime and Punishment ever again, but I might try something else (something shorter?) by the author.
So, on reading your review, my reading of it came back to me in waves of remembrance. Nice opening paragraph by the way. Made me laugh.
I too recall it being a turgid read with moments of understanding and connection where I liked particular moments and thought it was insightful, especially in the close scrutiny of the conscience of a character who has committed a crime. I wouldn’t rave about it, I got something from it and I’m glad I’ve read it. That’s pretty much my three stars right there.
Haha, the opening paragraph was the review in condensed format. Too long…. Yes, I agree it was insightful and I am glad I’ve read it, but I still want my reading to be captivating and there was too little of that during the 22 hours, unfortunately.
I always struggle with the Russians, usually because I feel they could lose 70-80% and be the better for it. Haven’t read this one, and despite feeling as if I should, I suspect I might not…
Yes, they do seem to be good at writing very long books. I seem to do better with Russian short stories. Of course, you could end up loving Crime and Punishment, but knowing your ability to DNF, I think it could go that way as well.
Not for me, although your “It felt like more” comment made me laugh.
Glad it made you laugh! π Yeah, you shouldn’t attempt this one unless you are really dedicated.
Well, I’ve read this one twice, and enjoyed it. But I didn’t like any of his other books; they just didn’t hold my interest. Very interesting to read your review.
I am glad you enjoyed it and I’m still puzzled why it didn’t quite capture me. Anyway, we can’t all enjoy the same books and I am still keen to investigate more Russian literature.
I found Tolstoy and Turgenev much easier to read. But they’re ancient now. There must be terrific new Russian writers I know nothing about.
Yes, I am sure you are right. I know nothing about contemporary Russian writers, but I found it appropriate to start with the classics.
I’m very well read in ancient terms – have to rely on the family to (try) to keep me up to date!
It’s nice to be well read in the classics. I am still working on it!
I struggle with Russian literature too so I’m glad I’m not alone. I have read some Chekov short stories but acknowledge that I didn’t know enough to appreciate them and really ought to give them another go. Great review Stargazer! π
I think, the sheer length of many of the Russian classics makes it a bit of a struggle, even for people who enjoy the writing more than I did. Probably, I will try a few more short stories, before committing to another Russian chunkster. Thanks! π
I read this last year for the classics challenge, and like you I would say I liked it in bits! I found the murder shocking and his reasons appalling. His sister is fantastic though isn’t she? I’d definitely want her on my side in an argument!
It sounds like we agree on this one. Yes, his sister had all the will power, empathy and moral standards, which Raskolnikov was missing. I’d still say he was the more interesting character to read about, though.
Aw, too bad it wasn’t quite your cup of tea, I absolutely love this book! Yeah, it’s a bit too long, but I don’t really mind, I find his detailed understanding of character psychology absolutely fascinating. But of course, to each their own, and I’m glad you pushed through until the end, at least π
Hi M, I am glad you commented on this one. I did remember you loved this one and it’s good to hear from people, who are of a different opinion. I do see what you mean about the character psychology and I agree it was fascinating, but apparently not enough to keep me spellbound during the 22 hours. I am still glad I read it, though. π
Always enjoy your posts, even if we won’t always agree; but life would be dull if we did.
To have thought provoking comments and another’s point of view keeps life interesting. Trouble is that in these days of (anti) social media far too many people rely on hurling invective, insults and abuse as a substitute for polite disagreement.
One question arose from your comments here: if it was such a prolonged and arduous task to complete Crime and Punishment, why persevere?
But then, who am I to doubt your sanity? As a serial marathon runner, I am well used to being asked Why? Clearly my perseverance (and sanity?) are in doubt for all that such efforts demand.
So, well done; as a review I found it most helpful in confirming all I have ever thought about the heavyweights of Russian literature.
I can survive quiet well without them and there are innumerable other sources of quality writing that provide a feast for the mind by way of narrative, characters, plotting and the sheer beauty of their prose (e.g.. my latest enthralling bedtime reading, Simple Pleasures by Clare Chambers).
