This was a small, intriguing novel about the advents occurring around the village and particularly one family. The plot is straightforward enough to follow, but I felt that this particular title did not hold the same majesty as some of Dostoevsky's later, more popular works. Nevertheless, it was a decent read.

3 stars. ( )

Risking banishment from Mother Rus' literary revival tent, I had problems with this novel, which was principally a farce. It forms a pairing with Uncle's Dream and I find both wanting when considering The Eternal Husband.

Considering its comedic trappings Dostoevsky is a bit catty towards Gogol here. The pantomime villain is a Rasputin of letters and all of his epigrams are iced with Gogol. I'm tempted to explore, was it a slight against Fyodor? Was it Gogol's orientation which made him a target or was it his holy roller novocaine?

A college boy comes home to the sticks to find all has went to hell. A charlatan has everyone's ear and he's a Dr. Phil with a social program including teaching the serfs French. The real patriarch of the family is a bit of a buffoon. I thought what ensues is a touch whimsical. I understand that every narrative might not bear the benefit of a nihilist who ponders the morality of political terrorism. Momentarily I'm finding the search for benefit in this novel a challenge. ( )

Dosty, ma che scherzi mi fai? Una pochade?
Ma, il meccanismo è perfetto, i tempi da gran teatro e la satira senza scampo, per quelli che ne sono colpiti. Si ride, ma è un intero mondo che viene messo alla berlina. Rivoluzionario (in senso proprio!) ( )

The Village of Stepanchikovo is less well-known than other works of Dostoevsky's mature period. It was written near the end of his Siberian exile yet, despite that, was basically a farcical comedy. The abundant humor and small size combines to make it an entertaining work that is worthy as either an introduction to the author or a light entertainment for readers who have already encountered the masterful novels of his maturity. If it is read with the expectation that it will simply amuse and entertain you it will succeed. At least it did for this reader. ( )

Who says that Dostoyevsky can't be funny? THE VILLAGE OF STEPANCHIKOVO was trashed by many critics when it was first published who found it trivial when compared to his other work. I thought it was delightful.