Yep, the title pretty much sums up my experience with Dostoevsky's iconic novel.
I finished reading it just the other night... finally... after two months of being within seventy pages of finishing, I mustered up the attention and interest necessary to learn to what end Raskolnikov comes. I take some relief in the knowledge that Thomas Hardy never finished, and RL Stevenson compared C&P to a disease. Because that's mostly how I feel.
The afterword cleared up quite a bit for me - its significance as a progressive piece of literature (using a third person, omniscient voice to narrate) as well as the symbolism for sin and redemption, throughout. It is a beautiful story... but about 500 pages too long.
As to my goal for this year: I've read a Russian novel. As to the second half of that goal - appreciating a Russian novel - I'll... let you know. I feel a bit war-torn. Exhausted. I don't care about Raskolnikov. Great that he found redemption in Sofia. But I don't believe him. My favorite character offed himself: Svidrigailov. He was the only interesting one.
Overall, I see its importance; I see some humor; I see some insight into human nature and the grace extended us; but, ultimately, I was not compelled.
----To see some books that I have lovvveeedddd (or didn't love) reading this year, check out my page, 23 Books!
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