One of the supreme masterpieces of world literature, Crime and Punishment catapulted Dostoyevsky to the forefront of Russian writers and into the ranks of the world's greatest novelists. Drawing upon experiences from his own prison days, the author recounts in feverish, compelling tones the story of Raskolnikov, an impoverished student tormented by his own nihilism, and the struggle between good and evil. Believing that he is above the law, and convinced that humanitarian ends justify vile means, he brutally murders an old woman — a pawnbroker whom he regards as "stupid, ailing, greedy…good for nothing." Overwhelmed afterwards by feelings of guilt and terror, Raskolnikov confesses to the crime and goes to prison. There he realizes that happiness and redemption can only be achieved through suffering. Infused with forceful religious, social, and philosophical elements, the novel was an immediate success. This extraordinary, unforgettable work is reprinted here in the authoritative Constance Garnett translation. A selection of the Common Core State Standards Initiative.
Crime and Punishment is my favourite book of all time. I've read the McDuff translation for Penguin 3 times, but this Vintage translation by Pevear and Volokhonsky is the better version. The words fizz from the page, and some of the passages I wasn't keen on in the Penguin edition (Raskolnikov's first encounter with Marmeladov, his visit to Sonia's room) flowed better. The story itself, for those who haven't read it, is the blueprint for psychological thrillers. The psychopath thinks he's committed the perfect crime, but is uncovered by the bumbling but clever investigator. Dostoevsky gets the feverishness of Raskolnikov's monomania across perfectly, marrying it with the power of good as an agent of redemption.
Read more reviews Written by SebDoomJ
It's the first version of Crime & Punishment I've read so don't have anything to compare it to. Still a brilliant, fluid read though.
The cover didn't match the listing, but that doesn't make a difference (it was through a third party seller so you it's expected).
Written by Sam
This is an acclaimed translation, the definitive version for our times.
Re this edition, it is a very very fat paperback and hard to hold open.
I really hope that the same translation will be reprinted in a hardback edition like their other Dostoevsky translations
