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Kevin Ansbro's Reviews > The Brothers Karamazov
The Brothers Karamazov
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Kevin Ansbro's review
bookshelves: classic-literature, family-dynamics, human-imagery, human-psyche, immorality, literature-for-grown-ups, morality, toxic-relationship, russian-literature
Feb 17, 2022
bookshelves: classic-literature, family-dynamics, human-imagery, human-psyche, immorality, literature-for-grown-ups, morality, toxic-relationship, russian-literature
"Reading Dostoevsky's The Brothers Karamazov is comparable to pushing a beautiful grand piano up a very steep hill."
—Kevin Ansbro
Why, oh why, in a world filled with endless opportunities to enjoy oneself, did I think it was a good idea to embark on a 19th-century book that's almost the size of an electric toaster?
I have friends, I have a wife, I have a life. Heck, I even have one of those home television sets that you so often hear about…
The Brothers Karamazov is by no means a galloping read. It is a whale of a novel that requires the reader to drop anchor and bob about on Fyodor's ocean of esteemed eloquence for as long as it takes. It was a slog at times and I'm ashamed to say that I almost jumped ship on a few occasions.
Dostoevsky threw everything but the kitchen sink at this, his magnum opus. He plucks random details from the alcoves of his mind and scatters them like confetti, and there are more characters here than you could wave a stick at. His imagery is vivid without being overdone, the writing is tight and beautifully paced.
The story focuses on Fyodor Karamazov, a boorish and wicked father, and his three dissimilar sons. Collectively, the eponymous brothers are perhaps designed to represent all of us. Philosophical and theological discussions abound; the existence of God, morality and freedom of choice are the author's themes of choice.
I certainly have no complaints about the writing, which is rich and expressive. Any quibbles I have say more about me as an easily-distracted reader than they do about Dostoevsky's incontestable skill as a writer. I dare say the novel would be a godsend to a bookworm who has chosen to live off-grid for a month. I don't know how long it took Dostoevsky to complete this, but his writing hand must surely have resembled a sloth's claw by the time he'd finished it!
Does The Brothers Karamazov harbour a captivating story to rival the likes of Great Expectations or Les Misérables?
I think not.
Is this venerated novel worthy of the widespread admiration it receives?
Absolutely.
—Kevin Ansbro
Why, oh why, in a world filled with endless opportunities to enjoy oneself, did I think it was a good idea to embark on a 19th-century book that's almost the size of an electric toaster?
I have friends, I have a wife, I have a life. Heck, I even have one of those home television sets that you so often hear about…
The Brothers Karamazov is by no means a galloping read. It is a whale of a novel that requires the reader to drop anchor and bob about on Fyodor's ocean of esteemed eloquence for as long as it takes. It was a slog at times and I'm ashamed to say that I almost jumped ship on a few occasions.
Dostoevsky threw everything but the kitchen sink at this, his magnum opus. He plucks random details from the alcoves of his mind and scatters them like confetti, and there are more characters here than you could wave a stick at. His imagery is vivid without being overdone, the writing is tight and beautifully paced.
The story focuses on Fyodor Karamazov, a boorish and wicked father, and his three dissimilar sons. Collectively, the eponymous brothers are perhaps designed to represent all of us. Philosophical and theological discussions abound; the existence of God, morality and freedom of choice are the author's themes of choice.
I certainly have no complaints about the writing, which is rich and expressive. Any quibbles I have say more about me as an easily-distracted reader than they do about Dostoevsky's incontestable skill as a writer. I dare say the novel would be a godsend to a bookworm who has chosen to live off-grid for a month. I don't know how long it took Dostoevsky to complete this, but his writing hand must surely have resembled a sloth's claw by the time he'd finished it!
Does The Brothers Karamazov harbour a captivating story to rival the likes of Great Expectations or Les Misérables?
I think not.
Is this venerated novel worthy of the widespread admiration it receives?
Absolutely.
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Reading Progress
January 4, 2022
–
Started Reading
January 7, 2022
– Shelved
January 7, 2022
– Shelved as:
to-read
February 17, 2022
– Shelved as:
classic-literature
February 17, 2022
– Shelved as:
family-dynamics
February 17, 2022
– Shelved as:
human-imagery
February 17, 2022
– Shelved as:
human-psyche
February 17, 2022
– Shelved as:
immorality
February 17, 2022
– Shelved as:
literature-for-grown-ups
February 17, 2022
– Shelved as:
morality
February 17, 2022
– Shelved as:
toxic-relationship
February 17, 2022
– Shelved as:
russian-literature
February 17, 2022
–
Finished Reading
Comments Showing 1-50 of 118 (118 new)
message 1:
by
Beata
(new)
Jan 11, 2022 12:17PM
You are ahead of me, Kevin! :))
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Beata wrote: "You are ahead of me, Kevin! :))"This is a behemoth of a book, Beata, and will take me ages to read, so you might just catch up with me...
If I'm still reading it, we could make it a buddy read! : )
Excited to know what you think of it, Kevin! One of the my favorites that I plan on rereading sometime soon.
