Posted: March 8, 2022
Crime and Punishement
Translated by David McDuff.
What if you made a mistake that can never be undone?
Crime and Punishment is a book about a double murder committed by a poor student named Raskolnikov. The structure of the book is such that the murders are committed very early on and the rest of the book is devoted to the effect of these murders. Particular focus is spent on Raskolnikov's internal state prior and after the murders.
The book shows Raskolnikov suffering the pangs of conscience and trying to deal with it through justification, denial, frivolity, anything and everything he can to resolve the effect of a deed that cannot be undone.
Crime and Punishment gives the impression of great depth and truthfulness, a book that will reward rereads.
This is a grim book, those looking for light entertainment in their reading would best pick up something else.
It is perfect for someone who has made a mistake in some way and who is feeling miserable as a result of it. For something like that, Crime and Punishment can function as wisdom literature.