The Brothers Karamasov 

A classic that earned the title. Even the English translation is a jaunty read, 800 pages though it may be, with lyrical Russian names, each with its passel of diminutives. It is a consideration of the human character, as portrayed through the four Karamasov men: “…the broad Karamazov character…capable of combining the most incongruous contradictions, and capable of the greatest heights and of the greatest depths…’The sense of their own degradation is as essential to these reckless, unbridled natures as the sense of their lofty generosity.’ And that’s true, they need continually this unnatural mixture.” Even as the judges of Mitya’s character continually comment on the aberration that is the Karamazov male, this character is not unique: the duality thereby personified is an illustration of the capacity for sanctity and depravity in us all. 

I also particularly enjoyed the traipse into the Russian legal system of the mid 19th century. What an interesting take the Russians had on the European system they admit to emulating. How clever for the defendant to have the right to comment after each witness. What’s more, back in the day, the public understood trials for what they are: theatre.  

Though masterfully done, and certainly long enough, if judged simply by word count, this book still seems unfinished. Alyosha never really wrestled with God, nor did he marry, as foretold by his Elder. Mitya let the cup of forced hard labor pass from him, though acknowledging his murderous intent, and nearly murderous action. Perhaps punishment for a greater crime than his own would be exactly the humiliation he needed to solidify his new identity as an upstanding citizen. And then Ivan—does he ever recover from the madness caused by his conscience’s repulsion to his immoral desires?

Also, who is the narrator? I imagined this would be revealed as the book wrapped up, but I’m left wondering how he knows all that he does. All in all, I think we’re missing roughly 500 pages to set things in order and finish the stories of the Karamazov brothers.