Nothing But Reading Challenges discussion

This topic is open for discussion of Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky.



Book Synopsis:
A troubled young man commits the perfect crime – the murder of a vile pawnbroker whom no one will miss. Raskolnikov is desperate for money, but convinces himself that his motive for the murder is to benefit mankind. So begins one of the greatest novels ever written, a journey into the criminal mind, a police thriller, and a philosophical meditation on morality and redemption.
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A “Relaxed Buddy Read” is similar to our usual “buddy reads” except there are less questions and break points. For example, a book may be split into three sections and those reading the book should pause at the end of the section to answer some discussion questions, make comments, or ask their own questions to other readers

BE PREPARED FOR SPOILERS!

Reserved

Reserved

My Tower Teams III teamies better love me for all these BRs I'm signing up for! haha

Ok, I'll do this. Librivox audio here for my reference and anyone else who wants to listen to this one: https://librivox.org/crime-and-punish...

Ooh I like the idea of listening to it as well. Hmm.

**edit** Okay, either I'm way too used to audio books with James Marsters' voice, or this man stumbling over words and reading in a monotone is just putting me to sleep.

Oh wow Nicole you are right, I just started listening to the first little bit! I may have to speed him up to x1.5

I will be reading an ebook version - and I didn't know what I can count for page numbers. This version says 612 pages, or do I go by a books version.

Mine has 550 pages so it's close, Sarah!

Karen, I hear that Michael Sheen reads a version of this.

Sarah, we use the "default" book page count which is 545 pages. I've also checked this on arbookfind.com which has this at around 536 pages

Nicole , neat - I'll have to see what I can get from the library.

I had just started reading this but have put it on hold for the moment due to festivals/celebrations at home.

Can I join in the BR when it starts for discussions? Or is it necessary that I read as per the schedule set for the BR?

Will resume reading only after the first week of November.

Sure Srividya!
We're taking this one easy, so we'll pop a few questions out there at some points, but we won't have a reading schedule.
It is a pretty big book, so feel free to comment as you read and ask questions of others, just use spoilers where required

I've wanted to read this for years, so I will join too. I have a paperback copy which I think I've had since I was back at Uni studying Russian (it is in English fortunately...)

Great NancyHelen!

If anyone wants an ebook copy, project gutenberg has them here: http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/2554

Thanks Karen. Really excited as this will be my first BR in this group, so looking forward to it.

So... umm... I've started "reading" by way of audio book. Tony Head is leading the charge. I was inspired by someone on one of the tower teams advising that they listened to their audio while at work.

I'm about 4 chapters into the first part, and the book is already seeming impossibly long ;) but good!!

I'm in for this. I began reading this a few years ago, abandoned it, took it up again after a while, read it about half-way through and gave it up again. It isn't that I didn't like it, on the contrary, the topic intrigues me, but there was something difficult about this book. I think a BR would be an ideal way to rid me of my mental block.

Nicole wrote: "Ooh I like the idea of listening to it as well. Hmm.

**edit** Okay, either I'm way too used to audio books with James Marsters' voice, or this man stumbling over words and reading in a monotone is..."

Oh my... he definitely could put someone to sleep.

Ohh I'm in for this! I might do what I often do with public domain books and switch between listening to the librivox audiobook and reading it on paper or as an ebook. I already read and loved Notes from Underground so hopefully I'll like this just as much.

Nicole wrote: "So... umm... I've started "reading" by way of audio book. Tony Head is leading the charge. I was inspired by someone on one of the tower teams advising that they listened to their audio while at wo..."

I have too because the audio is over 23 hours! I have the recorded books version which is narrated by George Guidall. He is doing a pretty good job, I'm just finishing part one. I'll probably pause for a few days before starting again so I can join in with everyone in Nov (and have the book count for TTIII!) :)

God isn't he though, Teresa? I much prefer Anthony Stewart Head.

I will be listening to the audio read by Anthony Heald and also reading along with it! I listened/read it back in January and it is my all time favorite book. I recommend doing it this way because the audio "carries" the story along. If any of you decide to do this, make sure that your translation coincides with each other, obviously....lol. It is a long book but then most Russian books are and considering their long hard winters, it makes good sense to curl up to a big book. I am looking forward to reading along with you all!

