A book you own but have never read..

[shadowkat]

That's today's prompt for the seemingly endless book challenge.

My pick? Crime and Punishment by Dostoevsky

I keep picking it up to read it - but never manage to. It's one of those books - I mean to read, but am either never in the mood or don't have the time or focus.

I know it's brilliant, although whether the translation that I happen to own is or not - is another issue entirely. That's the problem with literature published in a language other than one's own - you have to depend on a translation. It's either that or learn the language - and I don't foresee myself learning Russian any time soon - even if I live in a building with a bunch of people who apparently only speak Russian. Some speak Polish. I honestly can't hear the difference. I've tried. Moscow co-worker (he hails from Moscow) will correct me every once and a while.

Me: Alex (the vendor) is Russian -
Moscow: No Polish.
Me: Peter is Russian -
Moscow: No, Polish.

Moscow knows three languages - Russian, Polish, and English, also a little bit of Spanish. I forgive him his issues with English - because honestly he has three - four languages. I only know one well, and have some broken third grade level French to play around with.

Comments

[cactuswatcher]

Dostoyevsky isn't for everybody. Many of his stories have people with mental problems. Crime and Punishment has a main character in the throes of depression trying to get out of it by trying to prove he's someone extraordinary. Other stories deal with gambling addiction, extreme jealousy, envy and so on. Not the kind of stories you want to read to cheer you up. I'm not surprised you never seem to be in the mood to read it!

I first read the major Dostoyevsky novels, because I knew I'd have to for grad school. I can't say I hated it. Some people think Dostoyevsky is the greatest. For me, if he's not the first thing I'd grab for light reading, he's okay.

I've read Crime and Punishment in English and in Russian. I'll admit it was surprisingly easy to read in Russian. Was it in any way better in Russian? Only in ways that aren't terribly important for most people. There are writers that don't translate well. I wouldn't put him in that category.

[shadowkat]

I keep trying Russian writers and not getting very far. I think they may be too depressing for me?

[avrelia]

If you want Russian literature that's not depressing you might try short stories by Teffi

She was writing in the first half of 20th century, mostly funny short stories, occasional plays, immigrated to Paris after the revolution. I don't think the translation can kill her humour, which is more situational and character-based than words-based.

https://www.amazon.com/Subtly-Worded-Pushkin-Collection-Teffi/dp/178227037X/

[avrelia]

I feel like I should have an opinion on Dostoevsky, but I don't.

I read Crime and Punishment in high school, because it was required reading, and I liked it, but people say other books by Dostoevsky are better or easier to get through, and I have no idea. The books I read - like Idiot - were not easier, but I haven't read much, and don't feel like reading him now.

[shadowkat]

I read the Idiot and his short stories in College. Along with various other Russian philosophers and short story writers. But it was over 30 years ago, and I can't remember them that well.

Some people love him - but they also love depressing somber literary works, with lots of poetic prose.

Thank you for the recs by the way.