Nicky999

This isn't a story per se, but more a stream of consciousness commentary on various issues of life and politics by a Russian Writer. I haven't read any of the Russian writers before and found myself wondering if something might get lost in the translations.

It some ways it was interesting to read the author's observations which had a lot of insight, but at the same time it felt like sitting on a bench in San Francisco's Union Square and listening to the rantings of a foreigner that happened to sit down on the same bench and start talking to whoever would listen. There's almost a message in a bottle feel to it as Dostoyevsky sends his opinions out into the world of literature to be discovered by later generations.

I won't let it put me off reading more Russian authors, but if you're looking for a story with a start, a middle and an end, this isn't it. If you want philosophical exposition, this is actually great stuff. I read it as a group read and was expecting something different, but I've warmed up to it and have grown to appreciate it for what it is.

Dostoyevsky makes you think. I would definitely recommend him, as long as the reader knows what to expect.