The Gambler (Alma Classics Evergreens)

by Fyodor Dostoevsky

Constance Garnett (Translator)

In this dark and compelling short novel, Fyodor Dostoevsky tells the story of Alexey Ivanovitch, a young tutor working in the household of an imperious Russian general. Alexey tries to break through the wall of the established order in Russia, but instead becomes mired in the endless downward spiral of betting and loss. His intense and inescapable addiction is accentuated by his affair with the General’s cruel yet seductive niece, Polina. In The Gambler, Dostoevsky reaches the heights of drama with this stunning psychological portrait.

• ISBN10: 0812966937
• ISBN13: 9780812966930
• Publish Date: 8 April 2003 (first published 22 October 1997)
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: US
• Publisher: Random House USA Inc
• Imprint: Modern Library Inc
• Format: Paperback (US Trade)
• Pages: 240
• Language: English
• URL: https://penguinrandomhouse.com/books/isbn/9780812966930

Reviews

[thepunktheory]

The character's are all described very well and the story is credible. It's obvious that Dostojewski is acquainted with gambling otherwise I think he wouldn't have been able to dive into the character of Alexei and write about the addiction so well. From time to time it gets a little heart to follow the emotional acts of the characters, especially when he writes about Polina having a breakdown. However, the story itself is really interesting and the writing style is also pleasant. It was a fascinating read getting soaked into the mind of a gambler. Although the novel was published in 1867 it still is up to date.