Haha Margaret. We are going to be doing the same thing. Tony Head reads so well, doesn't he?

Nicole wrote: "Haha Margaret. We are going to be doing the same thing. Tony Head reads so well, doesn't he?"

oh yes he does! lol....I didn't notice your posts above, gee, I am not very observant. I am next on the waiting list to download it onto my ipod, I can't wait :)

I know the feeling. I just completely the first part last night while going to sleep.

Ah, one of my favorite books! Haven't read it in a while and this is a great reason to dust it off.

I bought this over the summer and haven't gotten around to reading it. This seems like a good opportunity. I'm in.

I might be interested. Is there a schedule?

Karrie wrote: "I might be interested. Is there a schedule?"

Nope. Just start on the 12th and take as long as you need.

So we are going to start this soon. Why do I feel nervous about reading this book? Seriously, I have heart palpitations. It stresses me out. I don't get it.

Sarah, this is one of my favorite books ever. It's old, it's Russian, it's intimidating, but it's awesome. I just had to make up ways to pronounce the characters' names. You'll be fine!

Sarah wrote: "So we are going to start this soon. Why do I feel nervous about reading this book? Seriously, I have heart palpitations. It stresses me out. I don't get it."

Sarah....C & P is my favorite book of all time and it can seem intimidating but truly it is the best. This will be my second time reading it and the first time I read it I listened to the audio and read it at the same time. It is an awesome book, I am looking forward to discussing it, you'll see it will be more fun than intimidating.

Part One

I always wonder when reading translated books how close the translation is to the original. The English language has so many synonyms that it always makes me wonder how the translator chooses words to use, and also how they are able to keep the sentence structures as intended. If only I could read Russian and answer my own question! lol
I am enjoying this so far. The style is slow, but I expected that so it is not an issue for me. The suspense with the crime and if he would do it, and if he could get away from the old woman's home, was well done. I also found myself wanting him to get a good amount of money and not have the murders wasted which is interesting that the author was able to instil that kind of empathy from the reader for a murderer.

I have my copy and I'm ready. :)

Karen wrote: "
Part One

I always wonder when reading translated books how close the translation is to the original. The English language has so many synonyms that it always makes me wonder how the translator c..."

Karen, my bf is making me read his copy. He said his translation is the best one. I have this edition, Crime and Punishment.

I agree with you completely, Karen, about the first part of the book.

I unfortunately feel that, now that we are past that, the first bit of part two is a drag. I've been lingering over chapter 2/3 of part two for a while now and can't quite seem to get past it.

For those for whom this is a favourite book, does it get better?

Nicole wrote: "I agree with you completely, Karen, about the first part of the book.

I unfortunately feel that, now that we are past that, the first bit of part two is a drag. I've been lingering over chapter 2..."

Nicole, I think that it does get better but there are a few areas that lag of course but if you approach it from a viewpoint that you are in no hurry. After all from what I understand Russians wrote (and read) such long books because of their long winters and life was much slower than ours. It does take an adjustment to reading Russian novels or any classic because we are so used to being carried along and being thoroughly entertained. I hope I have encouraged you lol....believe me, it is worth the reading. :)

RachelvlehcaR wrote: "Karen wrote: "
Part One

I always wonder when reading translated books how close the translation is to the original. The English language has so many synonyms that it always makes me wonder how th..."

I guess there is an on-going tug and pull as to which translation is the best. I have researched it to no end and well, I started out with reading the Constance Garnet translation and I am re-reading it using the same. I wouldn't mind trying out the translation that your bf has for you to read, it is a very popular one. I can't wait to officially start, I have been gone all day, I need to get with it!

I started this one today. I'm listening to the audiobook and the narrator does an amazing job. I think I'm really going to like it. I'm not sure of the chapters, so I'll do my best to guess.

