Crime and Punishment (Penguin Clothbound Classics)

I know a lot of future Dostoevsky readers are occupied with deciding the best translation to pick up for each novel, especially with so many translations out there, with this classic in particular. And so I wanted to add a knowledgeable opinion and note on McDuff's translation (based on the fact I am Russian). One point would be on faithfulness (of translation) and the other being readability. 1. Faithfulness: McDuff, as usual with his Dostoevsky translations, is able to convey to the English reader a fine sum of elements found in original Russian work with his translation. Not only does McDuff go the length in his attempts to never omit any bits of information (as in literal words or conveyed meanings), he also attempts to not alter or change information by the act of translation. Of course, this is done in a practical manner; that is to say, it is not an exact word by word literal translation, as no literary translation should be (we want to get a grasp of the story, not the functioning of the original language). With that being said, he doesn't do so perfectly, but he does do so better than most in my personal opinion, which is what this review is all about. In doing so, McDuff is able to convey the source material to a sufficient degree, while also keeping the translation a readable and English one. Thus, McDuff gives English readers the mannerisms and quirks of the Russian language through the English language, and with it, distinctive and defining qualities of the culture and author which make up this work of fiction. 2. Readability: Firstly, McDuff's philosophy of translation (as noted above) leads people to consider translations such as McDuff's as sometimes difficult to read, which I personally find to be strange. Not that I'm questioning the experiences of people who say so, it is more so that if you pick up a Russian novel (whether it's a translation or not), it would seem to me that you are open to experience, well, a Russian novel, and not an English one, be it difficult as it may. Russian is a strange language compared to English, not only strange through translation, but it is fundamentally different not only in syntax, but manner, content, and tone. If one rather just consume the overall "meaning" and story of the novel, while avoiding the "Russianees" of the novel, and with it, some of its literary significance, then perhaps other translations are a better fit, but I personally believe this to be a perversion of the medium of literature. Secondly, the McDuff translation is chiefly British, and somewhat highbrow in my opinion. In that sense, the translation has relative personal degrees of readability that should be taken into consideration. Being a non native English speaker, especially not British English, I had some difficulties at times reading this, but this meant just having to stop to check certain definitions at times, nothing major. Overall, I enjoyed and appreciate McDuff's translation, and for anyone who is particularly bogged down with finding the "best" translation, I would rank this, as well as the Katz translation, as two highly respectable options. Happy reading!

Good quality, came better than expected honestly. There is a ribbon attached to make bookmarking easy and clean. I think the only obvious problem is when removing the back price sticker; it peels the ‘fuzz’ covering the book leaving an obvious mark.

Really enjoyed one of the "Classics" that I had not read. Worthy of the hype

Dostoevsky is a literary genius. I’ve never been one to stayed entertained with longer books, but this one kept me on my toes. It’s easy to say all the suspense kept me intrigued throughout the story. My only concern is that the red decal on the cover does scratch off insanely easily. My suggestion would be to seal it if possible. But other than that, it’s a great purchase

How can one determine which novel is the best ever written? I would like to say this is the best novel I have read, but how can I compare Dostoyevsky to Hemmingway to Tolstoy. They all have different styles, and are excellent authors. This is the best book I have read by Dostoyevsky. Reading his novel, I feel, is better than reading history of 19th century Russia, and he does not intend to give a history lesson, the culture reveals itself in his novel. Although I can not say this is the best book I have ever read, it has two conversations which are the best literature I have seen. Each time Rashkolnikov visits Porfiry, the novel becomes incredibly dramatic. This is the first time I have felt what a character in a novel (or movie) is feeling. I feel his nervousness being questioned. I felt arrogant that I could outsmart the cop. I became anxious over my possible punishment. I kept thinking, if I do not get found out this time, I will never do anything wrong again. Crime is to nerve racking. My final comment is on Russia itself. I was surprised at how some of the 19th century contempory ideas have correspondants in our culture. Crime and Punishment is a great novel, I recommend it to all who enjoy literature.

Brilliant psychoanalytical narrative. Dostoyevsky came across as an skillful psychologist. Through description of the characters' thoughts and their dialogues and body expressions, the author gave us very intricate characters in his story. I was instantaneously drawn in on the get go with Raskolnikov like watching soap operas with interesting actors in it. This book as a morally didactic on the redemption of people who have fallen, which is everyone in the past, present and future. Yet redemption, we see, is only for the chosen ones. Raskolnikov was predestined to meet the Angelic Sonya during his darkest despair. Sonya convinced him to repent and confess to the cops. She unselfishly stood by him, traveled to Siberia with him, and visited him daily in jail. With her love and devotion, Raskolnikov finally found true repentance, redemption and love for Sonya and mankind. It was this love that sustained Raskolnikov during his eight years of imprisonment in Siberia.

The book was interesting I couldn’t put it down

The book and it's content are great! However the quality of the cover isn't the best. The color fades upon touch and it arrived with one corner bent, which I am sure was like that prior to delivery!

This book has probably changed my life. It will be placed on the bookshelf and treasured for a lifetime. It's simply brilliant, even among the distinguished echelon of novels that have survived for over 150 years. 5 stars for the book and 5 stars for the hardback `clothbound classics' design. Coming from a university engulfed in a certain atheism of our current culture, a book which centres on the conflicts between rationalism and internal morality is refreshing to say the least. Linguistically, it's something like a similar but easier to read Great Expectations -- a useful property when weighing in at over 200,000 words. Yes, it is fairly hefty but still not even half of some novels out there. I'm quite sad finishing it, in any case, because I wished it had kept going! I can't speak for the accuracy of the translation in any detail as I don't speak Russian, however I can say the book comes across as beautifully written. There is just the right amount of unfamiliar Russian references (most of which are superscripted and helpfully explained in the notes at the end of the book) that I feel like I've learnt about St. Petersburg and Russian views/culture at the time without being totally overwhelmed. Word of warning: some of the red print on the cover is flaking off (...entirely due to my firm grip while reading!) giving a faded appearance, so bear that in mind if you plan to bash this edition around. Probably best read with a delicate touch ...though I think my brashness has converted my copy to the appearance of a relic of worth so I don't mind. Another word of warning: read the introduction AFTER the novel if you don't know what happens. As usual (necessary?), there are spoilers in the introduction. That said, the introduction is actually pretty interesting. In conclusion, but this book. Right now. If you're missing something in your soul that means you don't appreciate it, someone in your family will so buy it anyway.

Liked

Very good and knowledgeable book

My favourite book and this edition will last me a long time

I thought it was beautifully translated.