The Poor Folk and the Gambler

by Fyodor Dostoevsky

Book Overview

Poor Folk and The Gambler is a collection of two novellas by the renowned Russian author Fyodor Dostoevsky. The first novella, Poor Folk, was Dostoevsky's debut work and tells the story of a young... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 046001711X
• ISBN13: 9780460017114
• Release Date: February 1972
• Publisher: Dutton Books
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 0.50 lbs.

Customer Reviews

An Astonishing Masterpiece

I've read this book three times and enjoyed it more each time. I believe you MUST read it more than once just to digest the myriad of subplots and the larger-than-life characters that permeate this novel. At the risk of sounding elitist, this book is not for everyone. "Light" reading it is not. Dostoevsky peers into the psyche of his characters by placing each in the most excruciating context. Who can ever forget Marmeladov or Svidrigailov? Or, Raskolnikov's dream about the beating of a horse and Svidrigailov's guilt-driven dream about a small child? Dostoevsky unflinchingly examines our oftentimes contradictory human nature; a nature that can be chilling, cruel, and at times depraved. But for Dostoevsky, it is suffering that is necessary for clarity, and ultimately, redemption. Even if you do not agree with Dostoevsky's notion of the human condition--it's a tough sell in our modern age--the book is unquestionably the work of a literary genius.

One of my favorite books so far

I can definately see why this book is a classic. Dostoyevesky writes with such intelligence and skill. It is as if you are viewing a murder from the mind of the murderer. It is a page turner. For anyone who HAD to read it when you were younger, please read it again for fun. It so interesting to read. This traslation comes with some helpful tips and is a very convenient size. I highly recommend this book, as well as this version.

A Hard Read

This book is excellent but readers should take the time to read the Translator's Preface before jumping in. This will help to understand the names of the characters and other nuances that apply to a book translated from another language. The book is about redemption. It's worth the effort to get through it. I woud not have understood or appreciated the book in my youth.

The Gambler is Dostoevsky's most under-rated work.

Dostoevsky's "The Gambler" is a profound look at gambling as an addiction. The characterization is extremely good, and the topic is very timely, considering the explosion in the number of gambling establishments in the United States in recent years. This should be on the reading list for all pychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and others who have an interest in addictive behavior, and for anyone who lives with a compulsive gambler. Reading this book helped me to understand and kick my own addiction to gambling.