Notes from Underground

by Fyodor Dostoevsky
Notes from Underground cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Literary Fiction
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  • ID: 9966
  • Added: 2026-01-05
  • Updated: 2026-01-05
  • ISBN: 9781467438308
  • Publisher: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing
  • Published: 2009-07-07
  • Reviews: 3

Notes from Underground, first published in 1864, is a profound and unsettling work that has become a cultural and literary watershed. Dostoevsky's exploration of the human psyche is unflinching, and the Underground Man he depicts has become an archetypal figure in contemporary culture. This vivid new rendering by Boris Jakim is more faithful to Dostoevsky’s original Russian than any previous translation, maintaining the coarse, vivid language that underscores the 'visceral experimentalism' that made both the book and its protagonist groundbreaking and iconic. /n/n The novel is a stark examination of the human condition, delving into the complexities and contradictions of the human heart. It is a work that challenges the reader to confront the darker aspects of human nature and to question the assumptions that underpin our understanding of the world. The Underground Man is a loathsome yet prophetic figure, and his story is one that has resonated with readers for generations.

Reviews
Words Like Silver · 2025-09-08
captivating 3.50

The novella combines fragmented musings with intense emotional highs and lows of an ostracized narrator. It is a strange but captivating read.

The reviewer describes 'Notes from Underground' as a strange novella that combines fragmented musings with the intense emotional highs and lows of an ostracized narrator. They find the book captivating despite its unconventional structure and narrative style. The reviewer appreciates the depth of the protagonist's thoughts and emotions, which adds a layer of complexity to the story. They also note that the book's themes are universal and continue to resonate with readers today. The reviewer highlights the protagonist's struggle with isolation and alienation as a key aspect of the novel, which makes it a compelling read.

Quick quotes

    A strange novella combining fragmented musings with the intense emotional highs and lows of an ostracized narrator.

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

    The protagonist's struggle with isolation and alienation adds a layer of complexity to the story.

Iowa State Daily · 2024-02-20
thought-provoking 4.00

The book is a response to Nikolay Chernyshevsky's novel and offers a unique perspective on utopian society. It is a thought-provoking read that challenges conventional ideas.

The reviewer sees 'Notes from Underground' as a direct response to Chernyshevsky's 'What Is to Be Done?' and appreciates its unique perspective on utopian society. They find the novel thought-provoking and challenging, as it questions the feasibility of a utopian world. The reviewer also notes that the book's themes are relevant to contemporary society, making it a timeless piece of literature. They highlight the protagonist's introspective journey as a key aspect of the novel, which adds depth to the narrative.

Quick quotes

    Notes from Underground was written as a response to Nikolay Chernyshevsky's novel 'What Is to Be Done?' which suggests that a utopian society is possible.

    The novel offers a unique perspective on utopian society and challenges conventional ideas.

    The protagonist's introspective journey adds depth to the narrative.

The Guardian · Pierre · 2013-02-09
profound 4.50

The book delves deep into the treacherous terrain of the human mind, exposing buried fears and desires. It is a profound exploration of the underground of the mind.

The reviewer praises Dostoevsky's ability to delve into the depths of the human psyche, uncovering fears and desires that often remain hidden. They highlight the novel's intense and often uncomfortable exploration of the mind, making it a compelling read. The reviewer also notes that the book's themes are timeless and continue to resonate with readers today. They appreciate the raw and unfiltered portrayal of the protagonist's thoughts and emotions, which adds a layer of authenticity to the narrative.

Quick quotes

    The 'underground' of the mind is the treacherous terrain into which Dostoevsky here delves deep, exposing its most buried fears and desires.

    The novel is a profound exploration of the human psyche.

    Dostoevsky's raw and unfiltered portrayal of the protagonist's thoughts and emotions adds a layer of authenticity to the narrative.

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