This review must be broken into a few different sections. The first will be my general feel of the whole book and that within; and that is where I believe my first problem lies. My translation is from Everyman’s Library by Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky, and I must say that I did not enjoy it very much. I found the English itself, grammar and syntax, to be quite awkward, thus leading to me not being able to enjoy the story. I felt as though I was leap-frogging over large sections of the story because this translation did not have a comprehensive flow. Now, since I have only two Dostoevsky novels to compare, Crime and Punishment and The Brothers Karamozov, I would have to say that I enjoyed the story of Crime and Punishment more than The Brothers. However, I believe the philosophy and theology, the meaning and moral, of The Brothers to be much more significant than Crime and Punishment.
Thus, I turn to my next section, dealing specifically with some of the characters. Elder Zosima is by far the first most significant character when it comes to Dostoevsky expressing his theology. Yes, all three brothers and father are introduced beforehand, yet Zosima is the pinnacle of faith. Every other character outside the monastery, whether a Christian or not, hung on his every word and sought his blessing. For Eastern Orthodox Russia, they also look to such a pious man for the mystical communion of the Kingdom of Heaven and earth, particularly in signs and miracles. Thus, when Zosima dies and his body begins to decay those of little or no faith are quick to say that Zosima was not so holy or great because he was not preserved after death. Given the content of Zosima’s homilies, I believe Dostoevsky uses irony in Zosima decaying so quickly to emphasize the secularization and profanation of Russian society in the false believers. The people are turning away from the significance and importance of the religious life, piety, and vigilant, active faith, for a more materialistic, vapid, and empty existence. How true some of Zosima’s homilies ring for us today.
Yet, Zosima had to die because it leads to the growth and release of Alexi. Oh, give me more of Alexi! Ivan and Dmitri I can live without, but I found every scene with dear Alyosha so sharp and meaningful. Alexi is the Elder Zosima reborn into society, outside the monastery. There is no deception, no self aggrandizement, no cheapness in Alyosha: only truth, humility, and genuineness. His interaction with all the other characters, particularly his brothers Dmitri and Ivan, causes them to realize their errors and to face the truth. I rarely felt like he prescribed much at all; rather, he always listened and waited, asking the piercing and necessary question at the exact right moment. In Alexi I see a shining example of Jesus Christ, and his character is one that makes me long to be like him. But I must realize that becoming like Alexi is missing the point because there is not meant to be two Alexis. I realize that I want to become like Christ-revealed in Alexi. I want Christ to work through me and shape me into the man He wants me to be, just as He did with Alexi.
Overall those significant sections throughout the book will lead me back to it again. Due to its length, I do not know if I will read the whole book again; perhaps if I find a better translation. That does not mean that a first time reader should only read the weighty sections. Read the whole thing, and let Dostoevsky reveal something significant to you.