Regardless of what people might say, we all approach a book with a particular expectation: a story. Some of us want epic; others might want an interconnected twist ending that makes you question your own mind, and there’s also the reader who wants a simple premise and denouement.
There are several writers who have become universal references when talking about literature, and Fyodor Dostoyevsky is one of them. This Russian author is constantly pitted against Leo Tolstoy. Actually, they’re both geniuses in their own right, and there’s no need to try and compare them, since their sensibilities are so different to begin with.
Born into a middle class family in Moscow in 1821, Fyodor’s father sent him and his brother to the Military Engineering Institute in St. Petersburg. Young Dostoyevsky excelled, despite not having much interest in math or military science. His critical thinking made him stand out from his peers as he denounced corruption, social injustice, and the treatment of the poor and marginalized.
In 1849, he was imprisoned for being part of the Petrashevsky Circle, a group of intellectuals who criticized the regime of Tsar Nicholas II. After his release in 1854, he continued his sentence as a foot soldier. However, this intended demotion led him to meet his wife Maria Isaeva, and not long after, the Tsar gave an amnesty allowing him to continue publishing his works. After years of releasing famous relevant works, Dostoyevsky died in 1881 in St. Petersburg from pulmonary hemorrhage.
His works are poetic, sad, realist, and still relevant, even two centuries later. He transcended the barriers of what we consider literature. His words establish the basis for the philosophical movement known as existentialism.
His entire repertoire is worthy of being read, and not just because of its historical and lyrical importance, but for its relevance to our current world. His work isn’t just deep; it’s somewhat prophetic.
Poor Folk (1864) establishes the existentialism through a repulsive, visceral, aggressive, violent character who searches for the meaning of his life and to mend past mistakes. He never stops being depressive or unlikeable, but that’s because he’s human.
The Double (1846) tells the story of a man who splits his personality and establishes a fight against himself.
The Idiot (1869) revolves around Prince Mishkin, who is seen as a fool simply for being a good person who is always willing to help.
Crime and Punishment (1866) introduces us to Raskolnikov, a young man who commits murder for money and other hidden motives. This is a study on guilt and self-understanding.
Demons (1872) is a critique of the mindset that would become the embodiment of the twentieth century: surge of extreme revolutionary movements searching for power and the inability of current governments to stop them.
The Brothers Karamazov (1880) explores several topics he deeply cared about: the existence of God, the struggle between good and evil, as well as the lack of compassion in humanity and religion.
These are just some of the themes and narratives we’ve inherited from Dostoyesky. His mythical figure has reached like few others in history. He’s admired by scientists, philosophers, painters, musicians, filmmakers, and, of course, other writers. Albert Einstein named him before mathematician Carl Gauss when talking about influences. His books have room for anything related to the human condition. His novels are more than just literary gems; they’re sustained by psychological and philosophical theories. So with all this repertoire, do you believe Dostoyevsky is history’s greatest novelist?
Translated by María Suárez
