The crocodile" by Fyodor Dostoyevsky

Mandar's book review (11th Jun 2017)

"The crocodile" by Fyodor Dostoyevsky. This execution of the book is published by  CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform in 2014 and has 42 pages. 

This is a short story. Ivan Matveich has obtained permission to go abroad for vacation. Ivan, his wife Ilena Ivanovna and his friend, the author, visit a crocodile displayed by a German. Somehow the crocodile swallows Ivan whole. But he remains alive inside crocodile.

How can he come out? Will the German agree to kill the crocodile? Will he get support from authorities, friends and family?

The story takes place in 1865 Russia. This outs a black satire. Swallowing of a man by a crocodile is used symbolically rather than literally. The story is developed using this as a trigger. 

Reactions of various stake holders are symbolic. The German sees this as an opportunity to increase ticket prices and refuses to kill the crocodile. On further coaxing he puts forth ridiculous conditions for sale. His friend, Timothy, wants to know how he can afford trip abroad. He thinks his wife is very good looking. He argues that Principles of economics should come before everything and opposes killing of crocodile. He wants to know why Ivan entered a private property, crocodile, without permission. He is jealous, happy and a little bit worried at the same time. Author wants to find out if Ivan can be considered 'on duty' while he is inside the crocodile. On one hand he wants to help his friend and on the other he is attracted to his wife.

Ivan starts dreaming of fame due to his special situation and becoming a philosopher. He wants to provide anecdotes to the news papers daily. His wife is thinking of a divorce when she comes to know about his grand plans and immediately starts dreaming of her life of fame.

News papers report varied stories from 'A man ate whole crocodile' to 'A man jumped into crocodile' to 'Animal rights should be protected'.

This story is author's take on the prevalent situation of the society. Its a commentary on the bureaucracy, opportunism, Russia's quest to become at par with Europe, curiosity about free society, market driven economics, forbidden but enticing bourgeoisie etc.

Author has created a masterpiece out of an improbable incident to make a comment on the society. Its a very small book but it packs a punch. 

Why did I read this book? Fyodor Dostoyevsky. 

What I didn't like? Length. 

What did I like? The punch.

A must read. 

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