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Crime and Punishment

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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky follows the story of Rodion Raskolnikov, a former student living in poverty in St. Petersburg. He commits a grave crime intending to prove a philosophical point, but he soon finds himself consumed by guilt and paranoia. As he grapples with his conscience, the novel explores deep psychological and moral questions.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you enjoy deep psychological exploration of complex characters, moral dilemmas, and the ramifications of crime. It offers a gripping narrative that delves into themes of guilt, redemption, and the human condition.

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Crime and Punishment

Raskolnikov, a destitute and desperate former student, wanders through the slums of St Petersburg and commits a random murder without remorse or regret. He imagines himself to be a great man, a Napoleon: acting for a higher purpose beyond conventional moral law.

A thrilling study of guilt and power, the Penguin Classics edition of Fyodor Dostoyevsky's Crime and Punishment is translated with an introduction and notes by David McDuff.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky is a masterful psychological drama set against the gritty backdrop of 19th-century St. Petersburg. The story follows Rodion Raskolnikov, an impoverished and disillusioned ex-student, who roams the streets, tortured by thoughts of greatness and contempt for societal norms. Consumed by monetary woes and driven by a deluded sense of justice, he plans and executes the murder of a despised pawnbroker.

Raskolnikov believes he is acting as a superior being, akin to a Napoleon, with the authority to transcend moral boundaries for a higher good. However, his meticulously devised crime begins to unravel, inching him closer to psychological torment. The narrative delves deep into his internal conflict, highlighting the schism between his philosophical justifications and the harrowing guilt that haunts him.

As he engages in a psychological duel with the shrewd police inspector Porfiry Petrovich, Raskolnikov's facade of rationality crumbles. He is ceaselessly tormented by his conscience, spiralling into a labyrinth of paranoia and dread. The suspense builds as the net tightens, bringing him closer to a catastrophic breakdown.

In the midst of this turmoil, Raskolnikov encounters Sonya Marmeladov, a destitute yet compassionate prostitute. She becomes a beacon of hope and redemption, offering him solace and a path to spiritual awakening. Sonya's unwavering faith and sacrifice contrast sharply with Raskolnikov's nihilism, showcasing Dostoyevsky’s exploration of redemption through suffering and compassion.

Crime and Punishment is not merely a tale of crime; it is a profound exploration of morality, redemption, and the complexities of the human psyche. Dostoyevsky’s intricate characterizations and philosophical musing make this novel an enduring classic, inviting readers to ponder the true nature of justice and the possibility of salvation.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Crime and Punishment is widely acclaimed for its deep psychological insight and exploration of morality. Critics often praise Dostoyevsky's character development and the intense, thought-provoking narrative centred around crime, guilt, and redemption. The novel is considered a masterpiece of Russian literature, celebrated for its profound impact on readers and its enduring relevance.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780140449136

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 30 January 2003

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Classics

Contributors:

  • Translated by David McDuff
  • Cover design or artwork by Fuel

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 31.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 493g

Pages: 720

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About the Author

Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoyevsky was born in Moscow in 1821, the 2nd of 7 children. From 1849 to 1854 he lived in a convict prison, and in later years his passion for gambling led him deeply into debt. In 1880 he delivered his famous address at theunveiling of Pushkin's memorial in Moscow; he died six months later in 1881. David McDuff has translated a number of nineteenth-century Russian prose works for the Penguin Classics series.

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