Hi Everyone! Today I’d like to welcome Darlene Foster, today’s contributor to What’s That Book. Thank you, Darlene!
Title: The Brothers Karamazov
Author: Fyodor Dostoevsky
Genre: Classic/Literature
What’s it about? I have wanted to read this novel for years but found it intimidating. I recently joined a read-along where we read one chapter a day of this amazing book. That was one chapter a day for 96 days! I am so glad I did as it was the best way to savour this incredible story. It is essentially a story of three, possibly four, very different brothers from a dysfunctional family, and how their actions affect each other and the people around them. One brother is a ladies’ man and a spendthrift, another an intellectual and the youngest, kind and religious.
The story covers everything, love, hate, family, religion, history, philosophy, mystery and much more. Every chapter makes you think, some make you laugh and others make you sad. The themes are timeless and as relevant today as they were in 19th century Russia.
As in many Russian stories, there are numerous characters with more than one name. But it doesn’t take long to sort them out and they all play an important part. There are many stories within the story, told by an unnamed narrator who lives in the village the Karamazov family live in and where most of the action takes place. The characters are well developed and the stories cleverly knit together. I was surprised at the humour scattered throughout the book.
At the end, the youngest brother tells a group of school boys, “You must know that there is nothing higher and stronger and more wholesome and good for life in the future than some good memory, especially a memory of childhood, of home.” This is a book worth reading more than once.
How did you hear about it? I heard about the Karamazov read-along through Rebecca Budd of Tea, Toast and Trivia. I realized that this was probably the only way I would ever read this book.
Closing comments: It is good for your soul to read a classic from time to time. A great idea is to read a classic along with one or more readers for encouragement and discussion. Everyone should read The Brothers Karamazov at least once.
Contributor: Darlene Foster, a long time dreamer of dreams and teller of tales, is the author of the exciting Amanda Travels series featuring spunky Amanda Ross, a Canadian girl who loves to travel. All ages enjoy following Amanda as she unravels one mystery after another in unique destinations. Darlene, an avid traveler herself, divides her time between Canada’s west coast and the Spanish Costa Blanca with her husband and entertaining rescue dogs, Dot and Lia.
www.darlenefoster.ca
https://darlenefoster.wordpress.com/
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Book Club Mom 
Yes, revisiting (or reading for the first time) a classic now and then allows us to appreciate some wonderful writing that has stood the test of time! Great review. 🙂
Thank you, Lynette. I completely agree. What is the last classic you read?
I re-read Pride and Prejudice a couple of years back and saw once more why it stands up so well. I don’t get much leisure time to read for enjoyment, but that’s something I’m looking forward to.
Thanks for featuring my review of The Brothers Karamazov. A great read.
It is many years since I read and enjoyed this masterpiece. Thanks for the reminder
Maybe time to read it again. You just may find some new ideas and inspiration.
Thanks, Darlene
Thanks for sharing Darlene’s wonderful review, Barbara. I agree with her, reading a classic from time to time is good for the soul…especially these days.
Yes, Jill. I have read more classics this past almost two years than I had for a while. I think we find comfort in stories about times past and books filled with meaningful words.
I’m sure I read this book either in college or graduate school. Thanks, Darlene, for the summary, which I certainly needed. When I read this book long ago, I didn’t notice this: “You must know that there is nothing higher and stronger and more wholesome and good for life in the future than some good memory, especially a memory of childhood, of home.” Maybe I can use this quote somewhere in my writing.
Thanks, Barbara, for hosting Darlene’s book choice today. 😀
Thanks, Marian. There are so many great quotes in this book. This one would be good in one of your books. Here’s another one I think you will love, “It was an old and rather poor church,…but such churches are the best for praying in.”
Thanks, Darlene, for reminding me of the looooong read that is this book. I did like it and went on to read others by Dostoevsky, when I was in my Russian literature phase. A classic!
I love Russian literature and read one every now and again, spreading it out.
I love Dostoevsky, and this book. Russian authors base their stories as much on the intricacies and love of Mother Russia as plot. Glad you liked this book.
So true, proving that the Russian psyche is as complicated as it´s history.
I saw Rebecca’s post about this book too, Barb, and had the same comment as you – intimidating! Lol. I’m so glad you enjoyed it. I’ve been thinking about trying one of the classics (Anna Karenina, maybe, because I actually own the book!). Thanks for the encouragement!
I am so glad I took up the challenge and persevered. Anna Karenina is one of my favourite Russian novels. I also own the book. Enjoy.
Hi Barbara, it’s lovely to see Darlene’s review of The Brothers Karamazov here. I also followed Rebecca’s readalong but I didn’t participate.
I believe you were reading another challenging read at the time. One I don´t think I will ever read. But I have enjoyed reading your reports on it. There is only so much reading time.
I should totally read this. I’ve been meaning to read more classics. Those Russians wrote very long books, though, didn’t they? 😛
The classic Russian novels are very long and complicated but worth a read once in awhile.
It’s been quite a while since I read The Brothers but I agree. Reading the classics is good for the soul.
