Author: Fyodor Dostoevsky
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Published in 1866
Rating: ★★★★★ – 5/5
“Your worst sin is that you have destroyed and betrayed yourself for nothing.”
– Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky
In “Crime and Punishment,” Dostoevsky pulls us into the dark alleys of St. Petersburg, where a brooding former student, Raskolnikov, wobbles on the edge of sanity. Plagued by a theory that certain people are above moral laws, he commits a double murder, setting off a spiral of regret, paranoia, and events. The novel captures Raskolnikov’s inner thoughts as he wrestles with his conscience, the weight of his crime, and the relentless detective Porfiry who’s always one step behind him.
– Rodion “a depressed guy with a god complex” Raskolnikov –
Raskolnikov is the kind of guy who overthinks himself into a corner. His belief that he’s destined for greatness leads him to justify the unthinkable, but instead of feeling liberated, he’s shackled by his conscience. You can’t help but get sucked into his mind, even when it’s a mess of contradictions and justifications that leave him—and you—questioning everything.
– Sonya “a saint with the wrong profession” Marmeladov –
Sonya is a beacon of purity in Raskolnikov’s world, yet her life is anything but easy. Forced into a life of prostitution to support her family, she embodies sacrifice and compassion. Her unwavering faith becomes the lifeline Raskolnikov didn’t know he needed, even when he tries to push her away.
– Porfiry “playing chess with checkers” Petrovich –
Porfiry is the detective who knows there’s more to Raskolnikov’s story than what meets the eye. His cat-and-mouse game with Raskolnikov is one of the highlights, as he closes in without ever raising his voice, proving that sometimes, the most dangerous weapon is a sharp mind.
– My Honest Review –
This novel isn’t just a story—it’s a deep dive into the human mind. Dostoevsky’s exploration of guilt, morality, and redemption is woven into every page, making it impossible to step away without feeling the weight of Raskolnikov’s choices. The pacing is deliberate, pulling you through moments of intense reflection and action that leave you breathless, (after the first 200, brutally slow pages.)
The dialogue feels like a philosophical debate at times, with every word charged with meaning, forcing you to confront your own beliefs about right and wrong. The mood is heavy and the atmosphere is thick with dread.
If you’re ready for a novel that challenges you, makes you think, and keeps you up at night, this is the one. 5/5 stars—an absolute must-read for anyone who wants to explore the dark corners of the human soul.
Happy Reading!