Tamoghna wrote: "Excited to know what you think of it, Kevin! One of the my favorites that I plan on rereading sometime soon."It's a long, long slog, Tamoghna, but an enjoyable one nonetheless!
I've had to dip into other books to provide me with an amuse-bouche, so that I may refresh my palate in between helpings of the main course.
Looking forward to your thoughts on this, Kevin - but I'm guessing this is going to be one that takes a while to read!
One of my favorites, but like most Russian greats, it is long and requires some serious commitment. I’m glad it was worth it in the end, my friend!
I am reading some of his short stories Kevin, They are as amazing as his novels. I loved his writing in C&P and Idiot so far.
Cheri wrote: "Looking forward to your thoughts on this, Kevin - but I'm guessing this is going to be one that takes a while to read!"Thank you, Cheri. It took me well over a month to read, but it was worthwhile in the end!
Praveen wrote: "I am reading some of his short stories Kevin, They are as amazing as his novels. I loved his writing in C&P and Idiot so far."Thank you for dropping by, Praveen.
I loved your 'Crime and Punishment review!
So you’re saying that Dostoevsky is the reason you have no more friends, a wife, and a life, and since you have no TV let me tell you the news! Covid is gone and it was just a hearty laugh from the World government (idk) as a joke on us? Wow you missed out on a lot during this ride! Lol… that’s how fat this book is! I loved it myself and even with 5 stars I had my moments. The author has an interesting backstory that got him back into religion and writing these deep novels. Great review, Kevin! This is one of those books where if you say too much you’ll botch the book but if you say too little it’s like you never understood it….
Around 6 years ago I read The Brothers K - but not Dostoevsky's The Brothers Karamazov. I remember my son thinking I was reading this book, and him being somewhat relieved it was not Dostoevsky's book that I was reading. I'm not sure how much they could possibly have in common, other than multiple sons, but admire your determination and tenacity to read all 840+ pages of this tome! Excellent review, my friend!
Fantastic review! I just looked up the page count for this book, and I already know that I do not have the patience or attention span to read this book! Lol! Take care and happy reading/writing to you!
Karina wrote: "So you’re saying that Dostoevsky is the reason you have no more friends, a wife, and a life, and since you have no TV let me tell you the news! Covid is gone and it was just a hearty laugh from the..."Ha! Thank you so much for making me chuckle, Karina! : D
Yes, this is almost a novel that's impossible to review without that review becoming a novel in its own right!
What a delightful review, Kevin. There is no doubt that this is a very slow and rather complicated story and not for everyone. But I stuck with it like you did and it was well worth it.
Cheri wrote: "admire your determination and tenacity to read all 840+ pages of this tome! Excellent review, my friend!..."I'd be lying If I said it wasn't a drag at times, Cheri. But Dostoevsky's rich prose kept me from abandoning ship!
Thank you for your kind comment!
Rachel wrote: "Fantastic review! I just looked up the page count for this book, and I already know that I do not have the patience or attention span to read this book! Lol! Take care and happy reading/writing to read this book! Lol!..."Thank you so much, Rachel!
If I hadn't retired myself from writing, I wouldn't have taken on such a whale of a book either! : )
Jill wrote: "What a delightful review, Kevin. There is no doubt that this is a very slow and rather complicated story and not for everyone. But I stuck with it like you did and it was well worth it."Thank you, Jill. I really appreciate your kind comment!
It is a wonderful book, Kevin. I read this many years ago and have always meant to read it again.I remember that Alyosha’s faith was one of the least convincing portrayals in the novel for me.I have wanted to reread the novel now that I am older to see if my opinion has changed. It is a totally absorbing work.
Ah, that age old question. Since this is so good for me, why am I having trouble eating it? Your assessment is spot on, Kevin. It cannot be denied that Dostoevsky is a genius writer, that the book is profound, and that you feel a towering sense of accomplishment when you finish. On the other hand, I am hoping I got most of what was on offer with a first read, because I don't think I could ever tackle it again.
Your glowing review *almost* make me want to buy and lug around this toaster. However, I am easily *oh, look! a squirrel!" distracted and this sounds like more than my little brain might be able to consume. But mmmm, toast!
Daniel wrote: "It is a wonderful book, Kevin. I read this many years ago and have always meant to read it again.I remember that Alyosha’s faith was one of the least convincing portrayals in the novel for me.I hav..."Thank you, Daniel. It is indeed a wonderful book, and you are right about Alyosha. I didn't find it quite as absorbing, but you clearly have a lot more patience than I, my friend.
Sara wrote: "Ah, that age old question. Since this is so good for me, why am I having trouble eating it? Your assessment is spot on, Kevin. It cannot be denied that Dostoevsky is a genius writer, that the book is profound, and that you feel a towering sense of accomplishment when you finish...."Your review was spot-on, Sara. And, like you, I'm suspicious of anyone who declares this to be an easy read — unless they're a 19th-century hermit with time on their hands! : )
Amy wrote: "Your glowing review *almost* make me want to buy and lug around this toaster. However, I am easily *oh, look! a squirrel!" distracted and this sounds like more than my little brain might be able to consume. But mmmm, toast! ..."Ha! I have the same grasshopper brain, Amy — which is why I found this book to be such a slog and also why I'm surprised that I didn't jump ship.
