Customer Rating: 
Summary: A nice introduction to a difficult book.
Comment: I haven't read much by Dostoyevsky which I've always considered above and beyond me. And so, the sleek thinness of the book allowed me to be less intimiated.
I read the whole book, without reading the intro, just to see how it would go. I found that the seperate sections were very specific and I was able to follow Dostoyevsky's line of thought for once. His use of using the characters to represent political and social issues, in the Catholic view from the Western and Eastern perspecitve was very modern and fascinating. Despite its small stature, it took me a good while to go through it. I read it very carefully and gradually because you just can't read anything by Dostyevsky fast, otherwise, as I've learned, you won't get anything out of it.
I then read Guignon's introduction which further enhanced my understanding and appreciation. It propelled me to read the whole thing again and I got even more out of it. I know I will be reading this book again, in the very near future. In fact, this book incites the desire to read the whole book, because you don't know how it all began and ended.
It's a great introduction to not only the whole book but to Dostoyevsky's style and insight into the human condition in the modern world. It is not just Russian and Orthodox views that he questions but Western influence and its role as well. It's just worth the time and effort it takes to read it and trying to understand it.
Customer Rating:
Summary: An interesting Christian view
Comment: This book is a collection of select chapters from "The Brothers Karamazov."There is a lengthy introduction that explains in detail the author's philosophy and how it is revealed in each of the four chapters presented here.
"The Brothers Make Friends" is simply here to introduce the two brothers Ivan and Alyosha. Ivan is the Europeanized lover of science, and Alyosha is the young Romantic. Dostoevsky uses his characters as representatives of different worldviews, and develops action in such a way to show how each worldview could be flawed.
In "Rebellion," Ivan's character is developed as he reveals his disdain at the suffering of children and how cruel it seems since they are without sin. Ivan says that he realizes there is suffering and that no one is responsible. This shocks him because he values order, and yet there seems to be no justice in the world.
In "The Grand Inquisitor" chapter, Ivan tells a fable based in the Spanish Inquisition in which the Catholic Inquistor judges Christ, who has returned. He condemns Christ to death saying he valued freedom of faith over mankind's happiness (in ignorance of freedom).
This small book concludes with the incredible story of Father Zossima. In the "Russian Monk," Dostoevsky explains the old Russian, holistic vision of sobornost (love of the entire world and one's taking responsibilty for the sins of all). In this worldview, if all choose to follow it, all will serve all and the world will be a paradise.
Dostoevsky's storytelling is very emotional, and not so much picturesque. But there is so much impact in his words and message! This book is one of my all-time favorites, and I cannot wait to read "The Brothers Karamazov" in its entirity. This, probably, could also serve as a great introduction to Dostoevsky.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Definitely worth a look
Comment: Guignon's essay is borne out of and reflects such a genuine enthusiasm that it's ultimately worthwhile to read it just for fun even if you happen to disagree with his interpretation of the fable. It certainly provoked me into returning to and re-reading Dostoevsky's tale.
