The Gambler

[Zissou]

I really enjoyed The Gambler.  The main thing I found in it was Dosts. criticisim of his own countrymen.  Alexis at the very point that Polina comes to him for comfort decides in a frenzy to start playing roulette and despite his big winnings he has lost her as becomes evident quickly after.  It says to me they cannot see what is in front of them and always finding a way to be punished.

We see evidence of this from Mr Astley the bystander if you will.  He is the one who sees everything clearly.

I guess D was frustrated by what he saw in his society and with himself perhaps.

The relationships between the characters were as always superbly crafted.  The one between Alexis and Madm. Blanche made me curious.  I think he was looking for acceptance more than anything at that stage.

The novel had the feel of a play I felt with very definate acts.  It was a very quick and easy read too.  The psychology and detail of the relationships are crafted so well its crazy to think he just knocked this up to order!

[Worm]

good post

i find The Gambler a nice start to go into the larger books of his oeuvre.

[Zissou]

For sure.  After finishing The Gambler it made me hungry for more so I have now started The Idiot.  I feel good things are on the horizon with this one.

[poor knight]

I'd have to say Zissou that you made a good choice in starting the Idiot after the Gambler. I read the Gambler some time ago so I can't remember all the names, but FD wrote it just before working on the Idiot. And I think you will find that many of the Gambler characters are great early sketches of some of the characters in The Idiot. You'll recognize Nastasha Philipovna, Mrs. Yepanchin, Aglaya and Rogozhin among other of the lesser characters in people you have just read. I'd be very interested in hearing what you think as you work through the Idiot. Especially how the character of Nastasha Philipovna compares to (I think) Polina.

And wasn't the book just plain hilarious at points? I really realized after reading The Gambler, what a wit FD has.

[highseas]

     I was to glad to hear the comments about FD's sense of humor.  Many times have I been amused by the wit that  rises from his prose.  FD definitely knew how to lighten things up ,usually when the reader isn't expecting it and suddenly finds himself chuckling.

[Zissou]

Talkin about D's sense of humour I find it really refreshing and often very funny to read his quicks wits and banter here and there.  In The Gambler "jawohl" scene with the Baroness comes to mind.  Also I found Alexis's little comments about killing the Frenchman and such were very humerious.  It is something D is not well known for but it very good at.

Talkin bout The Idiot and characters I am not far in yet but already I can understand some of the similarities you mention.  Natashya is a very complex individual.

I am just now at the part where Myshkin is having lunch with Madame Myshkin and her 3 daughters.  Even this early there is so many strands to pick up but Im keeping notes so i dont get lost.