Notes from Underground

by Fyodor Dostoevsky
Notes from Underground cover
Good Books rating 4.12
Literary Fiction
Buy online
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 9966
  • Added: 2026-01-05
  • Updated: 2026-03-10
  • ISBN: 9786558943686
  • Publisher: Lebooks Editora
  • Published: 2024-01-20
  • Reviews: 4

Fyodor Dostoevsky's 'Notes from Underground' is a profound and unsettling exploration of human nature, rejecting the notions of progress and rationality. The novel's unnamed narrator, a retired civil servant, delves into his thoughts and experiences, offering a stark contrast to the optimistic views of the Enlightenment and socialist utopianism. /n/n This work is celebrated for its psychological depth and philosophical insights, with Nietzsche praising it as a voice of primal human instincts. It stands as a significant piece of literature, included in the prestigious '1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die' collection.

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.

Frappe and Fiction · 2022-06-17
revolutionary 4.50

The novel marks a significant shift in fiction, bridging the 19th and 20th centuries. It's a revolutionary work that challenges conventional narrative structures and explores the depths of the human psyche.

Frappe and Fiction highlights Notes from Underground as a revolutionary novel that marks the dividing line between nineteenth- and twentieth-century fiction. They praise Dostoevsky's ability to challenge conventional narrative structures and explore the depths of the human psyche. The reviewer notes that the novel's lack of a traditional plot can be off-putting to some readers, but it ultimately adds to the overall impact. They also appreciate the novel's exploration of themes such as free will, determinism, and the absurdity of human existence.

Quick quotes

    Dostoevsky's most revolutionary novel, Notes from Underground marks the dividing line between nineteenth- and twentieth-century fiction.

    The novel's lack of a traditional plot can be off-putting to some readers, but it ultimately adds to the overall impact.

    The novel's exploration of themes such as free will, determinism, and the absurdity of human existence is both compelling and thought-provoking.

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.

Appears in Lists