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0 pointsnilirl1d ago0 comments

As someone who only gets time to read when tired at the end of the day: I can't get past the first 50 pages of any Dostoyevsky work.

Why are the classics classic? I doubt being a great read is sufficient or necessary; I struggle to read most classics, Dickens being the only exception.

I'm not reading to study, I want to be entertained! I want engagement, I want clarity, I want suspense! I don't want to wrestle with the author's intentions, I want to be gripped by the character and their situation.

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4 comments · 2 top-level

ventana1d ago· 1 in thread

If you still want to give the Russian literature a try, maybe Bulgakov? A little bit more modern (early 20th century); "A Young Doctor's Notebook" is probably what you are looking for in terms of engagement, clarity, suspense, and size as well (those are short stories). English translations I looked at are good enough to my taste.

nilirlOP1d ago

Ok, I've added "A Young Doctor's Notebook" to my list. Thanks!

Funnily enough, I'm currently reading a book by a Russian author. 'Metro 2033' by Dmitry Glukhovsky. It's post-apocalyptic and set in the Moscow subway.

fuidani1d ago· 1 in thread

I agree with all your points on why you should read... in fact I loved Crime & Punishment exactly for those reasons

I think its ok not to like Dostoyevsky, de gustibus - but you are implying that people read him to feel smart or that they need to put a great amount of effort in reading... great books have an healing effect even when tired and at the end of the day...

nilirlOP1d ago

> but you are implying that people read him to feel smart or that they need to put a great amount of effort in reading

Yes, I did imply that. Maybe my experiences have been more challenging than I expected.

Ok, I will try Crime & Punishment again. I really do want to have that feeling of reading something great.

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