Border Bookworms: The Double By Fyodor Dostoyevsky.

More Like Double Dutch!

.... Hailed as a masterpiece by some, branded unreadable by others, this early novella from the famed Russian author is a real 'marmite' read. In it, Dostoyevsky chronicles Mr Goldyakins' alarming descent into madness.Yakov Petrovich Goldyakin, a minor office worker, is ground down by the demands of a highly ordered, bureaucratic society in late 19th century Russia. Essentially the main character struggles to find and express his own identity, meeting his double who is exactly like him and yet exactly the opposite of him. Goldyakin junior is everything Goldyakin senior wishes he could be. The reader is left unsure as to whether the double really exists or is just part of the protagonists physcosis, a projection of his inner turmoil. The love hate relationship that develops between the two main characters demonstrates Mr Goldyakin senior's paranoia, he is convinced everyone is plotting against him.

... The book is full of long monologues in which Goldyakin senior uses the first, second and, occasionally, third person highlighting his almost manic state of mind. He becomes more and more anxious as the story unfolds, because he feels driven to wear a mask or false identity in public. The way in which the narrative jumps around excentuates his growing anxiety and loss of sanity.

Although this is a short book it is a demanding read and skimming is not an option. The repetition of long Russian names takes a lot of getting used to and can detract from the plot. This was by no means a page turner but a worthwhile read and for the two Hussies who finished it, a great feeling of achievement. Interestingly, the novella is structured to mirror events, each scene having its own double.

There are two scenes with Mr Goldyakin and the Dr, two scenes are set around carriage rides and two scenes depict the main character being ejected from an event. It would probably be worthwhile reading another version of this Russian tale.

.... Although Dostoyevsky himself felt the novella didn't work, it has been turned into a movie, written and directed by Richard Ayoade, it is due for release in 2014.

.... We met at Vercelllis Italian restaurant in Hexham to discuss The Double, a vast cavernous interior totally transformed several years ago from a filthy pit into a trendy modern space. Tastefully colour coordinated in shades of coffee ( brown), the restaurant felt clean and fresh, its wooden furnishings made it a little echoey but this added a vibrance to the atmosphere. The food was good and the service efficient and friendly. The portions were huge leaving no room for pudding or coffee. At £17 per head for half a starter and a main course this wasnt a particularly cheap night out but it seemed quite reasonable value.