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CRIME AND PUNISHMENT

A Graphic Adaptation of Fyodor Dostoyevsky's Novel

"High quality production values and student-proof binding make this a must for school libraries. Promote it to your art department, A level English Literature students, gifted and talented KS4 boys, film fans and anyone looking to read something a bit out of the ordinary" School Librarian Magazine (Autumn 2009)

"Alain Korkos' artwork makes this adaptation an essential purchase."
- David Kendall, Leading Visual Literacies Consultant (April 2009)

"Adding televisions and pop-cultural references to the scenery adds a new angle to the piece ... a resounding success"
- 4 stars Grovel.com (February 2009) view article

"An excellent... and atmospheric translation of Crime and Punishment, Dostoyevsky's famous tale of mental anguish and moral dilemmas. David Zane Mairowitz does a fine job of modernising the story of Raskolnikov and... is well-aided in maintaining the story's intensity by artist Alain Korkos, who creates haunting environments filled with all manner of grotesques."
- TheFirstPost.com (January 2009) view article

“And, in the dark, a thought came to me that no one had ever had before me:
I wanted to kill someone, just in order to dare.”

Crime and Punishment, masterfully adapted in this graphic novel, explores the mental anguish and moral dilemmas of Raskolnikov, a poor St Petersburg student who murders a miserly pawnbroker. Viewing himself as a sort of Napoleon, a ‘super human’ above society’s conventions, Raskolnikov is convinced he will be able to deal easily with a crime which seems to him to be in the general interest, as he will use the victim’s money to do good. However, he falls prey to a paranoia that threatens his sanity. Where does redemption lie?
Dostoyevsky’s psychological novel is one of the classics of Russian literature. Through its extensive web of characters, it broaches a wide range of themes, revealing the author’s highly critical view of Russian society.

THE ARTIST

Alain Korkos
Alain Korkos is a French writer and artist, based in Paris. He works for a number of French publishers, both as an author of novels and short stories as well as an illustrator for publications aimed at children and teenagers. Over the past 30 years, his prolific work has included the series Lila et Lin, children’s novels such as Akoutiles-Yeux-clairs or La maladie bleue, and illustrated albums for adults. He previously worked with David Zane Mairowitz on the graphic novel Introducing Camus, part of the bestselling Icon Books series.

David Zane Mairowitz
David Zane Mairowitz is an author/playwright/radio director/ translator. A professional freelance writer for 40 years, he has published numerous books, including the successful Introducing Kafka (with Robert Crumb), Introducing Camus and Wilhelm Reich for Beginners. His theatrical plays include a critically acclaimed version of Kafka’s The Trial. His articles have appeared in Harper's, Vogue, Plays and Players, The Village Voice, The Progressive and The Sunday Times. His short stories have appeared in literary magazines, including Partisan Review, New Directions and the prestigious Penguin Modern Stories. For the past 25 years he has produced radio dramas and documentaries for the BBC and in over 20 European countries, winning numerous international radio prizes.

Self Made Hero

CRIME AND PUNISHMENT

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