Catching up on Classics (and lots more!) discussion

This thread is for general discussion of our March 2015 Old School Read, Notes from Underground by Fyodor Dostoyevsky. Please do not post spoilers in this thread. If you want to discuss specifics of the plot, use this topic instead.

Happy reading! :-)

I plan to start this one next week. Who else will be reading with me?

Planning to read this too, along with Proust's Swann's Way so not sure how fast/slow I'll go. Going to France and St. Petersburg this summer, which is my added incentive!

I'm afraid to try this book.

I had planned to read it as I read Crime/Punishment with the group last year. Then I read the blurb for this book and it looked daunting.

Andrea (Catsos Person) wrote: "I'm afraid to try this book.

I had planned to read it as I read Crime/Punishment with the group last year. Then I read the blurb for this book and it looked daunting."

The first quarter of the book was challenging but the last three quarters were quite similar in style to Crime and Punishment. If the first quarter is daunting to you use Sparknotes commentary to review while you are reading the book.

Charisse wrote: "Planning to read this too, along with Proust's Swann's Way so not sure how fast/slow I'll go. Going to France and St. Petersburg this summer, which is my added incentive!"

Sounds like a great summer.

Thanks Janet, I'll look into your suggestions!

I started and put it down again, was getting very daunting, but after reading the comments I'll persevere.

I actually tried to start it on audio this week, but just could not focus on it in that format. I will try again with the print version.

I finished the first third, and actually found it very interesting, will try to make time for reading the rest later this week, but it really is a book that needs concentration

Okay, things are better after the first chapter, but I agree it needs concentration to read.

I found it difficult to read, but yes, it did get easier about 40% of the way through. It was difficult mainly because of the main character's incessant rantings (which will continue) but as some type of carrot on a stick, let me say that other characters will appear later that can make it more interesting.

Just finished and Charisse I agree with all you say, I'll post on the other thread now.

I started. I am up to ch 9, near the end of part I.

All of you are right, it does get a little easier farther along, but it requires concentration--No a book to read during my noisy bus ride to and from work!

Andrea, have you read any more? I think it gets much easier to understand after part 1, but agree it's not a book for a noisy commute!

I'm into Part II/ch 4--the dinner at the Hotel de Paris.

I'll post more on the spoiler page.

Now that UGM is doing something, instead of ranting, it's easier than part I.

You need a degree in Psychology for understanding of the first part of this book.

Robert wrote: "You need a degree in Psychology for understanding of the first part of this book."

If not a doctorate, just before I read Notes I read Mrs. Dalloway, which left me exhausted. She and I are not compatible. With the headache of reading Mrs. Dalloway still a fresh memory I started Notes. My first reaction was “not again” and I almost set it aside. I am glad I finished. While it was not an easy read the second part was much better than the first and I can look forward to reading Mr. Dostoyevsky again.

Haha, Bob I wouldn't choose to read those two back to back!

Just got started on this one today, hoping to have it done by end of March

Hope you enjoy it, this thread will stay open (just move) if you don't finish it before the end of the month.

I'm at 20%. I actually like the character's ranting for some odd reason. Like Bob, I'm reading this and Mrs. Dalloway. Luckily they're both short. Still, I have three days to finish so I better get moving. I do like it though, so I'm curious to see how it improves.

I'm going to post my comments on tues (cut/paste review). Which I'll draft tomorrow.

Notes from the Underground by Fyodor Dostoevsky is the Revisit the Shelf Book for October 2024.

This early posting of the No Spoiler thread is to discuss any non-plot issues pertaining to the book.

Appropriate Posts can contain:
1. Information about the author.
2. Compare editions/translations.
3. Any historical or background information
4. Are you familiar with this author’s work? Do you have any expectations going into the book?
5. What made you decide to read this book?
6. Any fan fiction that you have read or would like to read? Just link the books.
7. If you loved the book and want others to share in that experience, use this thread to motivate others, again save plot specifics for the Spoiler thread
8. If you hated the book, it would be best to keep that for the spoiler page

The most important thing to remember is no plot discussion. Any post that contains plot information or spoilers will be deleted.

I think I'm in for this one. Just need to figure out how to fit it into my schedule...

RJ - Slayer of Trolls wrote: "I think I'm in for this one. Just need to figure out how to fit it into my schedule..."

That is exactly where I am. I have narrowed down the number of Challenges I will try to complete and just listed some books as "must-read" for October through December.

I tend to read a couple of books by the same author or in the same genre together. Notes from the Underground is Russian literature of course, but it also qualifies as Philosophy. I may read The Praise of Folly by Erasmus this month since they're both Philosophy.

I am already committed to reading 2 hefty books and am doing it as a long term aim. But I would like to read Notes from Underground as well and considering the fact that it's not too long, I think I can do it.

This will be my 2nd encounter with Dostoevsky's art after Crime and Punishment. C&P left me speechless at how well Dostoevsky explained the inner turmoil of the main character, going deep into human psychology.

I certainly have high hopes from him again and will be starting from 1st October.

I will be reading this from a physical book that contains several novellas.

I found this pdf to download if you are looking for a version of pdf:

https://www.planetpublish.com/wp-cont...

It is 203 pages long.

There are more than one audiobooks of this text on YouTube. This version has the text rolling on the screen as the narrator reads.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mym35...