Dostoievski îndrăgostit

Alex Christofi tells Dostoievski’s life through his three great loves. He also traces the lives of the women he loved. Epilepsy and his need to gamble harmed these bonds. This life story reads like a novel. It is for readers of his work, both old and new.

As a young man, Dostoievski sought to overthrow those in power. He faced a death sentence but survived a staged execution. He then lived in exile in Siberia. Later, he lived through unrest over who should rule Russia. He went on to join the tsar’s close circle. Through these times, he wrote stories, articles and novels.

Christofi weaves parts of Dostoievski’s work into the events of his time. The book moves from prison camps in Siberia to gambling rooms across Europe. It also visits prison cells and Saint Petersburg’s grand salons. The portrait shows a shy man in love who cared deeply for others. He was a loyal brother and friend. He felt for those who suffered. He also had keen insight into how people think and feel.

Christofi is a British writer who once worked as a literary agent. He is now editorial director at Transworld Publishers. He writes for the press, as well as essays and short fiction. Readers can find his books in twelve languages. The Times and The Sunday Times chose this as a nonfiction book of the year. It reached the final stage of the Slightly Foxed Best First Biography Prize. Petru Iamandi translated this edition from English. It is part of the Anansi Mentor collection.