The Brothers Karamazov

This translation is peerless; Pevear and Volokhonsky make this amazing work of Russian literature easily accessible as usual, yet it retains complete faithfulness to the original language; if you compare a few chapters from other translations you'll immediately see the difference; I no longer read other translations of Russian literature; and I've reread many just to enjoy their translation. The book itself (The Brothers Karamazov) is full of deep symbolism, and a powerful deep dive into humanity, life, purpose, and meaning through this view into the lives of the Karamazov brothers. It masterfully shows, rather than merely telling, a large slice of the drama in their lives and family in a way that transcends the fictional format. It's one of those rare works that is truer to reality than reality itself, an ikon in every way, symbol and significance of the highest order - a true masterpiece. Take the time to read a physical copy; the audiobook and digital copies are good, but not the same, in my humble opinion, and you'll want this one in print. It's one of those few books that everyone should read at least once.

I just finished reading this AMAZING book! I heard someone on YouTube refer to this book as "a hard book to read." NOT AT ALL! It was a complete and absolute pleasure and joy to read! Fyodor Dostoevsky was a GENIUS writer! A GENIUS I tell ya! It is an 823-page book, so it took me about 12 sittings to complete it. But all the while, I kept asking myself, what is it about Dostoevsky's writing that keeps me wanting to read more and more? There was NEVER a dull moment. It was quite a journey. And by page 700, I felt myself getting attached to the characters. Before I purchased the book, I kept seeing it being mentioned on YouTube as a "classic." People spoke very highly of it, but when they told me what it was about, I realized that what they said it was about, didn't happen till midway through the book. Excellent character building nonetheless! It was certainly worth the time! The father was quite funny, in a dysfunctional sort of way. He kept being referred as a "buffoon." His actions, "buffooneries." If the Jerry Springer show had been in existence, then, in those times, they would have made excellent panel guests! I don't know if I should tell you what it was about, because there is so much out there about it already. I will just tell you what was happening, within me, as I read. I loved that the three brothers loved each other. That although two were "scoundrels," as each admitted, there was one angel among the three. But they all loved and respected one another. When I'd ask myself what kept me reading, so intrigued, I realized that it was the fact that human nature -- our human ego, to be more precise -- was captured very precisely in those pages. The way that our animal instincts often take the better of us. And we always end up getting ourselves into trouble. I enjoyed the love affair between the protagonists and the two women, and how that catalyzed so much drama. So much push and pull. I even loved the court proceedings in the last part of the book. I enjoyed how the two lawyers gave their closing arguments, so eloquently. It ended up being a whodunit. And I didn't see the results of the case coming. I originally thought that the book was 800 pages, but it continued on page 801 with the Epilogue. I didn't shed tears throughout the entire book, but the Epilogue certainly made my eyes sting and water. It was a beautiful ending. I loved this book so much that I bought a Spanish version for my father, who had already heard of this author. I don't know if he will read it, but I keep telling him that it was exceptional, amazing, a book to remember, always. To me, it was like a study on the human ego. And I learned so much about Russia! I saw the Country with whole different eyes. I even felt their patriotism for their Country! Their love for Mother Russia. I highly recommend this book! I miss the characters already!

This is not an easy book for modern readers because of the obscurity of the Russian era depicted as well as the philosophical underpinnings of Dostoevsky’s novel. It requires a study guide or an outline to fully appreciate, but it’s well worth the effort for a serious reader. Dostoevsky’s portrayal of the three Karamazov brothers and their relationship with their father is one of the great themes of world literature. The two major female characters, Grushenka and Katya, represent the polar figures of women in Russia of that era. It’s standing as one of the greatest novels of the 19th century is undisputed. The chapter entitled “The Legend of the Grand Inquisitor” is a brilliant section that has been discussed and debated since its publication. I have read “BK” three times in my life, and this Pevear and Volokhonsky is undoubtedly the best one. (I listened enthusiastically to the “Audible” version as I read the text. It helped bring all the major characters to life.)

This book has taken me so long to finish because of the depth of topics discussed. We have a cruel father to 3 sons. 2 of which are cynical and base - both blaming themselves for their father’s murder. Ivan, the middle son feels morally culpable for the murder of his father. Which I don’t really hold against him because fyodor was not a good man. We see that the debauched life of fyodor has lead to mistrust among his children, envy, and his untimely death. This man gave in to every carnal pleasure, without a care for how it tore his family apart. He betrayed and lied to his sons, even attempting to steal his son’s love interest. Alyosha is the youngest child, who became a monk. He becomes the moral compass for all characters in this story. Those who speak with him look for absolution and for righteousness in a world full of injustice. Alyosha is the only brother who truly believes in god and his life, values and views are shaped by his faith. Dimitri, the eldest who was charged with patricide lacks accountability for his own actions and gives in to all temptations, leading to his scorned lover betraying him, becoming the linchpin for the prosecution. This book explores the meaning of justice, the role of a parent, the way faith influences our actions, entitlement, the innocence of the youth, and the faith we have in our justice systems. I felt so much of it went over my head but I was left with a love for Alyosha and his perceptiveness, his loyalty to those he loved. Alyosha calls everyone to maintain the joy and innocence we had as children, to do right by your family, and to be faithful.

essa versão é a mais extensa das traduções, mas teoricamente a mais fiel ao texto original. um retrato de uma sociedade não tão diferente da atual, descrita brilhantemente por dostoievsky

One of Russia's greatest novel superbly translated! Entrancing, lively, diverse ranging from theology to psychology and yet thrilling. Worth reading and rereading.

Don't be put off by the first half, that could seem clunky and contrived. The second half is truly sublime.

En estos casos la traducción y las notas del traductor son muy importantes para entender los detalles y la verdad que suma mucho a l texto lineal de las descripciones y los lugares. El vendedor es muy serio, tuve problemas con el envío y me lo solucionaron.

This book changed my life for the better. This translation is the very best you’ll find, extremely meticulously done