Crime and Punishment

by Fyodor Dostoevsky
Crime and Punishment cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Literary Fiction
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £3.99–£15.99 Hardback • £12.99–£18.99
Bookshop
Format • £9.49–£17.09
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 5493
  • Added: 2025-10-24
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • ISBN: 9781605205106
  • Publisher: Cosimo, Inc.
  • Published: 2008-01-01
  • Formats: 15
  • Reviews: 3

Fyodor Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment is a gripping exploration of morality and the human psyche, set against the backdrop of 19th-century Russia. The novel follows Raskolnikov, an impoverished student who murders a pawnbroker and is subsequently tormented by guilt and paranoia. Dostoevsky's innovative narrative techniques, including intimate third-person narration and manipulations of time and memory, make this a groundbreaking work in literary fiction. The story delves deep into the psychological state of its protagonist, making it a profound study of the human condition. This edition features the acclaimed translation by Constance Clara Garnett, who brought many great Russian novels to Western audiences.

Reviews
Iowa State Daily · 2024-09-02
challenging 4.50

The book is a profound psychological examination that challenges readers' understanding of humanity. It is a deep and detailed exploration of morality and psychology.

This review emphasizes that 'Crime and Punishment' is a book about psychology, morality, and much more. The reviewer finds it to be a challenging read that will test everything you know about yourself and humanity. They appreciate the book's depth and detail, which makes it a compelling exploration of complex themes. The reviewer also notes that the book's characters are well-developed and insightful, adding to its overall impact.

Quick quotes

    It is a book about psychology, morality, and much much more.

    It will challenge everything you know about yourself and the rest of humanity.

    The characters are well-developed and insightful.

The People's Friend · Digital Ed Iain · 2021-01-21
profound 4.00

The book is a challenging read but ultimately rewarding. It delves deep into the psychological and moral complexities of its characters.

This review highlights that 'Crime and Punishment' is not a light read, but it's definitely worth the effort. The reviewer appreciates the deep psychological and moral exploration of the characters, which makes the book a profound experience. They also mention that the book's themes are timeless and resonate even today. The reviewer found the book to be a challenging but ultimately rewarding read, praising its depth and complexity.

Quick quotes

    It's not a cheery read, but it's worth the effort!

    The book delves deep into the psychological and moral complexities of its characters.

    The themes are timeless and resonate even today.

Greenish Bookshelf · 2020-06-12
intriguing 4.25

The book is intriguing from the first page, offering a unique perspective on a murder story. The characters feel real and fleshed out.

This review starts by highlighting how intriguing the book is from the very beginning, thanks to its unique point of view—a murder story told from the murderer's perspective. The reviewer finds the characters to be real and fleshed out, which adds to the book's depth and complexity. They appreciate the psychological examination of humanity that the book offers, making it a compelling read. The reviewer also notes that the book's pacing is slow-moving, but the characters are insightful and well-developed.

Quick quotes

    From the first page this book is intriguing because of its unique point of view–a murder story from the murderer's perspective.

    We get inside the mind of the protagonist, which adds a layer of complexity to the story.

    The characters feel real and fleshed out.

Appears in Lists