The Gambler

 

Title The Gambler
Author Fyodor Dostoyevsky
Genre Classic, Fiction, Literary Fiction, Philosophical, Political, Psychological, Realism, Social, Tragedy
Format Digital

 

+ 100 Total Pages

Read it on All Devices

+ 1,000 Active Readers

 

Book Description

The Gambler (1867) is a gripping psychological novel by Fyodor Dostoyevsky, inspired by his own struggles with gambling addiction. The story follows Alexei Ivanovich, a tutor in a wealthy Russian family, who becomes consumed by the thrill of gambling while navigating a tumultuous love affair with the enigmatic Polina. Set in the fictional German town of Roulettenburg, the novel explores the allure of risk, the destructive power of obsession, and the psychological depths of addiction. Written under the pressure of debt, The Gambler is a fast-paced and intense exploration of human weakness and fate.

 

About Author

Fyodor Dostoyevsky

Fyodor Dostoyevsky (1821–1881) was a Russian novelist, philosopher, and journalist, widely regarded as one of the greatest literary figures of all time. His works explore themes of psychology, morality, free will, redemption, and the human struggle with faith.

Born in Moscow, Dostoyevsky initially trained as an engineer but turned to writing, gaining early success with Poor Folk(1846). However, his involvement in radical political circles led to his arrest and a death sentence, which was commuted to exile and hard labor in Siberia. This experience deeply shaped his later works, infusing them with existential and religious themes.

His major novels include Crime and Punishment, The Idiot, Demons (also known as The Possessed), and The Brothers Karamazov, each dealing with profound philosophical and psychological dilemmas. Dostoyevsky’s exploration of human nature, suffering, and redemption has made his works enduringly influential in literature, philosophy, and psychology.