The Brothers Karamazov: Bicentennial Edition

Excellent translation. This epic novel is a classic for a very good reason. The plot is gripping. The characters are flawed, but one finds themselves caring deeply about each one. The translator’s notes make hard to understand cultural concepts much more approachable.

I just finished reading this AMAZING book! I heard someone on YouTube refer to this book as "a hard book to read." NOT AT ALL! It was a complete and absolute pleasure and joy to read! Fyodor Dostoevsky was a GENIUS writer! A GENIUS I tell ya! It is an 823-page book, so it took me about 12 sittings to complete it. But all the while, I kept asking myself, what is it about Dostoevsky's writing that keeps me wanting to read more and more? There was NEVER a dull moment. It was quite a journey. And by page 700, I felt myself getting attached to the characters. Before I purchased the book, I kept seeing it being mentioned on YouTube as a "classic." People spoke very highly of it, but when they told me what it was about, I realized that what they said it was about, didn't happen till midway through the book. Excellent character building nonetheless! It was certainly worth the time! The father was quite funny, in a dysfunctional sort of way. He kept being referred as a "buffoon." His actions, "buffooneries." If the Jerry Springer show had been in existence, then, in those times, they would have made excellent panel guests! I don't know if I should tell you what it was about, because there is so much out there about it already. I will just tell you what was happening, within me, as I read. I loved that the three brothers loved each other. That although two were "scoundrels," as each admitted, there was one angel among the three. But they all loved and respected one another. When I'd ask myself what kept me reading, so intrigued, I realized that it was the fact that human nature -- our human ego, to be more precise -- was captured very precisely in those pages. The way that our animal instincts often take the better of us. And we always end up getting ourselves into trouble. I enjoyed the love affair between the protagonists and the two women, and how that catalyzed so much drama. So much push and pull. I even loved the court proceedings in the last part of the book. I enjoyed how the two lawyers gave their closing arguments, so eloquently. It ended up being a whodunit. And I didn't see the results of the case coming. I originally thought that the book was 800 pages, but it continued on page 801 with the Epilogue. I didn't shed tears throughout the entire book, but the Epilogue certainly made my eyes sting and water. It was a beautiful ending. I loved this book so much that I bought a Spanish version for my father, who had already heard of this author. I don't know if he will read it, but I keep telling him that it was exceptional, amazing, a book to remember, always. To me, it was like a study on the human ego. And I learned so much about Russia! I saw the Country with whole different eyes. I even felt their patriotism for their Country! Their love for Mother Russia. I highly recommend this book! I miss the characters already!

It's a classic, I feel like I don't need to say why it's great, but I will share my experience reading this book. I spent about eight weeks reading it every day in 2-4 chapter chunks and really loved it, and miss the experience of reading it now that I'm done. For this edition, I appreciated the translators' note and thought they'd created a version of the book that was very readable and approachable for what it was. I will say, the text in the print edition is tiny and tight. I'm in my 20s and feel frustrated reading some contemporary books where the font looks massive and seems almost double-spaced, but this was the inverse of that. Some of these paragraphs go on for pages, so it's very easy to lose your place. I ended up getting the audiobook for this edition and listened as I followed along; I thought that was a great way to experience the book (and get the unfamiliar names right), but for people who don't want to do that (or for anyone who wears reading glasses) it might be better to get a large print edition or buy the book on Kindle so they can customize the size.

This translation is peerless; Pevear and Volokhonsky make this amazing work of Russian literature easily accessible as usual, yet it retains complete faithfulness to the original language; if you compare a few chapters from other translations you'll immediately see the difference; I no longer read other translations of Russian literature; and I've reread many just to enjoy their translation. The book itself (The Brothers Karamazov) is full of deep symbolism, and a powerful deep dive into humanity, life, purpose, and meaning through this view into the lives of the Karamazov brothers. It masterfully shows, rather than merely telling, a large slice of the drama in their lives and family in a way that transcends the fictional format. It's one of those rare works that is truer to reality than reality itself, an ikon in every way, symbol and significance of the highest order - a true masterpiece. Take the time to read a physical copy; the audiobook and digital copies are good, but not the same, in my humble opinion, and you'll want this one in print. It's one of those few books that everyone should read at least once.

Great translation, I agree that this is likely the greatest if not one of the greatest books written of all time

The book has a intriguing plot, but frequently rambles more than necessary. Still a classic worth the time to read.

Great printing, the font is a good size and everything is put together nicely. I'm reading it for a class and it's a great price for such a large book. It will look lovely in my collection, and the story is interesting so far.

Challenging but excellent novel - this classic is a MUST read - it will challenge your mind, heart, and soul and leave you with a new life desire!

Simply the best novel ever written. Be prepared for a labyrinth of complex Russian emotions (not to mention names!), dark brooding themes and a touch of the manic. Personally, I think the whole novel is a reflection on Fatherhood. I am astounded at how far this novel can delve into the depths of despair and still buoy up somehow with a strange sense of lightness and hope. And the drama over the sons and the bastard son and the hedonist murdered father is just the best. I love Alyosha’s reflection on the Jesus story of the water turned to wine and I love the ‘whodunit’ element.

As páginas estão caindo...não valeu a pena.

Excelente edición, solo que en la llegada del paquete tuvo algunos desperfectos en el borde debido a que solo venía en la bolsa de cartón sin ser envuelto con más. Pero eso no es problema para mí.

This book changed my life for the better. This translation is the very best you’ll find, extremely meticulously done

Not the easiest read, but a great story and insight into human nature.