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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