is there any interest in reading The Brothers Karamazov with me?
As much as I love Japanese literature, I've loved Russian literature first. This particular novel has been sitting on my shelf, calling my name, for at least two years. I'm thinking of starting it in April, when my commitments for reviews have died down a bit, and I'd love it if any of you would care to join in.
Just let me know in the comments!
Interested parties include:
I'll do it! I need to read that book, anyway!
ReplyDeleteI love this book. I would reread it with you except I don't feel up for that level of emotional devastation at this point!
ReplyDeleteI've been wanting to read that book longer than you. Just before Christmas, I moved it off my shelf and into my serious reading pile. I'm in.
ReplyDeleteYay, Madeleine, you're the first! Do you have to read it for a class? None of my stupid and ridiculous high school classes every required us to read anything worthwhile, but I've seen it on required lists elsewhere.
ReplyDeleteOh, Colleen, this is an ominous comment. Who's ever ready for emotional devastation? :) But, this was Madeleine L'Engle's favorite novel, and for that reason alone, I've always wanted to read it. I'm sad you won't be joining in, but I get it.
ReplyDeleteHooray, Janell! It must not be coincidence that we've looked at it seriously these past few months. ;)
ReplyDeleteI read the Garnett Translations many years ago-I have had the R and P translation for a while now-I read their version of War and Peace and their translations of Chekhov's Short Novels and some of the Gogol Short Stories-I would also join a read of Brothers Karamazov-a lot of your early 20th century Japanese writers were into the Russian giants-especially Junichiro Tanizaki-
ReplyDeleteI was given the Pevear and Volokhonsky translation of War and Peace several years ago by my son for Christmas. I enjoyed it so much that I bought their translation of Brothers, although it's remained unread. It's interesting that you mention the 20th century Japanese writers were into the Russian giants (just as I am in both of them!). I've read nothing by Tanizaki, yet. Boy, the more I read the more I realize I haven't read. ;) I'm glad you're joining in, Mel.
ReplyDeleteI won't be reading along with you but just want to say I loved that book, although I had read an older translation. Might read a different Dostoevsky, though, maybe The Idiot, but not sure yet.. will see. Have fun!! :)
ReplyDeleteNo, not for class. We don't read many books in my classes. Actually, I've just heard that this book was very worthwhile, and I've been looking at it a lot recently, daring myself to pick it up!
ReplyDeleteOh, that's a good reason; better than for school!
ReplyDeleteI'm going to tentatively say yes! I've wanted to read if for awhile, and I love the idea of a group read, so that sounds perfect. :)
ReplyDeleteSarah, I love group reads, too; less strenuous than a challenge, but still joyful in the sharing/community aspect. I hope this works for you, as I know you have a busy schedule. I don't know how you and Claire and others manage to read as much as you do!
ReplyDeleteI don't think I've read The Idiot since college; I should pick it up again because I want to revisit my old Russian favorites this year.
ReplyDeleteA few months ago I wrote in a post that I wanted to reread this at some point and a group read would be the perfect opportunity...I'm in:)
ReplyDeleteHooray! I'm so happy you're going to read with us!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely! I'm in. Never read it and it has a prominent space on my "hall of shame" list - those books I think I should have read but have not. Thanks for hosting! Can't wait for full details.
ReplyDeleteAnything to cross one off your Hall of Shame, Frances! (Your comment makes me smile, because students in my class who needed oft repeated reminders for their behavior have their names put up on the board; I've called it The Board of Shame to lighten it up a bit.) I'm so glad you're in.
ReplyDeleteTeachers think (impishly) alike, Bellezza. Thrilled to be taking part.
ReplyDeleteI am hosting an Angela Carter month in April so will be rereading her novels instead but I wish you an enjoyable and successful read-along!
ReplyDeleteHaven't looked at this one in so long that picking it up again would be like reading it for the first time! I know that you would have much to teach me. Also know that i will likely be late with posts...please consider me tentative...
ReplyDeleteds, I will add your name to the list realizing that it's tentative; don't feel pressure! I don't want this to be a hard and involved thing, no one even "has" to do posts. I was thinking we'd just read it through in April, about 200 pages a week?, and I'd do a post every week for people to comment on as they saw fit. Regardless, please do what works for you, and I'd love it if you found the time.
ReplyDeleteOkay, here's how 'illiterate' I am: I had to Google Angela Carter! Jeepers, are you sure you want to blog with me? I hope your read-along is great in April, and I'm sorry I'm doing this therefore too busy to join in.
ReplyDeleteDon't worry your head; she's sadly underrated (especially outwith the UK), which is one of the reasons I am hosting a reading month!
