{"product_id":"the-crocodile-a-forgotten-gem-of-russian-satire-by-the-author-of-crime-and-punishment-9781468301540","title":"The Crocodile: A Forgotten Gem of Russian Satire by the Author of Crime and Punishment","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFyodor Dostoyevsky's darkly humorous tale offers a biting social commentary on the political, social, and economic themes prevailing in Russia at the time of its writing.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe story follows Ivan Matveevich, a middle-class bureaucrat, who is swallowed alive by a crocodile during a visit to the Passage on Nevsky Avenue. Instead of being digested, Ivan finds himself trapped inside the crocodile's stomach, still conscious and able to communicate.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs Ivan becomes an attraction exhibited in a traveling show, the crocodile, named Anton, becomes a sensation, attracting crowds of curious onlookers.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIvan's predicament serves as a metaphor for the absurdity and cruelty of society, as people flock to see him without showing any empathy or concern for his well-being. Through this grotesque and satirical narrative, Dostoyevsky masterfully blends humor with profound insights into human nature, social class, and the nature of freedom.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eBinding Type:\u003c\/b\u003e Paperback\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/b\u003e Ardis Publishers\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublished:\u003c\/b\u003e 01\/29\/2013\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eISBN:\u003c\/b\u003e 9781468301540\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePages:\u003c\/b\u003e 96\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eWeight:\u003c\/b\u003e 0.25lbs\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSize:\u003c\/b\u003e 6.80h x 4.90w x 0.20d","brand":"Fyodor Dostoevksy","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52181388755125,"sku":"9781468301540","price":14.45,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0473\/0804\/6492\/files\/img_2fccb7cc-d820-4526-a724-b3afbdf40ca1.jpg?v=1768922966","url":"https:\/\/pastforward.org\/products\/the-crocodile-a-forgotten-gem-of-russian-satire-by-the-author-of-crime-and-punishment-9781468301540","provider":"Past Forward","version":"1.0","type":"link"}