I'd love to hear thoughts about Crime & Punishment. After reading some reviews on the internet, I'm leary about my 14 year old rhetoric student read this book. Honestly, had we not joined a TOG co-op, I would not have chosen this for her.

Thank you,
Teresa in NC
coffeebean1964 at gmail dot com

My 16yod did very well with this book. I don't recall it going deeply into yucky stuff. She is sensitive but strong. I do understand the desire for caution for a 14yo. I think the teacher notes for this were great.

Have you read the book itself? I think I'd do that and think about it and my child.

As an aside, I remember my dh reading this a long time ago and getting angry about a letter the mother writers her son. In the narration proceeding the letter it is described as two pages of large handwriting. In his paperback the letter went on and on for pages. He got so annoyed with this discrepancy he tore the pages out of his book. This was his only complaint. I don't think you should draw any conclusions from this (other than overly logical types maybe annoyed.)

I'm looking forward to reading this myself this year. Dostoevsky is often read in religious groups because of the content of his books. (Although usually the Brothers Karamazov is read.)

Teresa, just a thought... reviews on the internet can be quite mixed and may give a very inaccurate idea of the work they are reviewing. My suggestion would be that you read a plot summary instead (SparkNotes has a good one, or you could read the even more extensive one that we provide in the Literature Supplement at the end of Week 30). I'd advise you to look at that and then perhaps skim through the class plans for that book and also read the warnings for it in the Glances (which will alert you to any yucky stuff). That way I think you'd be pretty well informed about the book, but wouldn't have to read the whole thing yourself if you lack the time. :-)

I'm sure the Holy Spirit will guide you in your decision! God bless!

Christy Somerville
Staff Author
Director for Rhetoric Literature Studies
Lampstand Press