Crime and Punishment

by Fyodor Dostoevsky
Crime and Punishment cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Crime, Mystery, Thriller/Suspense
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Paperback • £4.99–£15.99 Hardback • £12.99–£18.99
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Format • £8.54–£23.75
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Technical
  • ID: 5493
  • Added: 2025-10-24
  • Updated: 2026-03-11
  • ISBN: 9781523894970
  • Publisher: Cosimo, Inc.
  • Published: 2016-02-06
  • Formats: 88
  • Reviews: 4

Crime and Punishment is a seminal work by Fyodor Dostoyevsky, first published in 1866. It marks the beginning of his mature period, following his return from Siberian exile. The novel delves into the mind of Rodion Raskolnikov, an impoverished ex-student who formulates and executes a plan to kill a pawnbroker, believing himself to be above the law and capable of justifying his actions for a higher purpose. /n/n The story explores themes of moral dilemmas, psychological anguish, and the consequences of one's actions. Raskolnikov's internal struggle and his comparisons to figures like Napoleon Bonaparte add layers of complexity to the narrative. This unabridged edition includes formatted text, font adjustments, and a biography of the author, providing a comprehensive reading experience.

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.

Nathan Eberline · 2020-07-03
hopeful 4.25

There is a joyfulness at the prospect of redemption in Crime and Punishment, and joy that Raskolnikov found it despite his suffering.

The reviewer highlights the theme of redemption in Crime and Punishment, finding a sense of joy in Raskolnikov's journey towards it. They appreciate the depth of the characters and the exploration of moral and psychological themes. The reviewer also notes that the book's ending is somewhat hopeful, which adds to its overall impact. They suggest that readers who enjoy psychological depth and character studies will appreciate this classic work. The reviewer also mentions that the book's themes are timeless and continue to resonate with readers today.

Quick quotes

    There is a joyfulness at the prospect of redemption in Crime and Punishment.

    The book's ending is somewhat hopeful, which adds to its overall impact.

    The book's themes are timeless and continue to resonate with readers 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.

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