ReplyDeleteI won't be reading this time, as I have a little swamp-project going and have a different reading list ahead of me. But I will mention that this is one book I've read, in different translations, and I much prefered the P&V over the Garnett. Garnett's translation felt like a block of prose that I had to climb over. It was a chore ;-)
ReplyDeleteI finished this one last year and am not up for a re-read yet. However, if you do read it, I will follow your discussion and cheer you on. It is a fantastic book but a difficult one to finish.
ReplyDeleteYou've provided me with the perfect incentive to read this novel. And especially now that I know it was Madeleine L'Engle's favorite, I'm even more excited.
ReplyDeleteMichelle, since you've already read it, you're input will be wonderful! Thanks for being willing to follow the discussion to come.
ReplyDeleteI'm intrigued as to what the swamp project might be, and I'm glad to know that you advocate the P and V translation. It's funny, "a block" is how one pastor I know described the American Standard translation of the Bible: most closely translated, but like a pile of bricks coming out of one's mouth. It makes me wish I could read the books in the language in which they were written, which of course, goes for Japanese Literature as well. Oh, to read Murakami in his own tongue...
ReplyDeleteYay, Becca! I'm so glad you're in! I have to look up the quote about Madeleine L'Engle loving this novel, but I know she said it. I know I read it somewhere from her mouth.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to read along with you, Bellezza, but when are you planning this? I'm a little tied up with other readalongs this month :D
ReplyDeleteIt's for April, Mark. I'm thinking we'll read it over the month of April, about 200 pages a week. Or, whatever works for every one. I'm very loose on this, just wanting the experience of sharing our thoughts together. I hope you have time to join!
ReplyDeleteApril sounds good :) I won't commit just now, but I'll really try to fit it in for April. This should be really interesting. Dostoevsky's one of the Classic writers I'm very curious about!
ReplyDeleteHe is one of my favorites, but Tolstoy is my Number One. ;)
ReplyDeleteThen I suppose you already know, there a new movie about Tolstoy's final days called The Last Station :)
ReplyDeleteI'd like to join in on this. I've never read any Dostoevsky, so I would definitely be interested in reading this book. Sounds like fun!
ReplyDeleteYay, Nadia! I'm glad you're in! I've only read Crime and Punishment, and Notes From The Underground, but this is one of his I've always wanted to 'get under my belt'. It will be fun to read it together.
ReplyDeleteOk, count me in as well. It has sat on my shelf unread for far too long. I'm always hesitant because I hated Anna Karenina (I know it's a different author, but it's still Russian), so I'm a bit prejudiced against it. I'll be open minded and join in. Here's hoping...
ReplyDeleteYou may not like The Brothers Karamazov, either, because Russian novels from this era tend to be a bit heavy and/or dark. But, you have nothing to lose: if you don't like it, you don't have to read it. ;) I'm glad you're attempting, though!
ReplyDeleteWell, several friends name it in their top ten, so I am trying to be positive. I'm excited about joining in, for sure!
ReplyDeleteNot quite up for Russian lit at the moment, but was wondering if you saw the Christopher Barzak book review I did the other day. I thought of you while I was reading it, given its Japanese setting.
ReplyDeleteYes, I'd love to read along with you!
ReplyDeleteJulia, I'm so happy that you're going to read with us! I value your opinion so very much.
ReplyDeleteCarl, I loved your review! I've added this new-to-me title and author to my wishlist. Thanks, as always, for exposing me to something wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI will bite. I've been tiptoeing around several Russians for the past month, and past dislike of Dostoyevsky makes me want to try this one. (Yes, that's right, I said past dislike. I want to see if things have changed [for me]!) April sounds good.
ReplyDeleteThat's great, Nicole. I wonder what your past dislike was... Could it be reading Crime and Punishment and having the crime committed in the first quarter of the book so that all the rest dwelt on punishment? :)
ReplyDeleteWell, it's certainly C&P-related. I don't quite know how to describe it, except that it felt like one of the most meaningless novels I'd ever read. The catharsis didn't happen for me; it was as though the fiction itself wasn't working somehow. Especially when Dostoyevsky is billed, I think, as an author with significant psychological acuity, it was jarringly emotionally nonsensical for me.
ReplyDeleteI read some criticism much later that made some of it seem a little bit better, but I still look a bit askance. At the same time, definitely want to give him another try and Brothers Karamazov is a biggie.
I'm interested! And I have the same edition as you. :D It's been on my shelves for the same amount of time too.