Reading time is precious and limited in our busy world but reading one chapter a day is doable.
Great to see Darlene here!
I wholeheartedly agree that reading Classics (even once in a while) is good for the soul!
And reading one chapter a day, as part of a group, is an awesome idea!
Thanks, Donna. Reading a book like this along with others keeps you motivated. It´s a good idea to start a read along with a group of readers to tackle a large novel. We may do War and Peace next.
Wow, how impressive! I do love reading classics, but I’ve always found the idea of Russian classics very intimidating (although I have read Anna Karenina). A chapter a day is a great approach! (that’s about how I got through Moby Dick, in fact…)
They can be intimidating but are so worth it once you do read them. I remember reading Anna Karenina and being so enthralled. Moby Dick is another book I haven´t tackled. So many classics, so little time!
I read this years ago and got lost! I think it was the names and nicknames that confused me. I agree with you about reading the classics, though.
I know, every one has about three names, and there are so many characters! But after awhile I got used to all the names.
Great book! Idiot is next on my list to be read by Dostoevsky, but it may be a while before I get to it.
Although I have read Crime and Punishment, I have yet to read The Idiot.
I’ve read The Idiot twice. So worth it.
I am delighted that you joined the #KaramazovReadalong. What an adventure we had together celebrating Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s 200th birthday.
Thank you for letting me know about it through your podcast. So glad I didn’t miss this opportunity.
I love when we share adventures. Looking forward to another #readalong in 2022!
I’m also glad to learn about this – thank you Rebecca and Darlene!
I keep seeing the word “intimidating” in the comments and I agree. Great review, though, and makes me want to give it a go!
I think if you don’t rush it, you’ll find it quite enjoyable.
Reblogged this on Darlene Foster's Blog and commented:
I have read some amazing books this year. But the most incredible reading experience I’ve had has been joining a read-along which enabled me to complete The Brothers Karamazov. The Book Club Mom has shared my review.
Thanks for the guest post and reblog, Darlene. Just catching up now!
Excellent review! I’ve been meaning to read this book for years.
I know. I had it on my TBR list for over 20 years. So glad I did it.
I’m pretty sure I have a copy of it in a box somewhere. If I can’t find it, I see that I can download a free copy from Project Guttenberg.
That’s a good option, Liz. I’m going to look for a copy at our used book nook at the library.
You’ve inspired me, Darlene. Books like these can be intimidating, but so worth the effort.
This is the one I read https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B000FC22RC/
My brother, who has read the book 3 times, said this was one of the better translations (by Constance Garnett)
Thank you for the recommendation, Darlene. I hadn’t thought about the translation, but you’re right that the translation does make a difference.
Thank you, Liz, for stopping by. I was so pleased to have Darlene as a guest!
You’re welcome!
You’ve convinced me! i like Dostoevsky and read his books (but not this one) easily back in college. But now, I’m not sure I could handle it “on my own.” I read so many contemporary books that are written so differently than back in this Russian’s time. I like the idea of listening to it. I’m going to put it on my Audibles list!
That would be a great way to read it. There is nothing like being read to. Maybe while gardening or washing the dishes!
Hi Pam, thank you for reading and so sorry for the late comment. I remember reading War and Peace in college (in a class, though) and not being fazed by it but being glad to have my professor explain it. Russian literature can be confusing. I think I will give The Brothers a try. Sometime in 2022?
Perhaps…. 🧐😆
I love that quote: “You must know that there is nothing higher and stronger and more wholesome and good for life in the future than some good memory, especially a memory of childhood, of home.”
Thanks for sharing your experience with this book. I’ve never heard of it before.
Thank you for stopping by, Diane. I’m glad you enjoyed Darlene’s review!
Darlene, intimidating is the word for this book and I’m in awe of you all who finished it. Your review is glowing with feeling for the book, story and characters and you make it seem approachable, relevant and it’s great to learn there is so much humour in the book! I agree that reading it with others, a chapter at a time is probably the main way to finish it – thank you for your clear and excellent review here!
Thank you, Annika. It is the best way to read these large tomes. There are so many characters but they soon become endearing in various ways.
That’s good to know, Darlene. Russian names are hard to get straight because of the spelling differences between genders. I remember that when I read The Idiot.
Hi Annika, thank you for stopping by to read Darlene’s review. I think reading it with others and at a slower pace is a great idea. Hope you are doing well! 🙂
What a wonderful way to read an “intimidating” book – join a club to do “read-along” one chapter at a time. I enjoyed reading your insight, Darlene. Thank you for sharing Darlen’s review, Barb.
Even if it is just one other person reading the book at the same time as you. It helps to discuss it and encourage each other. Glad you enjoyed the review.
I agree, Darlene. It’s a fun way to read. I used to belong to a book club which meets once a month. They have been meeting rain or shine for more than 35 years. They are still meeting. The coordinator has the list of books they’ve read. It’s awesome.
Thank you, too, Miriam, for stopping by 🙂
Thanks for sharing Darlene’s review….definitely peeked my interest!
Hi Kirt, mine too! Thank you for reading and commenting 🙂