Fyodor Dostoyevsky's The Idiot follows Prince Myshkin, a man of pure goodness navigating a corrupt society that mistakes kindness for weakness. Through Myshkin's interactions with scheming aristocrats and damaged souls, Dostoyevsky explores whether virtue can survive in a world built on deception and self-interest. The novel becomes a profound meditation on innocence, suffering, and whether it's possible to live authentically in a fundamentally dishonest world.

WHY WE PICKED IT: Because Dostoyevsky understood that the truly wise are often labeled idiots by those who value cunning over integrity. This novel reminds us that goodness isn't naive, it's radical, and that the people who refuse to compromise are often the ones who suffer most.

DETAILS: • Author: Fyodor Dostoyevsky • Publisher: Vintage • Format: Paperback • Publication Date: July 8, 2003 • ISBN: 9780375702242 • Ships direct from distributor in 3–7 business days