The Gambler

Fyodor Dostoyevsky

Beschreibung

The Gambler is a short novel by Fyodor Dostoyevsky about a young tutor in the employment of a formerly wealthy Russian general. The novella reflects Dostoyevsky's own addiction to roulette, which was in more ways than one the inspiration for the book: Dostoyevsky completed the novella under a strict deadline to pay off gambling debts.

The first-person narrative is told from the point of view of Alexei Ivanovich, a tutor working for a Russian family living in a suite at a German hotel. The patriarch of the family, The General, is indebted to the Frenchman Des Grieux and has mortgaged his property in Russia to pay only a small amount of his debt. Upon learning of the illness of his wealthy aunt, "Grandmother", he sends streams of telegrams to Moscow and awaits the news of her demise. His expected inheritance will pay his debts and gain Mademoiselle De Cominges's hand in marriage.

One day while Polina and Alexei are on a walk they see a Baron and Baroness. Polina dares him to insult the aristocratic couple and he does so with little hesitation. This sets off a chain of events that details Madame de Cominges's interest in the General and gets Alexei fired as tutor of the General's children. Shortly after this, Grandmother shows up and surprises the whole party of debtors and indebted. She tells them all that she knows all about the General's debt and why the French man and woman are waiting around the suite day after day. She leaves the party of death-profiteers by saying that none of them are getting any of her money. She then asks Alexei to be her guide around the town famous for its healing waters and infamous for its casino where the tables are stacked with piles of gold; she wants to gamble.

Alexei starts to gamble to survive. One day he passes Mr. Astley on a park bench in Bad Homburg and has a talk with him. He finds out from Astley that Polina is in Switzerland and actually does love him. Astley gives him some money but shows little hope that he will not use it for gambling. Alexei goes home dreaming of going to Switzerland the next day and recollects what made him win at the roulette tables in the past.

Verfügbar seit: 19.12.2023.

Drucklänge: 243 Seiten.

Zeitgenössische Romane

Weitere Bücher, die Sie mögen werden

A Murder in Marylebone

Emily Sullivan

The world is changing at the dawn of the twentieth century, but respectable English families still dread a public scandal. So Minnie agrees to accompany her reckless sister, Delia, for a night on the town with her Bohemian friends. The evening involves a raucous house party, a visit to a fortune-teller, and an encounter with a flirtatious baron, but none of that unsettles Minnie more than running into Stephen Dorian, her former employer in Corfu, who stirs in her a mix of resentment and attraction.Soon after, Delia discovers the body of her rumored beau in his own home, and Minnie insists on playing by the rules and informing the police. After all, fleeing the scene could suggest Delia is guilty of more than an improper late-night rendezvous . . .When the sisters return to the townhouse, their parents, dreading the threat of gossip, insist that Minnie help clear Delia's name. Her discreet investigation will take her back into Delia's decadent circle and have her crossing paths again with the baron—a collector of antiques—and the infuriating Stephen Dorian. But her new social life is soon overshadowed by dangerous intrigue that leads her to question even her own past . . .

Zum Buch

Shadow of the Alchemist

Jeri Westerson

The Tracker takes the case of a French alchemist who is targeted for his secrets in this mystery set in the gritty streets of fourteenth century London. 
 
 
 
After losing his knighthood, Crispin Guest has found a new calling as the Tracker, a private investigator who can locate anything—or anyone. Now famed French alchemist Nicholas Flamel needs Crispin to locate his wife, Perenelle, and his apprentice, Thomas Cornhill. But the case takes a sinister turn when Flamel's apprentice is found murdered. The kidnapper promises that Flamel's wife will be next . . . unless he hands over his precious Philosopher's Stone, a magical object that can turn lead into gold. 
 
 
 
Soon, strange, antiquated symbols begin appearing throughout the city. Crispin must decipher their meaning to unearth the kidnappers true motive. Plunged into an underground world where alchemy combines with treacherous politics, Crispin will have to unravel the mystery in order to find his wife and unmask a dangerous mastermind determined to wreak havoc throughout the city.

Zum Buch

The McKettrick Way

Anonym

She wanted his baby…and he wanted her. Don’t miss this beloved classic from #1 New York Times bestselling author Linda Lael Miller.Meg McKettrick longs for a baby—husband optional. Perfect father material is gorgeous Brad O’Ballivan, old flame and new owner of his family’s ranch in Stone Creek. But Meg—as strong, proud and stubborn as her ancestors on Indian Rock’s Triple M ranch—wants to do things her way…the McKettrick way. And Brad feels just as strongly about the O’Ballivan way…Love, marriage, babies and a lifetime to share—that’s what Brad wants. Not a single night of pasion, an unexpected pregnancy and a woman who won’t budge. For a rugged rodeo cowboy who never gives up, it’s a battle of wills he intends to win…and nothing matters more than claiming Meg’s wild McKettrick heart.

Zum Buch

Setup in Savannah - Made in...

Hope Callaghan

Carlita Garlucci is thrilled that her daughter-in-law and grandchildren have arrived in Savannah for their first visit. She secretly hopes that they will fall in love with the area and decide to move to the beautiful city, bringing her that much closer to fulfilling her late husband’s dying wish. The family is on their way and Carlita is anxiously awaiting their arrival when she receives an urgent phone call from her daughter, Mercedes, who is in the riverfront district, where she was planning to meet another author to discuss a cold case murder.When Mercedes arrives at the meeting place, she finds the author’s body lying on the ground. As investigators begin to delve into the man’s death, they begin uncovering clues, and they’re pointing right at Mercedes. Mercedes, her family and friends begin an investigation of their own and quickly realize someone close to Mercedes has set her up.Can they track down the killer before the cops delve into the Garlucci family history, putting all of them at risk? Find out when you grab your copy and start listening today!

Zum Buch

Nobody's Story (Unabridged)

Charles Dickens

Who's story is this? Nobody. - Who's nobody? The average working man.
This story is very old but very relevant. The common man's opinions are disregarded. His needs are manipulated. But of course the story makes clear that he is key to society.
The story shows that. Then the narrator comes in and rather dramatically reinforces that point in the final three paragraphs just in case you missed it the first time. Yes, there's a pretty high soapbox. Yes, it's pretty holier than thou. But hey, it's Christmas time. What's so funny 'bout peace, love and understanding, anyway? And that's quite a trick on Dickens's part.

Zum Buch

A Christmas Dreamnd How It Came...

Anonym

In A Christmas Dream, and How It Came True, Louisa May Alcott tells the story of a spoiled, discontented girl named Effie who receives a magical Christmas vision. Transported to a whimsical realm where toys and fairies reveal the true spirit of the season, she witnesses the joy of giving and the warmth of family love. Through this enchanting dream, Effie learns humility, gratitude, and the value of kindness. Awaking on Christmas morning, she embraces the holiday with a transformed heart, eager to make others happy. Alcott’s charming tale blends fantasy and moral lesson, celebrating generosity and the magic of Christmas.

Zum Buch