Book Reviews Literature From Russia

The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoyevsky

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



My friend Michael Anderson, told me that it was one of the greatest books that reflected the Gospel. I also am interested in Russian Literature as it has always been a mirror to the history of the United States of America. The last Russian novel I read was fathers and Sons by Turgenev. Our countries have both been on the perimeter of cultural centers. Russia looked to France. We looked to France and sometimes Britain for our cultural sense. So when reading Russian Literature I am also looking at a fun house mirrored reflection, something familiar yet different.
But, what can be said about such a profound book such a classic. First the gospel is definitely reflected. Pope Benedict XIV said, "Dostoevsky, for example, was right to protest against this kind of Heaven and this kind of grace in his novel The Brothers Karamazov. Evildoers, in the end, do not sit at table at the eternal banquet beside their victims without distinction, as though nothing had happened." He is right in his reiteration of Dostoevsky.
We Christians (Orthodox, Catholic, or Protestant) often sit and do nothing as crimes are committed. We take Christianity only at face value, and wear our crosses as a merit badge.
Not sounding trite this book is a masterpiece; and my friend Michael Anderson is correct in his positioning this book as a great reflection of the Gospel.
Dostoevsky does go on a lot, just like a number of pastors I know. We get the point and then they continue to salve that point over and over and over again. But I am glad for the salve, even if it is for the practice it gives one in patience.




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Dream Space

A dream:
I was left off by my wife at a crossroads, so that I could walk the remainder of what she was able to dive on.  I carried a large backpack full of books and trinkets.  The straps of the backpack dug into my shoulders.   I had to stop at different gas stations along the route becuse the pain of my load was too much.   I then called her.  She had arrived at the desired stop.   She was with friends.  I could hear her on the phone saying, "I am with friends so don't call.  you will get here soon, I know."   I felt crushed by the coldness in my wife's voice.   I saw clouds move in the horizon.   And put one foot in front of the other.     I carried on. 

Not sure why I had this dream as my wife is awesome.  But I had to put it down on paper and hope others enjoy the tale. 

One of my better Illustrations.

My illustrations are improving... because I am attempting to use shading to develop the characters profile.   Thus the image is not as dependent on one line.  I post a new image, every day, if I am lucky, on twitter.   Please come join me in my artistic expression.

Technology Notes

Whom to follow on Twitter. Whom to follow depends on what the user posts. I utilize my Twitter all the time; in fact its a useful tool for me.   Twitter is a great recorder. It sure is handy when I need to get my ideas on paper (figurative sense), or if I want to post future ideas in art or in life.  When I open porn or naked pictures in public settings like bible studies, the pictures are embarrassing . I would love to follow everyone, but some individuals post material that does not show me in a good light;  I choose to not follow some of my followers because of this.