The Double (Dover Thrift Editions: Classic Novels)

Although I would not necessarily argue that this is Dostoevsky's best novel, it nevertheless is my favorite. It is short and relatively uncomplicated. A man who is so insecure that he constantly places himself in situations where he knows he is going to be slighted and insulted finally projects a copy of himself into what he thinks is the real world. This copy or "double" of himself, however, is very comfortable in polite society, is well liked and promoted at work. The double is a hallucination on the part of "Mr. Golyadkin," but he fits into every facet of the protagonist's life, at first humble and friendly, later mocking and undermining, and finally part of Mr. Golyadkin's total moral destruction. The Double has many points in common with the unnamed narrator of Notes from Underground who elevates man's habit of acting against his own best interests practically to a religion. This narrator is also undone by forcing himself on people who he knows will reject him.

Not as pleasing to read as some of his other works but still worth the purchase.

Having read and enjoyed "Crime and Punishment" years ago, I really looked forward to reading "The Double". I found, reading this book was akin to walking through sludge in a pair of bedroom slippers. Dostoevsky introduces the reader to Yakov Petrovitch Golyadkin, an office worker living in Moscow. Not only are we introduced to him, but embark on an often frustrating and confusing journey through Golyadkin's mind, as he's psychologically falling apart. This mental collapse resulted in this reader feeling trapped a "maze-like" story, where twists and turns left me confused, having to reread sentences and even backing up to reread pages to see where I had become confused (and never finding the source of confusion). Dostoevsky was skillful in his manner of writing, as I can only infer, what the mind of a person who is losing theirs, endures. As I read, I felt physically bound to Golyadkin, as if tethered to him This further resulted in feeling even more constricted, confined, frustrated and confused. I don't know if Dostoevsky intended for the reader to experience such emotion and physical connection, however, it was my experience and found it brilliant, although hating it at the same time. Adding to this frustration was the constant repetition of the names. Nevermind Russian is difficult to roll off this American reader's tongue, was it really necessary to repeat names over and over, and to have to say first, middle and last each time? Perhaps this is typical of Russian dialogue during this time period, however, it added to the chaotic nature of the story. I could never determine whether "the double" was an actual person, or one drawn in Golyadkin's mind. Although other characters seemed to interact with "Junior", was it because he was real or was it Golyadkin's perception of the situation? Could this uncertainty be another of Dostoevsky's crafts, further enhancing the chaotic state of Golyadkin's mind? Whatever the case, I found it frustrating to not know, but ok with not knowing, as it fit with the story. I cannot say I enjoyed this book, as it was difficult and not comfortable or relaxing, which is why I read. It was, however, skillful and emotional, also why I read. As a book, it fulfilled its duty to escort me to another world and time, taking me on a journey I otherwise would not have experienced. In that sense, "The Double" was a worthy read.

Not bad for an early Dostoyevsky! The writing has peculiar period Russian society expressions. I suspect Fyodor was high on staring at himself in the mirror with a flickering candle and became mesmerized with his image. And now that I read other comments in regard the poor translation I suggest we learn another lesson... there is good and there is gooder and there is goodest! lol

A very strange story with a mysterious East European bent. A remarkable movie was created from this novel and for a few hours of reading the reader gets years of contemplation of its meaning.

This edition was full of typos. If I didn't have hard copy as well, some parts would have been incomprehensible.

I am assured this isn't Dostoyevsky's best book, but it was worth a read to me. I love Dover Thrift Editions.

I just ordered this edition of The Double because it was simply cheap. When I started reading it, I realized the many typos and horrible grammar. There are times where I'm not sure what is going on because the translation is so poor at telling this story. Do not buy this translation. It's not worth wasting your time on. Instead I will have to delete this version and buy a different one with a more competent translator. All of this because they were too cheap to actually get a professional translator.

absulity brand new with plastic on it I had to open it and the short novels were great

Good quality Go for it

Excellent, as always. I love the footnotes in these and the introductions. An absolutely beautiful book and beautiful story!

There are missing parts in Chapter 9 and 10.

I purchased this book in the Everyman's Library Classics Edition. The Everyman's Library Classics Edition books are, in my opinion, the best quality books available in the price-range. They are quality bound; with acid-free paper, dust jacket, and ribbon page marker. There are also a great range of authors available in this collection; and they are very reasonably priced.