Forgive one personal question: why do you use the construction “despite of ….” Is this the result of your (I believe you mentioned) Nordic background? Intriguing.
Anyway, thanks for the review. Keep posting.
Yes, life would be dull if we all agreed, that is very true! I try to stay away from social media, but I am sure you are right. Perhaps, the format of social media isn’t suited to in-depth discussions, where each party express their own nuanced opinion and also listen properly to the opinions of others. It is more about the quick insults, as you say.
Haha, I think running a marathon is a good parallel to reading Crime and Punishment. There were certainly times, where it wasn’t enjoyable, but afterwards it felt good. I know everyone uses star ratings differently, but in my world three stars means, I am still glad I’ve read it. 2 1/2 stars or lower means, I would rather have spent my time on something else. Unfortunately, I haven’t mastered the art of DNF’ing yet, but working on it.
Interesting, you mention Clare Chambers. I meant to read her latest, but I saw a lot of people who were unhappy about the ending and in the end I didn’t pick it up (sry, I don’t know if you finished this one yet, didn’t mean to be a spoil sport).
Oops, I will correct “despite of”. Don’t know if I can use my Nordic background as an excuse, but I am always happy to be corrected. One of the reasons I started blogging was improve my English.
P.S. I tried to leave a comment on your review of the Clare Chambers novel, but I kept getting an error message. Here is what I meant to say:
Oh, I am so glad you enjoyed this one! I agree very much, that it’s fun to broaden your horizons. Both when it comes to reading, but also generally in life. I had a long phase, where most of my reading consisted of crime fiction, but today it’s a relatively low percentage of what I read. Since I get easily bored, it also helps to keep it fresh, when you can switch between styles and genres.
Many thanks for letting me know you had trouble leaving a comment on my review of the Clare Chambers book. Hugely appreciated, and it is now fixed. It is so good when technical faults and other issues are pointed out by fellow bloggers. It enhances the collegiate and community aspect of what we do. I would never have known the link was faulty (it is a remake of my website) if you hadn’t said. Thanks. And don’t be deterred by other people’s reviews; it worth reading alone for the writing and the precise depiction of an era of recent times.
No problem, happy to help!
I don’t think I’d ever attempt reading Crime and Punishment. Even if I do, it might end up as a DNF. So kudos to you for reading and finishing it! I enjoy reading your review as always!
Thanks Jee. I don’t think you are missing out, by not reading Crime and Punishment even if I am glad I finished it.
Maybe in that time women just gave up everything quite easily, it was how it was in that day’s society? Even ten, twenty years ago women mostly lived in function of men… I’ve heard so much about this book but I don’t know anybody who actually posts a review so thank you for this !
That is a very good point and I am sure you are right. Back then it was rare for a woman to have independent means, so she would have to marry well or depend on relatives. Seen from that perspective, it makes a lot of sense that Ras’ mother and sister gives him everything in the hope he will make it as a successful lawyer.
Sorry your experience with a Russian classic wasn’t too hot.
I highly recommend the Brothers Karamazov. Plus there’s a readalong starting on July 27: https://leapinglife.com/2021/06/29/announcing-the-brothers-karamazov-readalong-karamazovreadalong/
Ah well, you can’t win them all. I want to look into more Russian literature, but perhaps I’ll try a few other authors before I return to Dostoevsky. The readalong sounds fun, though!
This has been on my list for decades yet I’m still no closer to reading it. π
Haha, I wouldn’t necessarily be in a rush to read it. I hope you’ll enjoy it more than I did, if / when you get to it. π
Russian authors are brilliant, but they never knew when to stop writing!! Thanks for the review – really interesting
Haha, very true. They do write very long books. Thanks for stopping by!
I’m currently reading this one, I’m very curious to see what my experience will be. I too recommend Brothers Karamazov but also The Cancer Ward by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn if you want to try other Russians ( in case you haven’t read it already)
I hope you get better on with it than I did. Maybe it helps that you are more used to Russian literature? Besides from this one, I’ve only read some of Chekhovβs short stories, which I enjoyed. Thanks for the recommendations, I will look into them.π