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Classic FictionHas anyone here read Dostoevsky's Demons?
Posted January 19, 2022 by BigBoud in Books

I'm hooked. So much in it that feels relevant to our time, like the death of nations discussion ("It is a sign of the decay of nations when they begin to hold gods in common."), the amorality of Stavrogin and the description of the young radicals (paraphrase, but "their biggest shame is having their own opinions" - doesn't that sound familiar?).

Roughly halfway through and I know I will need to read it at least once more to fully get it, but I wonder if anyone here has read it and has any thoughts on it? It seems to be hard to get hold of in physical copy so must be a bit out of favour and overshadowed by his other works. Perhaps it's seen as a bit old hat as it mostly foreshadows the Russian Revolution - but I think it holds some fundamental truths about all revolutions, and given it feels like we're living through a thought revolution...

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somegenerichandleSeptember 30, 2024

I actually have not gotten into her. I had her first book on my list for awhile. I just got Novik's Deadly on my Libby last night. And i am about half way through The Voice by Le Guin.

I'm not particularly sure by what you mean by 'flat.' But, too much worrying about being perfectly accurate when you are writing fantasy is crazy. I mean big things, like GRRM not knowing how long it takes to get a fire going on, is sad and distracting. But, details of folktales--- folktales that are subverted by many authors... what is the point?

I do kind of worry. For something i am writing, i choose all biblical or Hebrew names and base their personalities and actions largely on their names. So if i am told i am not allowed to use them it's gonna change everything. I wasn't going to do too much religious stuff initially, but i do want to set up one of the countries as a theocracy now. I think i actually sort of figured out what i am going to do for the 3rd act miscommunication tho.

VestalVirginOctober 1, 2024

How long does it take to get a fire going? (The prospect of knowing more than GRRM is tempting.)

somegenerichandleOctober 1, 2024

Around 20 mins. It depends of course. That's even with a lighter and fuel.

VestalVirginOctober 1, 2024

Thanks! How long does it take GRRM's characters, then? I don't suppose they have lighters.🤔

somegenerichandleOctober 1, 2024

No they don't. In the first Cat chapter she starts a full on fire in order to burn a letter.