The Brothers Karamazov

The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky is a profound exploration of human nature, a gripping tale that intertwines the lives of four distinct characters against the rich backdrop of 19th-century Russia. The novel delves deep into the complexities of familial ties and the troubled relationship between Fyodor Pavlovich Karamazov and his three sons—Dmitri, Ivan, and Alyosha. Each brother represents different facets of the human soul: Dmitri is the passionate and impulsive sensualist, Ivan the skeptic and intellectual, and Alyosha the spiritual and compassionate novice.

Amidst the family strife and turbulent personal histories, a murder ensues that shatters their already fragile lives. Through a masterful blend of murder mystery and courtroom drama, Dostoevsky brings to life a narrative filled with psychological depth and philosophical inquiry. Far beyond its plot, the novel wrestles with themes of faith, doubt, free will, and the nature of good and evil, all while capturing the ideological conflicts of late 19th-century Russian society.

This new, revised edition of the award-winning translation by Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky marks a pivotal celebration of Dostoevsky's two hundredth birthday. Pevear and Volokhonsky’s translation has been lauded for its fidelity to the original text, capturing the intricate verbal inventiveness and the nuanced voices that Dostoevsky so expertly wove into his narrative. Their translation preserves the novel's humour, polyphony, and startling modernity, enriching the reader's experience.

Recipient of the PEN/Book-of-the-Month Club Translation Prize, this edition of The Brothers Karamazov showcases Pevear and Volokhonsky's continued dedication to bringing Dostoevsky's works to contemporary audiences. Their revisions and enhancements for this bicentennial edition ensure that Dostoevsky’s last and arguably greatest work is presented with both scholarly precision and vibrant readability, offering a profound exploration of Russian life in both its social and spiritual dimensions during a pivotal cultural epoch.

Whether you are revisiting this classic for its philosophical depth or immersing yourself in its dramatic narrative for the first time, this edition of The Brothers Karamazov promises to be an enlightening and deeply engaging literary journey. Dostoevsky's portrayal of tortured souls and their existential quests remains as compelling today as it was when first published, solidifying The Brothers Karamazov as one of the most important novels ever written.