Although Russian fiction master Fyodor Dostoyevsky is best known for epic, sprawling novels that detail psychological and philosophical problems in minute detail, his more concise work is also remarkable in its scope and depth. This collection of stories will please fans of classic Russian literature and Dostoyevsky buffs who are interested in sampling the author's forays into another format.
A rich and idle man confronts his dead mistress's husband in this psychological novel of duality. Powerful and accessible, it offers a captivating and revealing exploration of love, guilt, and hatred.
The Novels of Fyodor Dostoevsky - White Nights and Other Stories by Fyodor Dostoevsky from The Russian by Constance Garnett - "White Nights" is a short story by Fyodor Dostoyevsky, originally published in 1848, early in the writer's career. Like many of Dostoyevsky's stories, "White Nights" is told in first person by a nameless narrator; the narrator is living in Saint Petersburg and suffers from loneliness. He gets to know and falls in love with a young woman, but the love remains unrequited as the woman misses her lover with whom she is finally reunited. Film adaptations have been made by Italian director Luchino Visconti (Le notti bianche, 1957), by Russian director Ivan Pyryev (Belye nochi, 1959), by French director Robert Bresson (Four Nights of a Dreamer, 1971), by Iranian director Farzad Motamen (Shabhaye Roshan, 2003), by Indian film directors Manmohan Desai (Chhalia, 1960), Jananadhan (Iyarkai, 2003), Shivam Nair (Ahista Ahista, 2006) and Sanjay Leela Bhansali (Saawariya, 2007), and by American director James Gray (Two Lovers, 2008).
This collection, unique to the Modern Library, gathers seven of Dostoevsky's key works and shows him to be equally adept at the short story as with the novel. Exploring many of the same themes as in his longer works, these small masterpieces move from the tender and romantic White Nights, an archetypal nineteenth-century morality tale of pathos and loss, to the famous Notes from the Underground, a story of guilt, ineffectiveness, and uncompromising cynicism, and the first major work of existential literature. Among Dostoevsky's prototypical characters is Yemelyan in The Honest Thief, whose tragedy turns on an inability to resist crime. Presented in chronological order, in David Magarshack's celebrated translation, this is the definitive edition of Dostoevsky's best stories.
The shorter works of one of the world's greatest writers, including The Gambler and Notes from Underground The short works of Dostoevsky exist in the very large shadow of his astonishing longer novels, but they too are among literature's most revered works. The Gambler chronicles Dostoevsky's own addiction, which he eventually overcame. Many have argued that Notes from Underground contains several keys to understanding the themes of the longer novels, such as Crime and Punishment and The Idiot. Great Short Works of Fyodor Dostoevsky includes: Notes from Underground The Gambler A Disgraceful Affair The Eternal Husband The Double White Nights A Gentle Creature The Dream of a Ridiculous Man
The book containing seven short stories by Fyodor Dostoevsky offers an eclectic mix of narratives that delve into the complex and often conflicted nature of the human psyche. From the exploration of solitude and unrequited love in "White Nights" to the examination of existential despair and misanthropy in "Notes from Underground," Dostoevsky crafts evocative and thought-provoking tales that showcase his prowess as a master storyteller. In "White Nights," the protagonist finds solace in a brief but intense connection with a stranger he encounters during the sleepless nights of the St. Petersburg summer. Dostoevsky explores themes of isolation, longing, and the painful yearning for human connection, ultimately leaving readers with a poignant reflection on the transient nature of happiness and the possibility of true love. "Notes from Underground," one of Dostoevsky's most famous works, takes readers on a psychological journey into the mind of a tormented and erratic narrator. Through a series of rambling and introspective monologues, Dostoevsky exposes the darker aspects of human nature, grappling with existential questions and shedding light on the inherent contradictions within society. "A Faint Heart" explores themes of social inferiority and the destructive power of pride. The story follows a timid and indecisive protagonist as he navigates the complex webs of societal expectations and personal desires. With biting irony and sharp social commentary, Dostoevsky highlights the destructive consequences of an unchecked ego. In "A Christmas Tree and a Wedding," Dostoevsky presents a story imbued with a sense of hope and redemption. The narrative weaves together elements of tragedy and comedy, exploring themes of forgiveness, second chances, and the transformative power of love. Through the juxtaposition of joy and sorrow, Dostoevsky reminds readers of the unpredictable nature of life and the potential for personal growth. "Polzunkov" dives into the world of bureaucracy and political corruption, where a seemingly insignificant civil servant becomes entangled in a web of deceit and manipulation. Dostoevsky captures the absurdity of a system that values power over morality, offering a scathing critique of societal structures that prioritize self-interest over collective welfare. "A Little Hero" tells the story of a boy who sacrifices his own happiness for the sake of others. Dostoevsky explores themes of selflessness, sacrifice, and the devastating consequences of societal pressures on the individual. With poignant storytelling, he reveals the capacity for both heroism and tragedy that lies within us all. Finally, "Mr. Prohartchin" explores the theme of moral decay in society through the eyes of the eponymous character. Set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing, post-Napoleonic Russia, this story delves into the destructive effects of greed, materialism, and moral corruption. Dostoevsky offers a scathing critique of a society that has lost its way, ultimately leaving readers with a haunting reflection on the fragility of morality. In this collection of stories, Dostoevsky showcases his remarkable ability to delve into the depths of the human experience. Through his rich character development, unflinching social commentary, and nuanced exploration of themes such as love, isolation, and the inherent contradictions within humanity, the author masterfully captures the essence of what it means to be human. These seven short stories are a testament to Dostoevsky's timeless brilliance and continue to enthrall readers with their piercing insights into the human condition.
White Nights and Other Stories by Fyodor Dostoyevsky: Explore the depths of human emotion and existential reflection with "White Nights and Other Stories" by the literary giant Fyodor Dostoyevsky. This collection of short stories delves into the complexities of love, loneliness, and the human condition, showcasing Dostoyevsky's unparalleled insight into the intricacies of the soul. Why This Book? "White Nights and Other Stories" offers readers a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Dostoyevsky's storytelling, where each tale becomes a microcosm of human experience. Dostoyevsky's exploration of love, yearning, and the search for meaning resonates with readers on a profound and emotional level. Fyodor Dostoyevsky, a literary luminary, invites readers to navigate the labyrinth of human emotions and existential dilemmas, where the stories within unfold like intricate portraits of the human soul.
"White Nights" is the story about a melancholic daydreamer, who spends his life idling in St. Petersburg and indulging in existential questions. He is so much in a world of his own that any actual real-life encounter leaves him bewildered and numb. Dostoevsky’s powerful and detailed psychological portrait makes the reader identify with the protagonist, who cannot but seek means of consoling him. One day a random encounter takes place and the story takes a surprising turn – only to leave the reader gasping for breath once the final pages come. Highly recommended for people who often feels the need to find an alternative to the grey and stifling everyday life. Fyodor Dostoevsky was a famous Russian writer of novels, short stories, and essays. A connoisseur of the troubled human psyche and the relationships between the individuals, Dostoevsky’s oeuvre covers a large area of subjects: politics, religion, social issues, philosophy, and the uncharted realms of the psychological. He is most famous for the novels "Crime and Punishment", "The Idiot", and "The Brothers Karamazov". His literary legacy was met with mixed feelings, but remains gargantuan in its influence.
