The Crocodile: A Satirical Tale of Absurdity, Society, and Human Delusion - A Modern Translation - Adapted for the Contemporary Reader

What happens when reason is swallowed by absurdity?

In The Crocodile, Fyodor Dostoevsky blends satire and social critique in one of his most unusual and humorous works. The story follows Ivan Matveich, a government official who, while visiting an exhibition, is suddenly swallowed whole by a crocodile. Strangely, he remains alive inside the creature and refuses to be rescued—believing that his predicament offers him a unique intellectual and philosophical advantage.

His colleagues, the press, and society react with indifference, treating his bizarre situation as a trivial curiosity rather than a matter of urgency. As Ivan embraces his new existence, the novella cleverly mocks bureaucratic incompetence, self-important intellectuals, and the absurdity of human nature.

What You’ll Discover in This Modern Translation:

A Brilliant Satirical Comedy • – Experience Dostoevsky’s biting humor and wit in a tale that remains as relevant today as in the 19th century. A Thought-Provoking Exploration of Human Ego • – Witness the ridiculous ways in which people justify their own misfortunes and delusions. A Masterpiece in a Fresh, Readable Style • – This modern adaptation preserves the depth and humor of Dostoevsky’s prose while making it more accessible for today’s readers. A Unique Tale of Bureaucratic Madness • – Dive into a world where logic is twisted, and society’s reaction to the absurd is more absurd than the event itself.

More than just a comedy, The Crocodile is a sharp critique of human folly, intellectual arrogance, and the absurdities of bureaucracy and ideology.

Is Ivan Matveich a tragic figure, a genius, or simply ridiculous?

Get your copy today and discover one of Dostoevsky’s most entertaining and thought-provoking works.

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Release date

Audiobook: 3 June 2025