Enjoy your toast! : )
I was younger when I read this, Kevin. Maybe I was more of a sponge than I would prove to be at a more advanced age.
Enjoyed your thoughts on this one Kevin. Entertaining as always!
What a wonderfully entertaining review, Kevin! The size of an electric toaster-thank you for the chuckle! Now you can get back to enjoying that fancy home television set. :-)
Daniel wrote: "I was younger when I read this, Kevin. Maybe I was more of a sponge than I would prove to be at a more advanced age."I think that we were all more receptive in our younger years, Daniel.
: )
Blair wrote: "Enjoyed your thoughts on this one Kevin. Entertaining as always!"Kind, as always, Blair. Thank you, my friend!
Kimber wrote: "What a wonderfully entertaining review, Kevin! The size of an electric toaster-thank you for the chuckle! Now you can get back to enjoying that fancy home television set. :-)"Ha! Pleased to raise a chuckle. Thank you, Kimber! : )
I really didn't want to brag about the fact that I have a television set in my actual house, but sometimes you just have to!
I am convinced that some of these classics were truly designed to make a reader see images of hell!As always a marvelous review, Keven!
Marialyce (absltmom, yaya) wrote: "I am convinced that some of these classics were truly designed to make a reader see images of hell!As always a marvelous review, Keven!"
I think that you are absolutely right, Marialyce!
As well as being a bit preachy, it was a time trap. I applaud Dostoevsky's prowess, but I do prefer a book to come bounding in with a compelling storyline.
Excellent review, Kevin!
"It is a novel that requires the reader to drop anchor and bob about on Fyodor's ocean of esteemed eloquence for as long as it takes."That's exactly it! Like you, I was tempted to jump ship several times. I agree that although it is not as captivating as Great Expectations, it is a worthy read. I love reading your utterly entertaining, eloquent and informative review, Kevin.
Brilliant review, Kevin. One day, I will read it. I've had it on my TBR for "only" twenty plus years. :-)
Candi wrote: "Excellent review, Kevin!"Thank you so much, Candi!
Fabulous review Sir K. Ps. Put your wife before your friends - she might be upset!!! 😂🥂
Bianca wrote: "Brilliant review, Kevin. One day, I will read it. I've had it on my TBR for "only" twenty plus years. :-)"I shouldn't rush if I were you, Bianca... ; )
Thank you for your kind comment!
Ceecee wrote: "Fabulous review Sir K. Ps. Put your wife before your friends - she might be upset!!! 😂🥂"Thank you, Lady C.
Each time my wife saw me with this doorstep of a book in my hand she said, "You're not still reading that?"
: D
Laysee wrote: "It is a novel that requires the reader to drop anchor and bob about on Fyodor's ocean of esteemed eloquence for as long as it takes."That's exactly it! Like you, I was tempted to jump ship several times. I agree that although it is not as captivating as Great Expectations, it is a worthy read. I love reading your utterly entertaining, eloquent and informative review, Kevin...."
Most definitely not as captivating as 'Great Expectations', Laysee!
Thank you for your very kind words!
My husband just retreats - he’s used to seeing the top of my head!! Some days that’s a good thing….. 😁
Ceecee wrote: "My husband just retreats - he’s used to seeing the top of my head!! Some days that’s a good thing….. 😁": )
Well done, Kevin. You've summed this book up beautifully! I'm in the middle of it now, and completely relate to your beginning comments. But your closing is brilliant--yes, exactly.
We obviously share a viewpoint on Dostoevsky, and your review made me laugh. Perhaps the only laugh I'm going to get from the Brothers Karamazov!
Terrific review and Congrats on finishing it! 🎉Haha, love your sense of humor! Our son-in-law read it a couple years ago out of sheer determination :)
Kathleen wrote: "Well done, Kevin. You've summed this book up beautifully! I'm in the middle of it now, and completely relate to your beginning comments. But your closing is brilliant--yes, exactly."Thank you, Kathleen!
I'm in awe at your determination to read it for a second time!
Please let me know when you've finished it.
Richard wrote: "We obviously share a viewpoint on Dostoevsky, and your review made me laugh. Perhaps the only laugh I'm going to get from the Brothers Karamazov!"Thank you, Richard. Yes, we both prefer Tolstoy — he's more "user-friendly."
And I'm pleased to have made you laugh. : )
Great review! I just bought this book and it is as thick as a toaster! But I’m looking forward to reading it …
JanB wrote: "Terrific review and Congrats on finishing it! 🎉Haha, love your sense of humor! Our son-in-law read it a couple years ago out of sheer determination :)"Thank you, Jan!
Without exchanging words, your son-in-law and I can look each other in the eye and understand what we've both been through. A kinship that's only forged in the heat of reading...
Abyssdancer wrote: "Great review! I just bought this book and it is as thick as a toaster! But I’m looking forward to reading it …"Thanks, Abyssdancer!
Please let me know how you get on...
Adore your review, Kevin…..you paint quite the picture! 👌🤗📚 This is a favourite with me, I read it many years ago!