Chapter 1:
(view spoiler)[
I loved the part where Raskolnikov is walking down the street and realizing that his hat makes him too distinctive. You can tell that he has some sort of plan in place, but I think at this point he's still trying to convince himself to go through with it. Or maybe he's trying to justify his thoughts?
I'm intrigued. I love a good character study.
(hide spoiler)]

I had already finished Part 1 long back, when I had started the book, before the BR started, so will simply skim through it as it hasn't been that long.

Part One

What I liked best about this part is that it keeps you at the edge while delving into Raskolnikov's mind completely.

@Karen - (view spoiler)[I totally agree with you on the part where you say that author immediately makes the reader develop a sort of empathy for Raskolnikov. You want him to succeed and I somehow felt a kind of hatred towards that old woman and her overall attitude towards the people she lends money to. (hide spoiler)]

@Amanda (view spoiler)[Yes this book gives a wonderful character study of Raskolnikov and it is really intriguing to read. I also felt the same way when he started thinking about the plan and start rambling about in him mind with thoughts flowing from different directions. Isn't it basic human nature to justify what they are doing, especially if there is even a shade of negativity in their proposed actions? I believe the author has put it across really well - this confusion, justification and finally the decision. (hide spoiler)]

Will give a chapter wise spoiler of this part a little later as I have to refer to the book to know which part of the story comes where!

Srividya wrote: "I believe the author has put it across really well - this confusion, justification and finally the decision..."

Oh so true!

I got my book out last night and it shows how long I've had it (and not opened it)...a page of my Russian homework which I had folded up and slipped between the pages fell out. I studied Russian at University back in 1993, which is when I got the book!

Definitely high time to start reading it.

lol! I love finding old treasures like that though ;)

Oh, I can't wait to get started today! This is going to be fun! (view spoiler)[ladies, I love what your observations and I think that is why I love C & P, the exploration of basic human leanings toward denial and rationalizing. I agree Karen, Dostoyevsky was a genius in pulling the viewer in to a sense of empathy with the character, hence putting you right smack dab in the story! At least that is how I felt about it. (hide spoiler)]

so....I have read through to Part 1 chapter 6, here is a question or two (view spoiler)[What significance do you think that the dream of Raskolnikov's had of the horse being beaten? Do you think it was his consciousness trying to speak out? and did he dismiss it? I am thinking so and yet I wonder if that is too simple, though if he did dismiss it, I didn't catch it. Also, do you notice how he thinks that just because of the seemingly obvious circumstances that lead him to believe he should go through with "the thing", do you think he is just rationalizing it in order to go ahead with the act? To get his guilt and remorse out of the way? (hide spoiler)] man, I love how the author brings the inner thought process right to the reader.

Part Two

This had me thinking about crimes these days, with the advent of DNA, security cameras and the like and how different detective work is now.... or is it? If this crime was committed today there may be more DNA evidence, but I'm not sure that human behaviour has changed so much and circumstantial evidence may still be used to put a case against someone (as with the painter in this instance)

It would certainly call for more observational detective work, Karen, it certainly makes you wonder how crimes were ever solved before all the modern advances that we have.

A few years ago I read The Killer of Little Shepherds: A True Crime Story and the Birth of Forensic Science. It's a great book that gives you an idea about how forensic science came about. The man in lead of the investigation knew a lot about human behavior and used an early form of profiling to advance forensics. It was a very engrossing read.

I think human nature probably hasn't changed all that much.

Margaret, I think there will be some significance to his dreams and I'm sure as the books go on there will be more (view spoiler)[ at the moment I do think it is his conscience (hide spoiler)]

Re: crimes, yes I think so many in the past would have been unsolved or attributed to the wrong person. Scary, really.

Very interesting Amanda!

Margaret wrote: "so....I have read through to Part 1 chapter 6, here is a question or two [spoilers removed] man, I love how the author brings the inner thought process right to the reader."

UGH. Listening to that part on audio was the worst. I couldn't exactly skim over it.
It's very interesting and I'm wondering what it signified. (view spoiler)[ Was the horse the pawnbroker? Or maybe it signified his conscience/morality and the weeping boy was the last good part of him?
I think he was set on doing "the thing" and would have found any coincidence or sign to rationalize his actions. If it wasn't this, it probably would have been some other thing that he made to fit his plans. (hide spoiler)]