The Possessed (Demons) — Fyodor Dostoyevsky

Description

Fyodor Dostoyevsky's 1872 political novel, also known as Demons: a provincial Russian town is thrown into chaos by a small group of revolutionary conspirators led by the magnetic, amoral Pyotr Verhovensky — a searing, prophetic portrait of ideology curdling into fanaticism and violence.

Author: Fyodor Dostoyevsky

Genre: Fiction / Russian Literature / Political Fiction

Excerpt

IN UNDERTAKING to describe the recent and strange incidents in our town, till lately wrapped in uneventful obscurity, I find myself forced in absence of literary skill to begin my story rather far back, that is to say, with certain biographical details concerning that talented and highly-esteemed gentleman, Stepan Trofimovitch Verhovensky. I trust that these details may at least serve as an introduction, while my projected story itself will come later.

I will say at once that Stepan Trofimovitch had always filled a particular rôle among us, that of the progressive patriot, so to say, and he was passionately fond of playing the part—so much so that I really believe he could not have existed without it.