“It’s a pity for my son, father...”: how personal grief led Dostoevsky to Elder Ambrosetranslated

The trip, conceived as a consolation in hopelessness, led Fyodor Mikhailovich to the cell of the Optina elder Ambrose, whose memory is celebrated on October 23. What they talked about in private is only partly known. But the meeting deeply touched Dostoevsky, and his impressions of Optina were soon reflected in The Brothers Karamazov.

Maria KHORKOVA

As soon as the nanny turned away, little Alyosha tried to sneak out of the nursery, rushed to his father and shouted: “Dad, zi-zi!” (that’s what he called the clock in his childhood language). Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky put aside his work, sat his son on his lap, took out his watch and brought it to the ear of the baby, who listened with delight to its rhythmic ticking and clapped his hands. Older children were not allowed to enter their father’s office, but for the little one, the favorite of the whole family, “relaxation” was made.

Dostoevsky. 1880

When Alyoshenka was born, the Dostoevsky couple were very happy. The boy was named in honor of Alexei the man of God - a saint whom the writer especially revered. However, the happiness lasted less than three years. “On May 16, 1878, our family was struck by a terrible misfortune: our youngest son Lesha died,” wrote Anna Grigorievna Dostoevskaya. Events developed...