This epistolary novel, Dostoevsky's first published work of fiction, reveals glimpses of the brilliance that would reach its fullest expression in his more acclaimed later works. Makar Alexievitch Dievushkin, an impoverished middle-aged government clerk, devotes himself to the care of his ailing neighbor, young Barbara Alexievna Dobroselova. Their relationship develops primarily through correspondence by which each comes to know the personal history of the other. These letters become the vehicle for a passionately expressed but impractical love. Makar endures deprivations of every sort to provide little gifts and financial support to Barbara, who complains about his excessive generosity while welcoming the comforts. When Barbara consents to marry a wealthy suitor, Makar tries hopelessly in his final letter to dissuade her. Though Patrick Cullen and Julia Emlen often rely on melodramatics to convey the emotions of the characters, they nonetheless provide a satisfactory interpretation of a minor work from a master storyteller. Recommended for general and academic library collections. Philip Bader, Pasadena, CA Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.
Both a masterpiece of Russian populist writing and a parody of the entire genre, Poor People is an early example of Dostoevsky's genius.
Written as a series of letters, Poor People is the tragic tale of a petty clerk and his impossible love for a young girl. Longing to help her and her family, he sells everything he can, but his kindness leads him only into more desperate poverty, and ultimately into debauchery. As a typical “man of the underground,” he serves as the embodiment of the belief that happiness can only be achieved with riches.
This work is remarkable for its vivid characterizations, especially of Dievushkin, the clerk, solely by means of his letters to the young girl and her answers to him.
Both a masterpiece of Russian populist writing and a parody of the entire genre, Poor People is an early example of Dostoevsky's genius.
Written as a series of letters, Poor People is the tragic tale of a petty clerk and his impossible love for a young girl. Longing to help her and her family, he sells everything he can, but his kindness leads him only into more desperate poverty, and ultimately into debauchery. As a typical “man of the underground,” he serves as the embodiment of the belief that happiness can only be achieved with riches.
This work is remarkable for its vivid characterizations, especially of Dievushkin, the clerk, solely by means of his letters to the young girl and her answers to him.
Editorial Reviews
Product Details
BN ID: | 2940169631357 |
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Publisher: | Blackstone Audio, Inc. |
Publication date: | 01/01/2006 |
Edition description: | Unabridged |