Dostoyevsky, or The Flood of Language

Julia Kristeva, who was raised in Bulgaria, defied her father's order not to read Dostoyevsky and went on to become a key figure in European intellectual life. She explores the themes of God, otherness, violence, eroticism, the mother, the father, and language in her book, combining her analysis with her recollections of Dostoyevsky's significance in different intellectual moments. Rowan Williams' foreword reflects on the importance of Kristeva's reading of Dostoyevsky for his own understanding of religious writing.

Format: Hardback
Length: 112 pages
Publication date: 28 December 2021
Publisher: Columbia University Press

Growing up in Bulgaria,Julia Kristeva faced a stern warning from her father not to delve into the works of Fyodor Dostoyevsky. Undeterred by her father's orders, Kristeva embarked on a captivating journey into the realm of Dostoyevsky's literature. "Of course, as usual," she reminisces, "I disobeyed paternal commands and plunged into Dosto. Dazzled, overwhelmed, engulfed."

Kristeva's journey would ultimately lead her to become one of the most influential figures in European intellectual circles. However, her fascination with Dostoyevsky's writing would persist, haunting and captivating her over and over again. In this profound book, Kristeva embarks on a comprehensive exploration of Dostoyevsky's work, delving into its intricate themes and profound impact on her own thinking.

Through a meticulous reading of Dostoyevsky's major novels and shorter works, Kristeva offers incandescent insights into the core themes that continue to draw her back to the Russian master. These themes include the profound exploration of God, the concept of otherness, the devastating consequences of violence, the intricate dance between eroticism and morality, the complex relationship between mothers and fathers, and the very essence of language itself.

Kristeva's analysis is both personal and erudite, interweaving her intellectual insights with her recollections of Dostoyevsky's significance at different junctures in intellectual history. She reflects on the rediscovery of Bakhtin in the thaw-era Eastern Bloc, the heated debates over poststructuralism in 1960s France, and the ongoing discussions about the notion that "everything is permitted" in today's world.

Brilliant and vivid, this book is a treasure for admirers of both Julia Kristeva and Fyodor Dostoyevsky. It also features an illuminating foreword by Rowan Williams, who delves into the profound influence of Kristeva's reading of Dostoyevsky on his own understanding of religious writing.

In conclusion, "Reading Dostoyevsky" is a remarkable exploration of the enduring power of Dostoyevsky's writing, offering readers a deep and enriching journey into the mind of one of the greatest literary giants of all time. Through Kristeva's insightful analysis and personal reflections, this book provides a profound testament to the enduring relevance and significance of Dostoyevsky's work, resonating with readers across generations and intellectual disciplines.

Weight: 292g
Dimension: 147 x 223 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231203326