ReplyDeleteEva, it's wonderful that you'll join us, too! I'm so excited about the discussions we'll all have together; I think (and hope)that our understanding and experience of the book will be greatly enriched by everyone's input.
ReplyDeleteCrime and Punishment didn't work for me as I expected, either. It was a bit of a disappointment, which I surely hope is not the case with The Brothers Karamazov.
ReplyDeleteOh, you are a brave one. I've tried this book several times. Mind if I wait for your review?
ReplyDeleteI'm hosting a "rival" shared read of another somewhat chunky novel in April, Bellezza, so I think reading that and all 900 pages or so of Brothers Karamozov wouldn't leave me much time for anything else. I'll have to watch this one from the sidelines, but best of luck!
ReplyDeletePlease, wait for it! Then, tell us what you think.
ReplyDeleteI saw the list that you, Emily, Frances, Sarah and Claire have compiled; it looks fantastic! We'll have fun reading one another's reviews as there isn't time to join in one another's read alongs for April, anyway. But, as I said on your blog, I certainly hope to join you for one or two from your list.
ReplyDeletehello- I am new to your blog & would love to join the group read. Brothers K is one of those books that has been such a part of my literary narrative, that I actually don't remember whether or not I've actually read it or whether I just remember talking about it...I do know that I read the Idiot and it has stuck with me ever since, so I'm in, thank you for hosting!
ReplyDelete[...] stack. The Brothers Karamazov won’t be read until April because I’ll be reading with Dolce Belleza over at her blog. It will be my first read along with another blogger, so I’m definitely excited about that. [...]
ReplyDeleteI'd love to join with you. I tried to read Crime and Punishment before but...
ReplyDeleteI think this is an opportunity to reread Dostoevsky.
I'd love to join you all but due to time constraints, I'll just settle for reading your reviews. This is an exciting project indeed, with so many sharing the discussions. I read Crime and Punishment years back and have always appreciated Russian Lit. Got Anna Karenina on my TBR list. But for now... I'll just settle for all your good reviews on TBK.
ReplyDeleteKalina, I'm so glad you landed here! If you have a blog, I'd love to link to it in your name of interested readers, but if you'd prefer not to, that's fine too. Either way, I'm already looking forward to a great discussion.
ReplyDeleteGreat, Faith; I've read Crime and Punishment, too. I thought the same thing, that this would be a great Dostoevsky to pick up. I'm glad you're willing to join in!
ReplyDeleteArti, I sure understand time constraints. I keep saying to myself, "Well, next monoth, when I'm not so busy..." Ha! That's not going to happen any time soon. I absolutely love Anna Karenina, I've read it many, many times since high school. I'll read that again with you if you want. When we have time. ;)
ReplyDeleteI had to run off yesterday before I could say more. I read The Brothers Karamazov--whew! was it really 48 years ago? --during my senior year in college, not as an assignment but just for myself. I don't really remember much but it was one of the most moving reading experiences of my life; I remember that. I wish I could get hold of that very same book, which I think had very beautiful paintings in it. So I'm looking forward to reliving the book. Thanks, Belleza!
ReplyDeleteNo, it was only 47 1/2 years ago!
ReplyDeleteYou words, "one of the most moving experiences of my life" really touches me. I'm sure that's why it's been such a pivotal novel for so many people, and I can't wait to discover it myself. Along with you and the others.
ReplyDelete[...] brothers karamazov, fyodor dostoevsky, Read Along — faith @ 12:37 pm I signed-up on a Brothers Karamazov read along with Belleza. The book was written by Fyodor Dostoevsky. I once tried to read Crime and Punishment by the [...]
ReplyDeleteJust picked up my copy and notice that it is conveniently divided into four books - one for each week of April. Is this what you were thinking? And I am going to link here in my Sunday Salon post to see if anyone else will sign on.
ReplyDeleteFrances, I know! Isn't it great?! Like Fyodor organized it just for us! I did think that we would do one part a week, hoping that approximately 200 pages a week won't be too much for everyone. I'm planning on writing a post every Thursday (as it will start on Thursday, April 1) so the schedule would look like this:
ReplyDeletePart 1: Thursday, April 8
Part 2: Thursday, April 15
Part 3: Thursday, April 22
Part 4: Thursday, April 29
Participants who are reading along with us could post their thoughts on their own blogs, or come add to the discussion here. Does that sound okay to you? If you have any other ideas I'd love to hear them!
Hello Bellezza, I would love to join your group read of Brothers Karamazov. Years ago, after reading Crime & Punishment a few times, The Gambler and The Idiot, I considered Dostoyevsky as my favourite author. My Russian reading diverted into Turgenev and Chekhov and suddenly it has been ten years since I read Dostoyevsky. Brothers will be a great refresher.
