Out of all the Dostoyevsky short stories, I wasn’t expecting the first one I read to be White Nights. I have requested Notes from a Dead House from the library, and in turn White Nights feels like the opposite-most piece of literature of his to read. Nevertheless, I read it and have many thoughts to share.

White Nights is a short story by Fyodor Dostoyevsky that was published in 1848. Set in St. Petersburg, it is the story of a young man fighting his inner restlessness. A light and tender narrative, it delves into the torment and guilt of unrequited love. Both protagonists suffer from a deep sense of alienation that initially brings them together. A blend of romanticism and realism, the story appeals gently to the senses and feelings.

This romanticism aspect of White Nights is not what I expected from one of the pioneers of grim Russian literature. I have attempted to read Crime and Punishment at least twice now to no avail, but the parts I did read didn’t carry that same romanticism felt in this short story. I think that this strangely has made me enjoy White Nights more because there is a lot more to the characters and complexities of the thoughts and feelings between them than just a simple romantic exchange. There are layers to each character revealed across the nights they meet, and the more we learn the more tender their relationship becomes.

I hate to be a cynic of romance, but I actually love the way this short story turns out. It feels realistic in a sad, unspoken way, and feels right for the characters and the settings they are in both historically and socially, especially in Nastenka’s position. I feel I can relate to both characters on a personal level in terms of alienation, living a more hermetic lifestyle, and not really putting myself out there to build friendships and acquanitances with people, so the reactions and perspectives of both characters really hit me. Moreover, the protagonist’s situation at the end of the story feels far more accurate and nuanced once you let it settle for a bit.

As someone who tends to exist in solitude, I can understand how sudden affection, opportunities, and relationships can cause a rush of emotion and insensible decisions. What I appreciate most about White Nights is that our protagonist, though a little jilted, does not resent the love he experienced for Nastenka. While it was a brief moment in time, it was genuine and authentic, at least that is how the characters see it even if Nastenka’s love for the protagonist could be confused in her thoughts to do with her lover. The reality of that love flashes before our eyes just as it does for the characters at the pivotal moment, and that is when the truth of the story settles in. It is painful and leaves an ache, but it is a beautiful story.

I am looking forward to seeing more of Dostoyevsky’s works, especially considering his portrayals of grimmer realities of life set the tone for a lot of the literature of the time. We will see how it goes, but I have high hopes for Notes from a Dead House. for those less interested in gothic and grim writings, White Nights is a nice piece of literature that is neither romantic nor grim – a little Goldilocks porridge of a read to scratch the scholarly literature itch.