The Adolescent

Author: Dostoevsky

Translated by Sami Al-Droubi

"The Adolescent" is a novel in which Dostoevsky presents a deep psychological narrative of the struggles of youth and the search for identity in a rapidly changing world. Through the character of Arkady Dolgoruky, an ambitious young man caught between the dream of power and wealth and his need for recognition and belonging, the author weaves a rich human tapestry that combines love, ambition, rebellion, and disappointment.

Arkady narrates his own story: an illegitimate son of a noble family, he yearns to forge his own glory, but finds himself entangled in complex relationships, family conflicts, and painful questions about loyalty and dignity. Between pursuing his dreams and confronting his reality, he clashes with the image of his father, his view of money, and the true meanings of love and identity.

The novel opens wide doors for contemplation of major human issues: the struggle of will against social constraints, the search for self amidst the contradictions of reality, and the influence of a past that continuously shapes the present. It is a journey that transcends the boundaries of adolescence to transform into a philosophical reflection on human nature and its path towards maturity.