Translation of third part of Бѣсы (Бесы in post-reform Russian), or Bésy.

Release date is 2024-07-23

Juhani Kärkkäinen and Tapio Riikonen

"Riivaajat 3/3" by Fyodor Dostoyevsky is a novel written in the late 19th century. This intricate work continues the exploration of social, psychological, and political themes that permeate Dostoyevsky's oeuvre, particularly focusing on the moral dilemmas faced by individuals and the chaotic interplay of societal forces. Central to this narrative is the character of Julija Mihailovna, as her plans for a grand celebration unfold amidst underlying tensions and potential scandal. At the start of the novel, the scene is set for a significant festive event organized by Julija Mihailovna, despite an atmosphere charged with ambiguity and cynicism among the attendees. The narrative intricately weaves through the expectations of the guests, the chaos of their interactions, and the tension building around Julija, whose lack of awareness of the brewing discontent underscores the disconnect between her ambitions and the underlying social reality. As the celebration begins, various societal types are drawn to the occasion, leading to a palpable sense of anticipation, yet also foreshadowing impending disruption marked by humorous exchanges and critical commentary on the behaviors exhibited by the attendees. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Originally published: Helsinki: Otava, 1928