Crime and Punishment

I've just finished reading “Crime and Punishment” by Fyodor Dostoevsky, and what a journey it's been. This book is a real rollercoaster of emotions and experiences. Dostoevsky's skill in getting into characters' heads is truly impressive. The way he portrays the psychological turmoil of the main character after committing murder is intense and believably human. His descriptive powers are off the charts too - you can practically see the gritty, poverty-stricken streets of St. Petersburg and feel the weight of the characters' emotions.

The book starts off a bit slow, but the second half really picks up, diving deep into psychological thriller territory. However, it's not always an easy read. The Russian names are a real challenge to remember and pronounce, which made keeping track of characters a bit of a headache for me. There's also a lot of what feels like unnecessary detail and “waffling” in parts of the book, which can test your patience.

One thing that stood out was Dostoevsky's unique conversation style. Characters often speak in long, unbroken monologues that can be both fascinating and frustrating. It's like the author doesn't want to give you a chance to catch your breath!

Despite these challenges, the book has a way of suddenly grabbing your interest just when you think it's getting boring. It keeps you engaged, even if it's not always comfortable. The ending, in my opinion, was perfect - wrapping up the story in a satisfying way.

Overall, while “Crime and Punishment” met many of my expectations, especially in terms of psychological depth and descriptive power, it was also a bit underwhelming in some aspects. The pacing issues and sometimes excessive detail can be challenging for modern readers.

I'd give it 3.5 out of 5 stars. It's a classic for a reason, but it's not without its quirks. Would I recommend it? Absolutely, especially if you're into deep psychological exploration and don't mind a challenging read. Just be prepared for a bit of a mental workout!​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​