44 pages • 1 hour read
The Double
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Book Brief
144
Novella • Fiction
Saint Petersburg, Russia • 1840s
1846
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Double by Fyodor Dostoevsky follows Yakov Petrovich Golyadkin, a socially awkward bureaucrat in 19th-century Saint Petersburg, who becomes increasingly paranoid as his life is disrupted by the arrival of a man who looks exactly like him. This double gradually takes over Golyadkin's personal and professional life, leading him into a downward spiral of fear and confusion. The novel explores themes of identity, isolation, and mental health.
Mysterious
Unnerving
Dark
Melancholic
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
35,627 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Reviews for Dostoevsky's The Double highlight its psychological depth and exploration of identity crisis, often praising its complex character development and dark, satirical tone. However, some readers find the narrative dense and the protagonist's descent into madness unsettling. Overall, it remains a compelling study of human nature, albeit challenging for some.
Who Should Read The Double?
A reader who would enjoy The Double by Fyodor Dostoevsky is likely fascinated by psychological depth and existential themes. This novel appeals to fans of Kafka's The Metamorphosis and Camus's The Stranger. Such readers appreciate exploring the human psyche and societal alienation through richly complex characters and intricate narratives.
35,627 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Double (Yakov Petrovich Golyadkin Junior)
The Double (Yakov Petrovich Golyadkin Junior)
The physical duplicate of Golyadkin with a contrasting charismatic and confident personality, whose presence profoundly impacts Golyadkin’s life.
Petrushka
Petrushka
Golyadkin's manservant, often blunt and insubordinate, yet his interactions with Golyadkin reveal a complex, if strained, relationship.
Klara Olsufyevna Berendeyev
Klara Olsufyevna Berendeyev
A young woman linked through her father's influence on Golyadkin, whose brief encounter with him at a birthday party leaves a lasting impression on his mind.
144
Novella • Fiction
Saint Petersburg, Russia • 1840s
1846
Adult
18+ years
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