Fyodor Dostoyevsky
The Brothers Karamazov
An epic novel in the 19th century style where we really get under the skin of the main characters whilst having analysis of the minor characters to a depth that most modern novels struggle to get to for their main characters. The Russian character itself and it's change during the turbulent years of the end of serfdom is analysed indeed the book is a parallel to the author's view of that shift. And prescient of the upheavals of the early 20th century. Of course there are pages and pages of the authors views on various subjects mainly related to ethics, Russian culture, family and religion some of which go on a bit but which is why I like these long novels. At least I didn't have to read 50 pages about the Parisian sewers as in Hugo. It's is very modern in many ways as much of the conflict, which our characters display to extremes, is about society and it's structure supported by values (not necessarily good values such as serfdom) and how we are moving to an age of individualism where we decide ourselves what is right and wrong ignoring societal structures (family, class system) and it's values. This rings true today. Maybe it does at all times in history? This story has the differences in extremes to the extent that all is legal and should not be subject to laws. An anarchism of the less helpful sort in this case. Of course the romantic and personal relationship struggles are dominant making the story more interesting. A bit of luck me buying this as I found an Everyman edition in the 20p shop in Otley then realised it was only the 2nd volume so had to buy the matching first volume (obviously wanted the same translator) for a whole £3.89 (incl. P&P) from an on-line "rare" books shop. Well worth just over 4 quid.
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