Crime and Punishment, Fyodor Dostoevsky's psychological novel, explores themes of morality, guilt, and redemption through the story of Raskolnikov, a former student who commits murder. This new translation by Oliver Ready revitalizes the text, capturing its urgency and dark humor while remaining faithful to the original Russian. Set in the slums of St. Petersburg, Raskolnikov's internal struggle and cat-and-mouse game with a police investigator highlight the consequences of his actions. Readers will find a fresh perspective on this classic, with a contextual introduction and notes that enhance understanding. Ideal for literature enthusiasts and students studying Dostoevsky's work.

Key Points

  • Explores Raskolnikov's psychological turmoil after committing murder in St. Petersburg
  • Oliver Ready's translation emphasizes the dark humor and urgency of Dostoevsky's original text
  • Includes contextual notes and a chronology to enhance reader comprehension
  • Highlights themes of morality, guilt, and the possibility of redemption through Sonya's character
newtopiccyclegrowin
755 pages
Literature
newtopiccyclegrowin
755 pages
Literature
202
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CRIME AND PUNISHMENT
This acclaimed new translation of Dostoyevsky’s ‘psychological record of a
crime’ gives his dark masterpiece of murder and pursuit a renewed vitality,
expressing its jagged, staccato urgency and fevered atmosphere as never
before. Raskolnikov, a destitute and desperate former student, wanders alone
through the slums of St Petersburg, deliriously imagining himself above
society’s laws. But when he commits a random murder, only suffering ensues.
Embarking on a dangerous game of cat and mouse with a suspicious police
investigator, Raskolnikov is pursued by the growing voice of his conscience and
finds the noose of his own guilt tightening around his neck. Only Sonya, a
downtrodden prostitute, can offer the chance of redemption.
* * *
‘A truly great translation . . . Sometimes new translations of old favourites are
surplus to our requirements. . . . Sometimes, though, a new translation really
makes us see a favourite masterpiece afresh. And this English version of
Crime
and Punishment
really is better. . . .
Crime and Punishment
, as well as being an
horrific story and a compelling drama, is also extremely funny. Ready brings
out this quality well. . . . That knife-edge between sentimentality and farce has
been so skilfully and delicately captured here. . . . Ready’s version is colloquial,
compellingly modern and—in so far as my amateurish knowledge of the
language goes—much closer to the Russian. . . . The central scene in the book .
. . is a masterpiece of translation.’
—A. N. Wilson,
The Spectator
‘This vivid, stylish, and rich rendition by Oliver Ready compels the attention of
the reader in a way that none of the others I’ve read comes close to matching.
Using a clear and forceful mid-twentieth-century idiom, Ready gives us an
entirely new kind of access to Dostoyevsky’s singular, self-reflexive and at times
unnervingly comic text. This is the Russian writer’s story of moral revolt, guilt,
and possible regeneration turned into a new work of art. . . . [It] will give a jolt
to the nervous system to anyone interested in the enigmatic Russian author.’
—John Gray,
New Statesman
, ‘Books of the Year’
‘At last we have a translation that brings out the wild humour and vitality of the
original.’
—Robert Chandler,
PEN Atlas
‘A gorgeous translation . . . Inside one finds an excellent apparatus: a
chronology, a terrific contextualizing introduction, a handy compendium of
suggestions for further reading, and cogent notes on the translation. . . . But
the best part is Ready’s supple translation of the novel itself. Ready manages to
cleave as closely as any prior translator to both spirit and letter, while
rendering them into an English that is a relief to read.’
—The East-West Review
‘Oliver Ready’s dynamic translation certainly succeeds in implicating new
readers in Dostoyevsky’s old novel.’
—
The Times Literary Supplement
‘What a pleasure it is to see Oliver Ready’s new translation bring renewed
power to one of the world’s greatest works of fiction. . . . Ready’s work is of
substantial and superb quality. . . . [His] version portrays more viscerally and
vividly the contradictory nature of Raskolnikov’s consciousness. . . . Ready
evokes the crux of
Crime and Punishment
with more power than the previous
translators have . . . with an enviably raw economy of prose.’
—
The Curator
‘Ready’s new translation of
Crime and Punishment
is thoughtful and elegant
[and] shows us once again why this novel is one of the most intriguing
psychological studies ever written. His translation also manages to revive the
disturbing humor of the original. . . . In some places, Ready’s version echoes
Pevear and Volokhonsky’s prize-winning nineties version, but he often renders
Dostoyevsky’s text more lucidly while retaining its deliberately uncomfortable
feel. . . . Ready’s colloquial, economical use of language gives the text a new
power.’
—
Russia Beyond the Headlines
‘[A] five-star hit, which will make you see the original with new eyes.’
—
The Times Literary Supplement
, ‘Books of the Year’
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FAQs

What are the main themes of Crime and Punishment?
Crime and Punishment delves into themes of morality, guilt, and redemption. The protagonist, Raskolnikov, grapples with the psychological consequences of his actions after committing murder. His internal conflict raises questions about the nature of justice and the moral implications of his belief in being above societal laws. The novel also explores the possibility of redemption through the character of Sonya, who represents compassion and hope amidst despair.
How does Oliver Ready's translation differ from previous versions?
Oliver Ready's translation of Crime and Punishment is noted for its modern, colloquial style that captures the urgency and humor of Dostoevsky's original text. Critics have praised this version for making the novel more accessible to contemporary readers while maintaining fidelity to the spirit of the Russian language. Ready's translation also includes a comprehensive introduction and contextual notes that provide valuable insights into the text, enhancing the reader's understanding of its themes and characters.
Who is Raskolnikov and what is his conflict in the story?
Raskolnikov is the central character in Crime and Punishment, a former student living in poverty in St. Petersburg. His conflict arises from his belief that he is an extraordinary individual who can transcend moral laws, which leads him to commit a brutal murder. Following the act, he experiences intense guilt and paranoia, leading to a psychological struggle as he confronts the consequences of his actions. This internal battle is a key element of the novel, illustrating Dostoevsky's exploration of the human psyche.
What role does Sonya play in Raskolnikov's journey?
Sonya, a downtrodden prostitute, plays a crucial role in Raskolnikov's journey toward redemption in Crime and Punishment. Despite her own suffering, she embodies compassion and forgiveness, offering Raskolnikov a glimpse of hope and the possibility of moral regeneration. Their relationship highlights the themes of love and sacrifice, as Sonya encourages Raskolnikov to confront his guilt and seek redemption. Her unwavering support becomes a pivotal force in his eventual path toward self-acceptance.
What is the significance of the setting in Crime and Punishment?
The setting of Crime and Punishment in the slums of St. Petersburg is significant as it reflects the social and economic struggles of the time. The oppressive atmosphere of the city mirrors Raskolnikov's internal turmoil and moral decay. Dostoevsky uses the urban landscape to explore themes of isolation, poverty, and the impact of environment on human behavior. The stark contrast between the wealthy and the destitute serves to highlight the moral dilemmas faced by the characters, particularly Raskolnikov.

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