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Very Short Introductions #746
Fyodor Dostoevsky: A Very Short Introduction
Very Short Introductions : Brilliant, Sharp, Inspiring
Fyodor Dostoevsky became the writer best known for his treatment of the big questions of ethics, religion, and philosophy.
In this Very Short Introduction , Deborah Martinsen explores Dostoevsky's tumultuous life his political imprisonment and narrow escape from execution, his Siberian exile, his gambling addiction, his romantic marriage, and his literary success. Martinsen also delves into his major works - Notes from Underground, Crime and Punishment, The Idiot, Demons, The Brothers Karamazov, The Diary of a Writer , and more. Each chapter analyzes a key theme or aspect of Dostoevsky's writing that showcases his profound insights into human nature and doubling, freedom, shame, social justice, scandal, aesthetics, ethics, faith, and the eternal questions. Martinsen also demonstrates how Dostoevsky's novels remain relevant today as they address pressing questions about freedom, morality, and meaning in a complex world.
ABOUT THE The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.
Fyodor Dostoevsky became the writer best known for his treatment of the big questions of ethics, religion, and philosophy.
In this Very Short Introduction , Deborah Martinsen explores Dostoevsky's tumultuous life his political imprisonment and narrow escape from execution, his Siberian exile, his gambling addiction, his romantic marriage, and his literary success. Martinsen also delves into his major works - Notes from Underground, Crime and Punishment, The Idiot, Demons, The Brothers Karamazov, The Diary of a Writer , and more. Each chapter analyzes a key theme or aspect of Dostoevsky's writing that showcases his profound insights into human nature and doubling, freedom, shame, social justice, scandal, aesthetics, ethics, faith, and the eternal questions. Martinsen also demonstrates how Dostoevsky's novels remain relevant today as they address pressing questions about freedom, morality, and meaning in a complex world.
ABOUT THE The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.
160 pages, Paperback
Published June 28, 2024
12 people are currently reading
68 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
March 28, 2025
This Very Short Introduction is wonderfully-written and researched. Its depth betrays a thorough understanding of Dostoevsky’s complete oeuvre, however it is not by any means an ‘introductory’ text.
I have personally read only 2 of Dostoevsky’s novels, Crime and Punishment and The Brothers Karamazov. As such, I was interested in learning more about the man himself, and his underlying philosophy of life, a promise inherent in the word “introduction.”
What this book delivered, however, was more like a disconnected series of annotations on Dostoevsky’s complete works, stretching from Poor Folk (1845) to The Brothers Karamazov (1880).
The 3-star rating does not stem from Martinsen’s writing or her knowledge, both of which are first-rate, but rather from the structure of the book itself which in my view fails to offer an actual ‘introduction’ to F.M. Dostoevsky.
If you are more thoroughly acquainted with Dostoevsky, you will love this book, however if you’re like me and are only beginning to read him, this book can be frustrating.
I have personally read only 2 of Dostoevsky’s novels, Crime and Punishment and The Brothers Karamazov. As such, I was interested in learning more about the man himself, and his underlying philosophy of life, a promise inherent in the word “introduction.”
What this book delivered, however, was more like a disconnected series of annotations on Dostoevsky’s complete works, stretching from Poor Folk (1845) to The Brothers Karamazov (1880).
The 3-star rating does not stem from Martinsen’s writing or her knowledge, both of which are first-rate, but rather from the structure of the book itself which in my view fails to offer an actual ‘introduction’ to F.M. Dostoevsky.
If you are more thoroughly acquainted with Dostoevsky, you will love this book, however if you’re like me and are only beginning to read him, this book can be frustrating.
August 21, 2024
While this book offers a great analysis of key themes in Dostoevsky's life and work, I do wonder if it really is "a very short introduction". It might be slightly above the expectations of those who simply wish to know what Dostoevsky is all about. This book is slightly more suited to those who have read many of his works and wish to have a deeper understanding - thereby perhaps becoming more of a companion than an introduction. Nevertheless, this is a book of high quality.
January 29, 2025
I haven’t read any other of these Oxford “Very Short Introductions,” but this one, at least, is quite impressive.
Oxford certainly picked the right person for the job: Martinsen was a scholar of Slavic literature at Columbia and president of the International Dostoevsky Society (how do I join?).
Martinsen reminds us why so many readers find Dostoevsky highly relevant to our own times. She writes:
“His concern with such issues as social justice, women’s rights, prison (reform), court (reform), suicide, free will, belief, the power of ideas, the need for community, and freedom of the press resonates with us.”
To really enjoy this book, you have to have done more than dabble in Dostoevsky’s oeuvre. The more of his novels and short stories you’ve read, the better you will understand Martinsen’s sophisticated exegesis.
That said, Martinsen devotes a chapter to one or two books at a time, so you can skip those chapters that correspond with books you haven’t read.
I’ve read all of Dostoevsky’s major novels, except Demons, and I’ve thought a lot and even written about his work. But Martinsen’s analysis helped me understand these books at a deeper level than I ever had before.
Very short, but very insightful.
Oxford certainly picked the right person for the job: Martinsen was a scholar of Slavic literature at Columbia and president of the International Dostoevsky Society (how do I join?).
Martinsen reminds us why so many readers find Dostoevsky highly relevant to our own times. She writes:
“His concern with such issues as social justice, women’s rights, prison (reform), court (reform), suicide, free will, belief, the power of ideas, the need for community, and freedom of the press resonates with us.”
To really enjoy this book, you have to have done more than dabble in Dostoevsky’s oeuvre. The more of his novels and short stories you’ve read, the better you will understand Martinsen’s sophisticated exegesis.
That said, Martinsen devotes a chapter to one or two books at a time, so you can skip those chapters that correspond with books you haven’t read.
I’ve read all of Dostoevsky’s major novels, except Demons, and I’ve thought a lot and even written about his work. But Martinsen’s analysis helped me understand these books at a deeper level than I ever had before.
Very short, but very insightful.
November 2, 2024
Horrible book. Boring. I stopped around page 40.
I don’t and cannot recommend this book, unless you are a literary analyst and like boredom.
I don’t and cannot recommend this book, unless you are a literary analyst and like boredom.
January 20, 2026
I really enjoyed this book!
April 27, 2025
Ändå rätt bra summering tkr jag
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews