Notes From Underground
Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.
Check link for latest rating. ( 181,956 ratings, 15,608 reviews)Read More
Found a better price? Request a price match
Notes From Underground
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?
Notes From Underground
The apology and confession of a minor mid-19th-century Russian official, Notes from Underground is a half-desperate, half-mocking political critique and a powerful, at times absurdly comical, account of man's breakaway from society and descent 'underground'.
Notes from Underground establishing Dostoevsky's reputation as the most innovative and challenging writer of fiction in his generation in Russia' Rowan Williams, Guardian
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! DescriptionNotes from Underground by Fyodor Dostoevsky delves deep into the human psyche, presenting a profound and captivating exploration of the underground man, a disenchanted 19th-century Russian official who grapples with his role in society. Set in St. Petersburg, this existential novel unveils the protagonist's bitter ruminations, shedding light on his complex relationship with the world around him. Through his stream-of-consciousness monologue, readers journey into his isolation, self-loathing, and defiance, bridging the gap between political satire and a poignant philosophical treatise on human nature.
Renowned for its innovative narrative structure, Notes from Underground marks a pivotal work in Dostoevsky’s illustrious career. The underground man's fragmented and introspective tale is at once a wry political critique and a darkly comical account of an individual's retreat from the societal norms and expectations of his time. This thought-provoking novella pushes the boundaries of fiction, highlighting Dostoevsky's unparalleled ability to interrogate the human condition with depth and nuance.
In this powerful existential masterpiece, Dostoevsky showcases his genius by blending satire, philosophy, and psychological realism. His creation of the underground man as an unreliable and paradoxical narrator challenges readers to contemplate the intricacies of freedom, individuality, and alienation, making the novella as relevant today as it was in the 19th century.
Notes from Underground is brought to life by the award-winning translators Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky, whose meticulous translation preserves the novel's linguistic richness and subtle nuances, offering an authentic experience of Dostoevsky's art.
Praise for the novel is unequivocal. As Rowan Williams from the Guardian asserts, "Notes from Underground established Dostoevsky's reputation as the most innovative and challenging writer of fiction in his generation in Russia."
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?
Notes From Underground by Fyodor Dostoevsky is praised for its intense and captivating prose, acting as a precursor to his major works and the broader themes of the 20th century. The protagonist is a complex character who can be both amusing and unsettling, embodying traits of both villainy and victimhood. Critics commend Dostoevsky for creating a universally resonant voice that speaks for all who suffer and endure hardship.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780099140115
Publisher: Vintage Publishing
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 21 October 1993
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Vintage Classics
Contributors:
- Translated by Richard Pevear
- Translated by Larissa Volokhonsky
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 10.0mm
Width: 130.0mm
Height: 198.0mm
Weight: 130g
Pages: 176
Collections
About the Author
Fyodor Dostoevsky was born in Moscow on 11th November 1821. He had six siblings and his mother died in 1837 and his father in 1839. He graduated from the St Petersburg Academy of Military Engineering in 1846 but decided to change careers and become a writer. His first book, Poor Folk, did very well but on 23rd April 1849 he was arrested for subversion and sentenced to death. After a mock-execution his sentence was commuted to hard labour in Siberia where he developed epilepsy.He was released in 1854. His 1860 book, The House of the Dead was based on these experiences. In 1857 he married Maria Dmitrievna Isaeva. After his release he adopted more conservative and traditional values and rejected his previous socialist position. In the following years he spent a lot of time abroad, struggled with an addiction to gambling and fell deeply in debt. His wife died in 1864 and he married Anna Grigoryeva Snitkina. In the following years he published his most enduring and successful books, including Crime and Punishment (1865). He died on 9th February 1881.
Also by Fyodor Dostoevsky
View allMore from General Fiction
View allWhy buy from us?
Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent specialist on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!
Service & Delivery
Our cozy 200m2 warehouse in Auckland holds over 10,000 books in-stock so you're not waiting for books to arrive from overseas.
Auckland Pick Ups
We're an online-only store but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our warehouse in Hobsonville.
Our Gifting Service
Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.