The Idiot by Fyodor Dostoevsky
“In order to reach perfection, one must begin by being ignorant of a great deal.”
The Idiot remains one of the evergreen historical fiction books of all time. If you are looking for a thought-provoking piece of Russian literature, The Idiot will surely leave a lasting impression on you.
Published in 1868, this novel is the most autobiographical work by Fyodor Dostoevsky, author of bestsellers Crime and Punishment and Brother Karamazov.
The Idiot shares the story of the gentle, childlike, and epileptic Prince Lev Nikolaevich Myshkin – also known as The Idiot – a descendant of one of the oldest noble families in Russia.
After spending four years in the Swiss Sanatorium, he returns to Russia’s St. Petersburg and finds himself mercilessly trapped in the Russian pseudo-culture and motives. Being a good-natured and peaceful human, the complex norms of corrupt societies and farce relationships entangle the prince mercilessly. He is trapped in a love triangle with two women without understanding the ultimate desires and motives of those around him, including the women, which eventually leads to blackmail, tragedy, betrayal, and murder.
The Idiot is one of the best fiction books of all time that doesn’t fail to depict the struggles of the kindred spirit of Prince in navigating the corrupt and chaotic Russian society, which is not only empty but also degraded.
Through the character of Prince Myshkin, Fyodor Dostoevsky expertly explores different aspects of 19th-century modern Russian societies, such as morality, love, and human psychology, as well as the underlying danger that looms over human beings with pure hearts and selfless intentions.
The author successfully makes us understand the hardships humans face to maintain their integrity and morality in a modern world that chastises innocence.
The character development in the novel is undeniably flawless. The challenges faced by Myshkin are written with so much honesty that it can deeply move a reader. In addition, the well-crafted plot is amazingly edited with unexpected turns and twists, keeping the readers engaged until the end. This makes the book one of the bestsellers in the fiction books category, released in the 1860s.
The novel is inspired by Dostoevsky’s appalling personal incidents when he was traveling in Europe. The story not only shows his acute artistic sense and piercing insights into human psychology but also his displeasure with Russia’s imitation of contemporary Europe and how it sunk under the weight of Western materialism.
The Novel’s English translation is meticulous and faithful to the Unabridged version. Booksophile bookstore website has sold several copies of the novel around the globe.
In conclusion, the Idiot is a perfect read for anyone interested in Russian historical fiction books and literary work.
The unabridged & world-classic edition is now available on Booksophile, one of the leading book-selling websites for 19th-century classics and historical fiction books. You can also find rare and old online law books.
