64 pages • 2 hours read
The Idiot
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Book Brief
667
Novel • Fiction
Russia • 1860s
1869
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Idiot by Fyodor Dostoevsky follows Prince Lev Myshkin, a good-natured but financially ruined aristocrat who returns to Russia after years of treatment in Switzerland. He enters the societal whirl of love, deceit, and rivalry involving Nastasya Filippovna and the Epanchin family. The story is a profound exploration of human complexity, morality, and the struggle between good and evil. This book includes themes of mental illness, violent conflict, and death.
Contemplative
Mysterious
Melancholic
Emotional
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
191,489 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Dostoevsky’s The Idiot is lauded for its deep psychological exploration and complex characters, particularly Prince Myshkin. However, its intricate plot and extensive philosophical digressions can be seen as challenging. While many appreciate the novel’s ambitious themes and moral questions, others find it dense and difficult to follow.
Who Should Read The Idiot?
A reader who enjoys The Idiot by Fyodor Dostoevsky is typically drawn to complex character studies, psychological depth, and moral dilemmas. Fans of Tolstoy's Anna Karenina and Camus' The Stranger will appreciate its exploration of human nature and societal critique. Lovers of Russian literature and existential themes will find it compelling.
191,489 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Nastasya Filippovna Barashkov
Nastasya Filippovna Barashkov
A beautiful and complex woman marred by a traumatic past, Nastasya is central to the novel's romantic and social conflicts. Her interactions with various suitors highlight her internal struggle and self-worth issues.
Parfyon Semyonovich Rogozhin
Parfyon Semyonovich Rogozhin
A passionate and intense character who contrasts Myshkin’s sincerity, Rogozhin inherits a vast fortune and becomes Myshkin’s rival for Nastasya's affection. His unpredictable nature and obsession with Nastasya drive much of the novel's drama.
Aglaya Ivanovna Epanchin
Aglaya Ivanovna Epanchin
The youngest daughter of the Epanchin family, Aglaya is noted for her beauty and charm. She becomes intrigued by Myshkin’s unique personality, complicating her place in Saint Petersburg’s social dynamics.
Lukyan Timofeevich Lebedev
Lukyan Timofeevich Lebedev
A figure on the outskirts of Saint Petersburg's high society, Lebedev is known for his curiosity and keen awareness of the social elite’s affairs. He serves as an observer and commentator on the novel’s events.
667
Novel • Fiction
Russia • 1860s
1869
Adult
18+ years
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