Crime and Punishment

Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky

Crime and Punishment take place in 1860s Saint Petersburg, Russia. It follows the story of Raskolnikov, a poor ex-university student who commits an abrupt and haphazard murder. Partly because he wants to rob the victim, a lowly pawnbroker, and continue his education using the money, but also because of this conviction he has on great men and their need, perhaps even the right and responsibility to act in most radical of ways, unbound by ethics or morality. The novel is mostly about what happens after as Raskolnikov seeks redemption all the while trying to avoid getting caught by the law.

Many things can be said about it. And many analyses can be made. But I want to note down something a bit more personal here. Raskolnikov deeply reminded me of myself during my university days in Sydney. In a 15 square metre match box in Sydney’s Kings Cross. In the middle of Covid. Isolated, alone, bitter and constantly at odds with himself. Presumably every man goes through a period like this in their live. It’s relieving to know things weren’t so different in 19th Century St. Petersburg. It can serve as a mirror to men of coming age and perhaps even a warning. It was a really good read.

Other than that Crime and Punishment could be the best novel I read so far in my life. Dostoyevsky really understands the human soul. It’s inconsistencies, fears, hopes and desires. It’s multi-character structure makes it one of those books that despite how many times one reads it, he can find something new and exciting every time. I would gladly read this book over and over.