"Certain components resonated but too long-winded

Crime and Punishment centers on a student (or former student), Raskolnikov. He is in a dire financial predicament and is forced into pawning his most treasured and sentimental items. Why should the good, kind Raskolnikov suffer while the greedy pawnbroker grows more and more wealthy, profiting off the suffering of the unfortunate? Wouldn’t it be better for Raskolnikov to eliminate the pawnbroker and distribute the riches to the needy?

Let’s start with the pros of this book, shall we?

Raskolnikov in many ways is a highly relatable character—he considers himself to be a good person who has fallen on tough times, and he is highly attuned to the tragic events happening around him; he doesn’t turn away from the suffering of others, he doesn’t stay out of it. He tries to be the hands and feet of Jesus.

This book also has a tremendous number of great quotes, and Crime and Punishment is the definition of a classic—each time the reader could learn something new during each reread.

One scene in particular is incredibly moving, a beautiful, thought-provoking scene; it involves Sonia and the 100 ruble note.

Now, for the cons…�

Good grief! The character names were extremely confusing! For example, Raskolnikov is also Rodya, Pyotr Petrovich is also Luzhin, and Sonia is also Sofya Semyonova. Additionally, Razumihin and Raskolnikov, the similar sounding names and length were extremely confusing. Is this a bad translation or is this intentional?

Further, this book is rather depressing. This book did not delight my soul—it is a bleak reminder about the depravity of humankind (as if I needed another reminder).

And the ultimate crime is that Crime and Punishment is too long-winded. To be clear, the discussion of philosophy can be riveting and important. Can good people do “bad� things? Why are some people exempt from normal standards of behavior? For example, killing people is typically illegal and morally frown upon, but a soldier in war might be expected to kill. It is moral to kill one person to save many? Should we be defined by our occupation or our moral character?

But…my gosh! It was overly done. Raskolnikov, Rodya (whatever you are going by these days)—just get on with it! Please move on, one way or another!

The Green Light at the End of the Dock (How much I spent):
Electronic Text � Free through Libby
Audiobook � 1 Audible Credit (Audible Premium Plus Annual � 24 Credits Membership Plan $229.50 or roughly $9.56 per credit)

2025 Reading Schedule
Jan A Town Like Alice
Feb Birdsong
Mar Captain Corelli's Mandolin - Louis De Berniere
Apr War and Peace
May The Woman in White
Jun Atonement
Jul The Shadow of the Wind
Aug Jude the Obscure
Sep Ulysses
Oct Vanity Fair
Nov A Fine Balance
Dec Germinal

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"“Someday I am going to love him in a moment that isn’t stolen, she promised herself.�

Ĺ·±¦ÓéŔÖ removed the initial posting of this book but I simply had to leave a review and say it was one of the best books I have ever read. A must read. The end.
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