Discover the best books by Fyodor Dostoevsky

Fyodor Dostoevsky was one of the greatest Russian authors of the 19th century. He made an indelible mark on world literature and is renowned for his philosophical insights, exploration of human psychology, and the sheer power of his storytelling. Friedrich Nietzsche called him “the only psychologist I can learn something from.”

Dostoevsky wrote many novels, stories, and other works, leaving a lasting impact on generations of readers. His ability to capture the nuances of human emotion, his unflinching exploration of what it means to live and be human, and his knack for creating characters that people can empathize with made him one of the most celebrated Russian writers of all-time.

Who was Fyodor Dostoevsky?

Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky was born in Moscow, Russia in 1821. The dramatic events of Fyodor Dostoevsky’s life, such as his mock execution and exile to a Siberian prison, made him well-known in his own time. He drew on these experiences to craft his characters, but some of the details of his life remain unclear. Dostoevsky (also spelled Dostoyevsky in Russian) wasn’t born into the landed gentry like many other Russian authors of the nineteenth century, such as Ivan Turgenev and Leo Tolstoy. He frequently stressed this point. Rather, his lack of financial stability forced him to rush his work, which may have helped give them powerful energy. He also commented on how, unlike other writers from the nobility, he was able to explore the lives of poor people who were overlooked by society.

He was greatly influenced by the works of Pushkin, Gogol, Shakespeare, and Dickens.

In 1846, Dostoevsky released his first novel, Poor Folk, which was an instant success. From then on, he wrote extensively, exploring themes of suffering, alienation, faith, and redemption in works such as The Double, Crime and Punishment, The Possessed, and Demons. He also wrote extensively about the psychological impact of poverty and oppression and the moral complexities of power and corruption.

Dostoevsky is considered one of the most influential writers in the history of Russian literature. His work has dramatically influenced psychology, philosophy, and literary criticism. He died in 1881 and has been an enduring source of inspiration for generations of readers and writers.

The best Fyodor Dostoevsky books

Here are some of the best books by Dostoevsky that are a must-read for every classic literature enthusiast.

Crime and Punishment

Crime and Punishment is one of Dostoevsky’s most well-known and beloved works. It follows the story of Rodion Romanovich Raskolnikov, a former student who murders to escape poverty but then suffers from unbearable guilt. This book delves into the morally ambiguous world of crime and punishment, where the line between justice and morality is frequently blurred.

The Brothers Karamazov

This novel is considered to be Dostoevsky’s magnum opus. It examines the lives of the Karamazov brothers, exploring the darkest corners of human nature, the power of faith, and the beauty of forgiveness. It’s an intricate story of love and suffering, faith and redemption behind the dark theme of patricide.

The Idiot

This novel tells the story of Prince Myshkin, a kind and gentle soul with epilepsy who returns to St. Petersburg after a long illness. In an ironic twist of fate, society mistakes his kind hearted-ness for simple-mindedness. He’s soon thrown into a world of moral ambiguity and suffering, where he must confront his feelings of love and betrayal.

Notes from Underground

The short novel Notes from Underground (often misnamed as Notes from the Underground) is about an unnamed narrator, a recluse who lives in a secluded corner of St. Petersburg. In this work, Dostoyevsky vents his frustrations and reveals his thoughts on life, love, and suffering, which has become a classic of existentialist literature.

The Gambler

This novella’s main character, Alexei Ivanovich, is a young man addicted to gambling. While working as a tutor for a former general, he falls in love with a general’s niece.

The House of the Dead

This novel is based on Dostoevsky’s experiences in a prison camp in Omsk, Siberia. It’s about a group of prisoners and their experiences when incarcerated. The novel is a powerful exploration of the effects of suffering and despair on the human soul.

The Grand Inquisitor

This short story, featured in The Brothers Karamazov, portrays Jesus returning to Earth during the Inquisition and his encounter with the Grand Inquisitor. It’s a thought-provoking work that explores faith, power, and morality.

The Insulted and Humiliated

The story has two intertwining plot lines: one involving narrator Vanya’s close friend and former love, Natasha, who left her family to live with her new lover, Alyosha. Alyosha is the son of Prince Valkovsky, who wants to benefit from an arranged marriage of Alyosha to an heiress, Katya. The subplot focuses on a thirteen-year-old orphan, Nellie, who Vanya saves from an abusive home.

White Nights

In this novella, a young man falls in love with a woman he meets on a bridge in St. Petersburg. It’s a tender exploration of human emotions and a glimpse into love’s mysterious and sometimes painful beauty.

The Raw Youth

Arkady Dolgoruky is a young man seeking to become fabulously wealthy. On his journey, he crosses paths with socialist conspirators and a young widow. It’s a powerful exploration of poverty, power, and morality.

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Speechify Audiobooks is the premier destination for literature lovers. With thousands of great books to choose from and convenient features, such as speed adjustment, it’s the perfect place to explore all the classic and contemporary works of Fyodor Dostoevsky.

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FAQ

What is the best work of Dostoevsky?

Crime and Punishment is perhaps the best-known work of the Russian novelist and features on the curriculum of schools in several countries.

Where should I start with Fyodor Dostoevsky?

His first novel, Poor Folk, is a great place to start if you want to follow the evolution of Dostoevsky’s writing style.

How many books did Fyodor Dostoevsky write?

Dostoevsky wrote 13 novels, three novellas, and several short stories.

Who did Dostoevsky influence with his writing?

His works were influential domestically and abroad, inspiring authors such as Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn and Anton Chekhov and influential thinkers like Friedrich Nietzsche and Jean-Paul Sartre. His works also contributed to the development of existentialism and Freudianism.