Basically what the title says: Is there any fiction book you’ve ever read that has emotionally or intellectually connected with you so much it changed the way you viewed the world, changed the way you viewed yourself or changed the way you viewed life (your own or in general)?

If so…

  • What book was it?
  • Why did it connect so well with you?
  • How did it make you feel?
  • And how did it change you?

Just to emphasize, I’m solely asking about works of fiction here. So nothing like reading just an academic book on philosophy or a self-help book or something.

  • Otherwise_Ad233@alien.topB
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    10 months ago

    I told my high school English teacher I wanted a book with angst, so he told me to read Crime and Punishment.

    I’d never read a book that was a classic and over a century old that gave me so much catharsis. I related to Raskolnikov’s anxiety, I needed Razumikhin’s humor, I loved Dounia’s independence, and Sonia’s grace. The villains made me rage and the heroes gave me hope.

    He was a great teacher.

    • tashmashsmash@alien.topB
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      10 months ago

      My first Dostoyevsky book too. I have now read them all. The idiot in my opinion is even move human with its zany cast of insane millionaires. Nastasia is such a well written broken person it is amazing. The brother kazamarov is no different with the amazing contrast between the different brothers. Alyosha is my favourite fictional character ever written hands down. Notes from the underground and winter nights are honourable mentions as well.

      Demons though. Yeah. And if you want a 10 ish page bullshit story read Bobok by him as well.

    • vinnieln@alien.topB
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      10 months ago

      The wonderful thing about Dostoyevsky and many writers from the past is that they still are great teachers. And that’s a heck of a legacy. Wondering how long their teachings will remain valuable and worthwhile…

    • catgotcha@alien.topB
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      10 months ago

      I used to joke that the one condition I had for anyone who wanted to marry me was that they must have read that book and liked it.

      My wife hasn’t read it, but that’s another story. It’s still my absolute favourite book from one of my favourite classic Russian novelists.