7 Must-Read Books By Russian Author Fyodor Dostoevsky

Fyodor Dostoevsky is one of the most influential and celebrated authors in world literature. Each of his works offers profound insights into the human condition, making them essential reading for anyone interested in literature, philosophy, psychology, or Russian culture.

Crime and Punishment

This novel explores themes of morality, guilt, and redemption through the story of Raskolnikov, a young intellectual who commits a murder and grapples with the consequences. It's a profound exploration of the human psyche and societal norms.

The Brothers Karamazov

Considered one of the greatest novels ever written, this epic masterpiece delves into complex themes such as faith, doubt, free will, and the existence of God through the lives of the Karamazov brothers.

Notes from Underground

This novella is a seminal work in existentialist literature, presenting the rambling, contradictory thoughts of an unnamed narrator, known as the Underground Man. It's a powerful critique of rationalism and a poignant exploration of alienation and self-awareness.

Demons (The Devils or The Possessed)

This novel examines political radicalism and nihilism through the lens of a provincial town plagued by revolutionary fervour. It's a searing critique of extremism and the dangers of ideological fanaticism.

The Gambler

Based on Dostoevsky's own experiences with gambling addiction, this novel offers a compelling portrayal of the destructive power of obsession and addiction. It's also a meditation on the complexities of human desire and the pursuit of wealth.

The Double

In this psychological thriller, Dostoevsky explores themes of identity and duality through the story of a government clerk who encounters his exact double. It's a haunting exploration of madness and the fractured nature of the self.

White Nights

Like many of Dostoevsky's stories, this book is told in the first person by a nameless narrator. The narrator is a young man living in Saint Petersburg who suffers from loneliness. He falls in love with a young woman, but the love remains unrequited as the woman misses her lover, with whom she is finally reunited.