Devils (Wordsworth Classics)

One of Dostoevsky's greatest masterpieces. The book itself was new without any physical defects. Quality literature made available at a very accessible price. Wordsworth Classics' cover design are usually hit-or-miss but this one completely nailed the novel's atmosphere, representing the young men who become possessed by the radical, deviant ideas and especially by devils themselves.

Great book

Russian novelist Fyodor Dostoevsky's 1871-72 novel 'Devils' is a masterpiece. The centrality of the narrative rests on the insidious, pernicious impact on all social tiers of a Russian town of a revolutionary cell in its midst. No less horrific is the cynicism and viciousness of the infighting conducted by the insurrectionists. Dostoevsky foreshadows by nearly half a century the terrifying signature features of the Bolshevik coup in 1917 - super smart, vengeful and venomous leaders using charisma, skullduggery and fear to mesmerise and outmanoeuvre the naive and the savvy alike. It's a layered, violent, unnerving story with social, spiritual and philosophical elements laced with the author's trademark ability to deploy both darkness and humour with impeccable timing. 'Devils' contains 694 pages - £2.69 from Amazon including the p&p is a steal.

Having read ‘Crime & Punishment”, “The Brothers Karamazov,” “The Idiot,” “Notes from Underground,” and “The Double,” albeit a number of years ago—and considering myself somewhat of a Dostoyevsky fan—I decided to give “Devils” a go. It is often referred to as his “masterpiece, or “psychological masterpiece.” It is surely therefore a must read. I have to say, I found the first several hundred pages a turgid experience. I was introduced to a myriad of characters, none of which were particularly engaging, and I found the plot pretty boring and uninteresting. For some time, I was unable to read more than a dozen pages before laying it to the side. Once I start a book though, I am determined to finish it, and whilst wilting on several occasions, I persevered, and I think I’m glad I did. In the final third of the book, the action starts to ramp up, and we end up with political intrigue, duplicity, tragedy, arson, murder, and suicide. We get to know the characters much better, and their multiple flaws are laid bare. At the same time, the author aligns his characters flaws with the problems affecting the country in general, therefore casting a critical eye over the psychology of a country as well as its inhabitants. One can therefore understand why the book is considered a masterpiece, but it takes quite some time to arrive at that realisation. I’m still a Dostoyevsky fan.

I really like the Constance Garnett translations of Dostoevsky. Amazing how inexpensive these editions are! And I literally ordered them in the evening and had them in my hands before noon the following day. Bravo, Amazon Prime! Also, its often said that this may be the greatest political novel ever written- I would believe that. I highly recommend it.

Very relevant warning against Woke. Guaranteed to be ignored.

Good edition at a fantastically low price.

The book was delivered on time! I am very excited to start the book!!!

Slow start but definitely worth it. It grows in value in the time after reading it. Great characterisation and a book you’ll remember. Although I would suggest buying another translation, NOT the Garnett one

I have spent nearly five months reading Devils. I'll finish the final 50 pages by tomorrow. At 700 pages it is marathon. The book is character rich and the complicated Russian names are a challenge as well. The subject matter is quite parallel to 2024 world events. Read the book with a sharp pencil and a highlighter for notations and emphasis. This is my fourth Dostoyevsky novel in the past 18months.

The Devils by Fyodor Dostoevsky is a dark and intense novel that delves into the dangerous allure of revolutionary ideologies and the destructive power of radicalism. Set in a small Russian town, the story follows a group of intellectuals and revolutionaries who plot to overthrow the established order, but their ideals quickly spiral into chaos and violence. At the heart of the novel is the character of Pyotr Verkhovensky, a manipulative and charismatic figure who seeks to incite a revolution, and his interactions with a variety of characters, each representing different facets of society. Through these characters, Dostoevsky explores themes of nihilism, the search for meaning, and the consequences of abandoning moral and spiritual values in pursuit of political goals.

Not good. Book ends at page 680 - the last chapter missing.

Muy bien