Notes from Underground

By: Fyodor Dostoevsky

Narrated by: George Guidall

"I am a sick man...I am a spiteful man", a nameless voice cries out. And so, from underground, emerge the passionate confessions of a suffering man; the painful self-examination of a tormented soul; the bristling scorn of a lonely individual who has become one of the greatest anti-heroes in all literature.

Notes from Underground reveals Fyodor Dostoevsky on the threshold of genius, discovering the ideas that would later lead him to create his most monumental novels: Crime and Punishment, The Idiot, and The Brothers Karamazov. Those who are familiar with his works will immediately recognize the novel's richly complex philosophical, political, and psychological themes; those who are not will find in their hands the best introduction to Dostoevsky's grander masterpieces.

Notes from Underground will deepen your understanding of a giant among writers of world literature - a man who continues to influence the greatest thinkers and writers in the Western world today.

Public Domain (P)1995 Recorded Books

The beginning of existentialism?

I love Dostoevsky’s storytelling. How he takes a simple person and peels them back layer by layer into complex and relatable characters that remain with you. He explores in a fascinating manner human nature and psychology. The beginning is tough, but the ending delivers.

Must read!

Masterpiece! One of the greatest books ever written. Not really a novel though… more like a “stream of consciousness.” But what insights though! Great short listen. 👍🏾

An enthralling look at human weakness

A two part novella. First, an embittered essay on forced social rationalism vs chaotic individual freedom. Second, the tale of an intellectual ruined by his neurotic self-obsessions.
Excellent.

Fantastic

One of the best audiobooks I've listened to yet. Powerful writing by Dostoevsky and wonderful presentation by Guidall.

Confusing

Not a story at all really. More like a man drowning in a sea of distraught reflections. Certainly talented writing. Felt almost like the author was toying with the reader in some ways. It was forgivable though bc the head snapping turns of internal dialogue on paper seemed to reflect an inner desperation rarely put to paper. Not sure if I’ll try Dostoevsky again. Perhaps so, though not positive what one gains from all the emo-mental acrobatics.