A Curse on Dostoevsky

A Novel

Fiction & Literature, Cultural Heritage, Psychological, Literary
Cover of the book A Curse on Dostoevsky by Atiq Rahimi, Other Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Atiq Rahimi ISBN: 9781590515488
Publisher: Other Press Publication: March 4, 2014
Imprint: Other Press Language: English
Author: Atiq Rahimi
ISBN: 9781590515488
Publisher: Other Press
Publication: March 4, 2014
Imprint: Other Press
Language: English

Reading Dostoevsky in Afghanistan becomes “crime without punishment”

Rassoul remembers reading Crime and Punishment as a student of Russian literature in Leningrad, so when, with axe in hand, he kills the wealthy old lady who prostitutes his beloved Sophia, he thinks twice before taking her money or killing the woman whose voice he hears from another room. He wishes only to expiate his crime and be rightfully punished. Out of principle, he gives himself up to the police. But his country, after years of civil war, has fallen into chaos. In Kabul there is only violence, absurdity, and deafness, and Rassoul’s desperate attempt to be heard turns into a farce.

This is a novel that not only flirts with literature but also ponders the roles of sin, guilt, and redemption in the Muslim world. At once a nostalgic ode to the magic of Persian tales and a satire on the dire reality of now, A Curse on Dostoevsky also portrays the resilience and wit of Afghani women, an aspect of his culture that Rahimi never forgets.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Reading Dostoevsky in Afghanistan becomes “crime without punishment”

Rassoul remembers reading Crime and Punishment as a student of Russian literature in Leningrad, so when, with axe in hand, he kills the wealthy old lady who prostitutes his beloved Sophia, he thinks twice before taking her money or killing the woman whose voice he hears from another room. He wishes only to expiate his crime and be rightfully punished. Out of principle, he gives himself up to the police. But his country, after years of civil war, has fallen into chaos. In Kabul there is only violence, absurdity, and deafness, and Rassoul’s desperate attempt to be heard turns into a farce.

This is a novel that not only flirts with literature but also ponders the roles of sin, guilt, and redemption in the Muslim world. At once a nostalgic ode to the magic of Persian tales and a satire on the dire reality of now, A Curse on Dostoevsky also portrays the resilience and wit of Afghani women, an aspect of his culture that Rahimi never forgets.

More books from Other Press

Cover of the book I'll Be Right There by Atiq Rahimi
Cover of the book Madonna in a Fur Coat by Atiq Rahimi
Cover of the book The Dangers of Proximal Alphabets by Atiq Rahimi
Cover of the book The Silver Swan by Atiq Rahimi
Cover of the book Any Means Necessary by Atiq Rahimi
Cover of the book Article 353 by Atiq Rahimi
Cover of the book I Sold Andy Warhol (Too Soon) by Atiq Rahimi
Cover of the book What You Don't Know You Know by Atiq Rahimi
Cover of the book Moonlight Serenade (historical romance) by Atiq Rahimi
Cover of the book Putnam Camp by Atiq Rahimi
Cover of the book Tightrope by Atiq Rahimi
Cover of the book The Secret in Their Eyes by Atiq Rahimi
Cover of the book Willful Disregard by Atiq Rahimi
Cover of the book We're Flying by Atiq Rahimi
Cover of the book Our Man in Tehran by Atiq Rahimi
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy