About this Book

*Crime and Punishment* by Fyodor Dostoevsky, published in 1866, is a psychological and philosophical masterpiece that delves into the depths of guilt, redemption, and the moral consequences of crime. Set in the grim and oppressive streets of St. Petersburg, the novel follows the mental and emotional turmoil of Rodion Raskolnikov, a young and impoverished former student grappling with existential questions and his radical moral theories.

The novel opens with Raskolnikov living in a squalid, cramped room, consumed by an idea that some individuals—"extraordinary" men—are above moral law and possess the right to commit crimes if it serves a greater societal good. Driven by this theory, he murders Alyona Ivanovna, a greedy and exploitative pawnbroker, to test his hypothesis and to rid society of a "useless parasite." In the process, he also kills her innocent sister Lizaveta, an unintended victim who walks in on the crime.

Following the murder, Raskolnikov becomes haunted by guilt and paranoia. His psychological torment intensifies as he navigates interactions with friends and family, including his loyal friend Razumikhin and his self-sacrificing sister Dunya. The figure of Porfiry Petrovich, the astute investigator who suspects Raskolnikov’s guilt but seeks to reform him rather than punish him, adds to the moral and philosophical tension of the narrative.

The arrival of Sonia Marmeladov, a devout and humble prostitute forced into her situation by poverty, introduces the theme of redemption. Sonia’s unwavering faith and compassion lead Raskolnikov to confront his moral failings and his flawed theory of superiority. In a climactic confession scene, Raskolnikov ultimately surrenders to the authorities and accepts his punishment—eight years in a Siberian prison. Sonia follows him there, symbolizing the redemptive power of faith and love.

*Crime and Punishment* explores deep philosophical questions about morality, free will, and the nature of justice. Dostoevsky’s exploration of psychological realism, combined with intense moral and existential inquiry, cements the novel as one of the greatest achievements of world literature. Its enduring themes of guilt, redemption, and the search for moral truth continue to resonate with readers globally.