Devils

A bit about the title to this book first. There are some editions that call it "Demons" and some editions that call it "Devils" - I'm calling in "Devils" because that's what it says on my copy (Wordsworth's Classics Edition - 2007). This is a book by the amazingly intense Russian mega-author Fyodor Dostoevsky and is packed to the brim with brilliantly human characters and a storyline that feels like you're reading a book on how to be a nihilist. 

I found this book as a part of my Russian Fiction binge, so get ready for Dostoevsky, Pushkin, Tolstoy and many more of this great era of European Literature. 

Characters:

My favourite character was Nikolai. Nikolai is strong, machiavellian (oh god, that name!) and socially aware of his priorities. For example: he knows he has to pretend to be liable, when really he is actually a fox underneath - boosting his own wealthy position. Dostoevsky writes him as a man who is courteous on the outside, but brooding and dark on the inside - not necessarily bad - but not good either. His morals are confused, which makes him a very interesting character to read. 

Themes:

My favourite theme was nihilism. I think that Russian authors in general are probably the best in the world at giving the landscape a sense of nihilistic influence. The language of setting and character do this very well - also the time in which the books are set always give the underlying pessimism in the optimistic value of the text. 

Storyline:

The storyline leaves scars. It was a brilliantly brooding and thought-provoking sensation to read. There are parts where certain characters are suspected because of one small act that is blown out of proportion - and then there are other characters who do not have their actions analysed at all. If you're looking at similarities in characters for Dostoevsky - I really suggest reading this alongside "The Brothers Karamazov".

Verdict:

I give this book 9

100% for characters: Do Dostoevsky characters deserve anything lower?

100% for themes: I am a patriot of Russian Fiction - even though I'm not Russian. This mixture of optimism and pessimism is the reason why.

100% for storyline: The reading experience is amazing, intense and darkly satisfying. Dostoevsky is a genius.