Russian authors seem to call out to me during winter. I've just taken on The Brothers Karamazov, by Dostoyevsky. I'm only on page 53, but I hope to see it through. What I've read so far has been challenging and insightful. The names and their derivitives are difficult to sort out, but the characters are so rich, I know it will prove worth it.
Do you have any impressions to share of Russian literature?
5 comments:
I loved "Brothers K" but can't remember a thing. I loved "One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovitch" but can't remember a thing. Liked "The Death of Ivan Ilyich" but can't remember a thing. Liked "Crime and Punishment" but can't remember much.
I read "The Gulag Archipaelago" and found it to be really interesting. (Abridged version - I think the unabridged is a billion or so pages long.)
I like Russian lit! Too bad my memory is so wretched....
How funny; I am actually reading that book right now too! It's one of Ben's favorites. He just read it again, inspiring me to do the same. This time around (I'm about halfway through) I have been touched by Alyosha's heart, the love and tenderness he has for those around him. He is sorrowful for their sin, not judgmental, for he truly loves them and just wants them to be free and happy. I've realized how much I and the church JUDGE sin and sinners without ever really seeing the person beneath. Alyosha's heart is so open, accepting, tender, willing to be bruised and mocked for the love he bears his fellow man. Last night I read the passage about Christ's first miracle at Cana, and I was really struck by Alyosha's comment that Christ's first miracle was for the happiness of people, not for any spiritual or profound benefit--just for their happiness. It's been quite convicting. I look forward to sharing more thoughts with you as you read.
I have thought of this many times too. Our pride seems to always rear its ugly head. I try to remember CS Lewis's advice: when you find yourself being prideful, learn to laugh at it and put it in its place. Don't take it seriously. Sometimes that helps!
Sounds like you've got mommy-brain, too, Susan! Not sure if I'll be ambitious enough for "The Gulag.." but maybe one day.
That's so cool, Julie, that we are both reading the BK. I'm not quite half-way, but Alyosha's heart and purity is refreshing and infuses a bleak picture with hope. His depiction of Russian women sounds exhausting, so often in hysterics! I guess I'm not that different.
I can always benefit from a good laugh at myself, and a stepping away to see the big picture. It is alarming when pride cloaks it self in spirituality
I read this with a book club years ago. We'd tackle one challenging read each year, and this was one.
One theme I see again and again in Russian literature (I've read far too little to say much with authority)is the differences between the generations. Lots of tradegy wrapped up in the misunderstanding and distance between parents and their children.
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