Crime and Punishment is a psychological/crime thriller written by the Russian author Fyodor Dostoevsky. The book has intricately webbed together philosophy and psychology. An inquiry into human nature, the book deals with the impact of a heinous crime on human conscience. The novel follows the life of a young student named Raskolnikov. Poverty stricken, Raskolnikov drops out of college. In his desperation, he commits a crime. The burden of his sins starts to weigh down on him and his life is turned upside down. Dostoevsky’s poignant and profound understanding of human vulnerabilities and nature leaves the reader fascinated and amazed.
It’s a very gripping tale which keeps the reader engaged. It also provides insight into 19th century Russian social life. We get a detailed description of the life of poverty. The poor and dilapidated living conditions, dirty and congested areas and lack of opportunities. These are in sharp contrast to scenes of beauty, comfort and happiness in which a small minority of the population (the rich) live.
The reader will often fall upon great philosophical statements which shakes the mind up.
‘To go wrong in one's own way is better then to go right in someone else's.’
“Your worst sin is that you have destroyed and betrayed yourself for nothing.”
The book asks and answers some questions which we all have but are either unwilling or afraid to inquire into. What leads someone to kill another person? What thoughts plague the mind after a murder? What sort of a world, what situations breed such people?
Through out the story we witness the descent of Raskolnikov into madness. Unlike novels that carry a relatable protagonist and make the readers feel sympathetic, Dostoevsky’s hero is an arrogant, egoistic, self-centered, condescending and highly unlikeable.
A very interesting book that everyone should read. A literature classic that will certainly shake you to the core.
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