ReplyDeleteWelcome, Anthony, it's nice to meet a fellow reader who enjoys Russian literature!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to join the group - Brothers Karamazov has been on my list for awhile and it would be terrific to read it with others. I've been wanting to read more Russian literature.
ReplyDeleteWelcome, Laura! If you'd like me to add your blog (if you have one) I'd be glad to. Just let me know.
ReplyDeleteMy review from last year:
ReplyDeletehttp://tonysreadinglist.blogspot.com/2009/08/57-brothers-karamazov-by-fyodor.html
Actually, review is probably not the best description. Fiction is more like it ;)
well, count me in. I'll do my best to keep up.
ReplyDelete[...] am also attempting to read Brothers Karamazov for Dolce Belleza’s read-along, and I gotta tell you: It ain’t easy. I thought maybe after distancing myself from the [...]
ReplyDelete[...] that I’m joining, because I’m not insane enough as it is! Dolce Belezza is hosting a read-a-long of The Brothers Karamazov. I loved Crime and Punishment when I read it years ago*, and I have no idea why I haven’t [...]
ReplyDeleteI came over from Eva's blog and saw that you are hosting the read-along! I would love to join because otherwise I don't know how I am going to get through this book!
ReplyDeleteI'd like to join in too, I started this last year and got lost along the way
ReplyDeleteWelcome Allie and Katrina! We may get lost, but probably not completely as we'll have one another! I'm glad you're both joining in.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I have lovely Russian bookmarks for all who complete the journey!
I'm really excited to do this! It is a great excuse to take this on!
ReplyDeleteI guess I'm joining in. Translation notes or advice or some such thing at the link.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to getting a grip on this book.
I'm sorry, I've tried The Brothers Karamazov when I was about 18 (19?) and got STUCK. I know that should be a good reason to try again with you lot, but my reading is so slow these days that I don't want to do another 'project'. But I'll be cheering you on!
ReplyDeleteIt was the repeating of long Russian names that did it. I'm curious to know whether you'll be having trouble with them as well...
I got over the hump of dealing with long Russian names when I read Anna Karenina (several times) in high school and college. The thing that's a bit tricky is one character can have nine million (so to speak) names. Alexei is Alyosha, and Lyosha, and on and on which I can't seem to remember right now. But, I know what you mean. Perhaps another time for you, right? Maybe you'll get super inspired by reading our posts. ;)
ReplyDeleteI would love to join in on this! Hopefully I'm not too far behind yet. I know the library probably has this but I would love to buy my own copy. I loved Crime and Punishment, but had a hard time with The Idiot, but I was listening to it on audio which was probably a factor.
ReplyDeleteI have been trying to finish this novel since last year but I chickened out. Blah. Hopefully this is the chance to finally get to the end :)
ReplyDelete[...] it’s April – and I’m enmeshed in The Brothers Karamazov for Bellezza’s read-along. I’m also reading The Help, which I know many of you have read and enjoyed. It is a [...]
ReplyDeleteI've just started reading this book (gotten to around page 150 or so), and I would love to participate in the read-along if it is not too late to add me in.
ReplyDeleteI have never participated in a read-along before, so some tips from you on how we go about it would be really helpful :)
Welcome, Nishita! Here's how we're doing it: we read a part a week as there are four parts to the book, and four parts in April. (The schedule is at the top right of my blog.) Then, feel free to write your thoughts in a post on your own blog, or just comment on other reviews, relating to that week's reading. I'll post a list of people who have written their own reviews on my blog, so you'll know who to visit. I hope this clears up any questions, but really? The only 'necessary' part is to read and enjoy. ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for adding my name. I had no idea there were four parts to the book. I need to check where I am at and then compose a post with my thoughts :)
ReplyDeleteThere is such a thing a group reading of The Brothers Karamazov! I love it! I read the book when I was fifteen from a shelf of an abandoned library in our rural town of Casiguran, Sorsogon. I live in the Philippines and much of Russian Literature came to me in a brief description from MSN ENCARTA under the general article, "NOVEL." Fifteen years old as I was, I desperately wanted to write like Dostoevsky. I was drawn to Karamazov like mad and all I want back then was to gobble it up. I finished the book in three weeks without understanding it totally so I want to read it again! Please count me in! :-)
ReplyDeleteAdrian, I'm so happy to read your excitement! I'll count you in, of course, and add you to the list of participants. We've currently finished part 2; every Thursday we write a post, or comment, on one of the four parts. We'll finish up as April ends. The schedule is on the top of my blog, and welcome!
ReplyDelete