Crime and Punishment
Recommended. Age: 18+. A Catholic review of this book for parents.
Our review
A poor student named Raskolnikov does a terrible thing. He kills two women and thinks he can get away with it. His heart will not let him rest. A kind girl named Sonya reads him the Bible and helps him tell the truth. This is a story of sin, conscience and repentance, and one of the great novels. The murderer finds no peace until he confesses, and a suffering girl with the Gospel leads him there. Age 18, set by the Good Books for Catholic Kids adult placement. It includes two axe murders, a suicide, heavy drinking, and a girl forced into prostitution.
For parents
Age 18, set by the Good Books for Catholic Kids adult placement. Expect axe murders, a suicide and forced prostitution. The villain Svidrigailov is engaged to a 15-year-old and dreams of a child with a depraved, seductive look. The book shows both as his corruption. Ask: why does Sonya read Raskolnikov the raising of Lazarus?