intertext

Interesting. I like the double meaning of "peculiar." In Marri's and my translation, Book I is called "A Nice Little Family," and the sarcasm is clear. The primary reason I chose this translation is that its critics claim that it has restored to the novel the modernity and versatility, as well as the flavour of humor, inherent in Dostoevsky's use of language. My teacher of Russian lit told his students that this novel is considered extremely challenging for translators because Dostoevsky's language is so vivid and because he employs so many voices and styles within the work. I think you're reading the Andrew R. McAndrew version? Also supposed to be good. And isn't that a great name . . . ?

I am really enjoying it so far, and you're right about the narrator. The style of language clearly distinguishes him from the author, whose style is represented (and perhaps for that reason?) in the preface.

Alyosha fascinates me--his refusal to judge others is presented as a strength which yet will always be seen as a weakness. It is also a contrast to all around him. Everyone is judging everyone else in life, the novel seems to be hinting, and certainly the people in this book are presented in light of their many judgments. Marriage prospects are judged (and sentenced); parents and guardians are judged; children are judged and either helped or hindered; Grigory judges Karamazov's wives and condemns one and defends the other, and the narrator judges all. Yet Alyosha stands apart.