The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor DostoevskyMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
History has shown Dostoevsky’s conviction that atheism destroys morality is unfounded. A modern reader might find the author’s piety difficult to take – but the flip side of that is Dostoevsky’s masterful ability to document all the self-destructive impulses people give into. Basically all the characters in Brothers Karamazov operate either on the edge of hysteria or actually in the throes of a nervous breakdown. The hero Alyosha must cling to the dictates of faith in order to avoid being swallowed up by the emotional chaos around him. This book plumbs the depths of depravity and perversity, which is what makes it so delightful. Wrapped around that is Dostoevsky’s grief at the death of his son, which results in quite moving scenes exploring the responsibilities of fatherhood. Karamazov senior is incorrigible, but in sticking together the book offers some hope for his sons.
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