The Gambler

Translated and with an introduction by Andrew R. MacAndrew

Dostoevsky's short novel is told in the first person by a young man, Alexei, who is addicted to gambling. Its story of passion and despair is based on Dostoevsky's own experience as a compulsive gamblerbut Dostoevsky was able to break away, whereas Alexei vows to quit as soon as he breaks evenan event, it is clear, that will never happen.

Like so many other characters in Dostoeveky's novels, Alexei is trying to break through the wall of the established order and the human condition itself. But instead he is drawn into the roulette wheel's vortex.