This book is a dramatized biography of Fyodor Dostoevsky's life with fictional dialog. So it doesn't read like a typical biography, but more like a movie novella. Events in Dostoevsky are strung together with dialogue crafted by Peter Leithart, and this makes the book a very quick and easy read for people custom to reading fiction novels. I'm more interested in biography or autobiography, so I didn't realize that this was the format, and wouldn't normally read a book in this style. Events in Dostoevsky's life are tied together with dialogue and then quoted as if part of the author's fictionalized voice.

There are many interesting discussions about socialism, serfdom and mother Russia that I greatly appreciated. Leithart's dialogue helped the book move quickly, and the suffering of Dostoevsky is brought quickly into a vivid image due to the dialogue. Unfortunately, I feel that due to the format, that genius of Dostoevsky's writing isn't communicated because the focus is more on the man, and the man isn't the man apart from his writings. Otherwise he is a washed up fool, stuck in a complicated world and abused by people around him. However, its those situations that gave Dostoevsky the fodder he needed and the time to write the magnificent works that he is famous for have written.

I actually enjoyed the book for its genre, since its not one I would normally choose, and it is the format of the entire "Christian Encounter's" Series. Peter Leithart has already contributed a similar novella about Jane Austin.

If youre looking for a light read, then I highly recommend this quick primer on Dostoevsky, but this is no replacement for a full biography on this genius Russian man.

If you read one book by Leithart, don't read this one, but rather read "Defending Constantine".

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

By: Wyatt Houtz