The Readers Review: Literature from 1714 to 1910 discussion

The Brothers Karamazov
Week 13 - Epilogue, Entire Book, Final Thoughts

This week concludes our group read of The Brothers Karamazov.

1) The epilogue tidies up the end of the novel where the characters' final fates are revealed. Did you learn anything new about the characters from the epilogue? Were you surprised by anything you read in the epilogue?

2) Why, do you think, that Dmitri is intent on suffering?

3) What do you think about this book, overall? Was it a satisfying read for you?

4) Are there lingering questions from the book you're still thinking about?

5) Would you ever consider re-reading it? Why or why not?

Anything else you'd like to discuss about this Dostoevsky or The Brothers Karamazov?

Thank you to everyone who participated in this group read.

It was Llusha’s death that I found very moving, I didn’t expect that. The fate of some of the characters was left unresolved.
I thought that there was similarities between this novel and Crime and Punishment. The moods and the demeanour (especially the wickedness/remorsefulness) of some of the characters was typical of the author.
I thought the ending was left as an enigma - almost as a serial may end with the words “to be continued”.
Would I read it again? I would like to. Reading a novel a second time is always more enjoyable because you pick up nuances that you missed the first time. I believe it was Oscar Wilde, who said “ A novel is only worthwhile if it is read more than once”.

Neil wrote: "Would I read it again?"

I've been struggling with this question. I love the Russians for a variety of reasons but I struggled with this one.

It seemed like the author took us in a lot of directions that did not further the story... which I don't appreciate.

It was also more philosophical than I expected... not sure where my head was when I developed my expectations and taking into consideration that it was Dostoevsky who is always philosophical.

I think when I read the description "a murder mystery, a courtroom drama" I expect more emphasis to be on the mystery. That made it a bit disappointing to me.

Having said all that and knowing what I do now I would probably read it again with my expectations adjusted.

I might consider re-reading this novel someday, but not for a very long time. It was quite a grind for me. I've read that this was considered to be Dostoevsky's great masterpiece, but to me it was a very scattered plot with lots of hysterical and unlikeable characters and too many long monologues. Although it bears some resemblance to Crime and Punishment, I think C&P was a much greater and more readable novel.

Nancy wrote: "I might consider re-reading this novel someday, but not for a very long time. It was quite a grind for me. I've read that this was considered to be Dostoevsky's great masterpiece, but to me it was ..."

I agree, I enjoyed Crime and Punishment and found it much easier to read. I do think I'll circle back around to the Brothers at some point.

I didn't love it. Some of that is my fault, I started it in the spring, had to return it to the library where I was 4th in line. I couldn't find it in my city's little free cafe in the summer, and I didn't get it back until September.

But some of it is that it's a very long book about characters that are basically alien to us today. A guy who beats up his father for not giving him enough money? Upper class characters who are like, well we'll help you escape prison because it doesn't seem fair?

I didn't participate in the group read because I reread the book a couple of years ago-not long enough ago for a reread, but too long ago to remember all the details.
This is my favourite by Dostoevsky-and I'm a big fan. I like all the long philosophical discussions. (Which are short compared to the discussions in The Magic Mountain by Thomas Mann!)