The Gambler

The Gambler is a book by Fyodor Dostoevsky, first published in 1867. Set in the fictional German spa town of Roulettenberg, it follows the desperate fortunes of Alexei Ivanovich, a young tutor entangled in a web of obsession, pride, and the dangerous allure of the roulette wheel. Dostoevsky wrote the novel under intense financial pressure, and that urgency ripples through the story, giving it a striking immediacy. The tale offers a close look at the psychological pull of gambling, the corrosive effects of debt, and the complicated power relationships within a wealthy Russian household abroad. At the heart of the novel is Alexei’s hopeless devotion to Polina Alexandrovna, the enigmatic stepdaughter of his employer, General Zagoryansky. Polina’s hold over Alexei is as compelling as the lure of the casino, drawing him into schemes he barely understands while pushing him to prove himself through reckless wagers. Around them, an eclectic cast of characters jockey for influence and money: the bankrupt General, the opportunistic Mr. Astley, and the unexpected arrival of the wealthy Grandmother, whose sharp wit and stubborn independence upend everyone’s plans. The plot unfolds against the feverish rhythm of the roulette tables, where fortunes shift in an instant and rational thought gives way to impulse. Alexei’s increasing fixation on gambling mirrors his emotional turmoil, raising questions about free will, self-destruction, and the seductive nature of risk. Dostoevsky’s insight into addiction, combined with his gift for tension and psychological depth, makes this short novel a powerful companion to his larger works. This translation by C. J. Hogarth was published in 1867.