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Crime and Punishment, written by Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky in 1866, remains a classic in literature, and rightfully so. Set in St.Petersburg, the novel introduces Rodion Romanovich Raskolnikov, an impoverished law student struggling to pay for his studies. He devises a plan to murder and rob a pawnbroker for her money. Leading up to the act, Raskolnikov rationalizes that killing her would be a net-benefit to society, because he could use the money to uplift himself out of poverty and help others. 

Once Raskolnikov commits the deed, however, he is disgusted with himself, and his prior justifications dissolve as he deals with the consequences of his crime. 

While the murder itself is central to the plot, much of the book dives deep into Raskolnikov’s own psychology: specifically his paranoia.

Dostoevsky brings Raskolnikov’s external world to life and takes the reader through the underbelly of mid-19th century St. Petersburg with police stations, taverns, and dilapidated apartments. Like Raskolnikov, other characters’ struggles with morality  are just as compelling.

I’d recommend this book to everyone. Depending on the version you get, the page length varies from 500 to 700 pages so be sure to set aside enough time to read it. 

Although Raskolnikov’s crime is serious and his punishment is severe, there is still a possibility of redemption: Something which we can all strive towards.

“Pain and suffering are always inevitable for a large intelligence and a deep heart. The really great men must, I think, have great sadness on earth.”      Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevski