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The Gambler

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'The Gambler' by Fyodor Dostoyevsky is a short novella that delves into the world of gambling, showcasing the destructive force it can have on individuals. The story follows the protagonist, Alexei Ivanovich, a young tutor who becomes obsessed with gambling in an attempt to win enough money to impress the woman he loves. As the narrative unfolds, readers witness the characters' descent into the perils of the roulette wheel, reflecting Dostoyevsky's personal experiences with gambling addiction. The book provides a glimpse into the psychological complexities of human nature, Russian identity, and the allure of risk-taking in both love and finance.

Characters:

The characters are complex and often flawed, with Alexey representing obsession, Polina reflecting unattainable desire, and Granny providing humor and wisdom.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style employs engaging prose with dark humor, psychological insight, and an intimate first-person narration.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative focuses on Alexey Ivanovich's obsession with gambling and its impact on his relationships, particularly with Polina, while exploring themes of addiction and the intertwining of life and love.

Setting:

The setting in a German spa town underscores themes of gambling culture and 19th-century social dynamics.

Pacing:

The pacing is quick, maintaining engagement while occasionally venturing into more intense emotional scenes.
At length I returned from two weeks leave of absence to find that my patrons had arrived three days ago in Roulettenberg. I received from them a welcome quite different to that which I had expected. T...

Notes:

The Gambler was written by Dostoevsky in just 26 days under the pressure of a predatory publishing deal.
Dostoevsky's personal experiences with gambling heavily influenced the novel's themes and characters.
The protagonist, Alexey Ivanovich, is a tutor for a wealthy Russian General's family, adding layers of social commentary.
Dostoevsky explores gambling as a metaphor for addiction, not only in money but in love and life.
The character of Granny is noted as a highlight, being sharp and observant amidst the chaos of gambling.
The story reflects Russian cultural stereotypes from the 19th century, addressing issues of identity and class.
Dostoevsky infuses dark humor and psychological insight into the characters' lives, showcasing the human condition's vulnerabilities.
The depiction of the roulette wheel emphasizes chance and fate, key themes in gambling addiction.
The novel touches on broader societal issues, including the characters' obsession with wealth and status.
Many readers find the character dynamics, particularly the love-hate relationship between Alexey and Polina, compelling despite Alexey's flaws.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book includes themes of gambling addiction, financial ruin, and mental anguish, which may be triggering for some readers.

Has Romance?

There is a medium level of romance present, primarily revolving around Alexey's turbulent feelings for Polina, which are intertwined with themes of obsession.

From The Publisher:

The Gambler is a novel by Fyodor Dostoevsky about a young tutor in the employment of a formerly wealthy Russian General. The novella reflects Dostoevsky's own addiction to roulette, which was in more ways than one the inspiration for the book: Dostoevsky completed the novella under a strict deadline so he could pay off gambling debts.

Ratings (12)

Loved It (5)
Liked It (4)
It Was OK (3)

Reader Stats (29):

Read It (12)
Currently Reading (1)
Want To Read (14)
Did Not Finish (1)
Not Interested (1)
 
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