I’ve read it twice, and I agree, it’s very complex. While it’s not my favorite of Dostoyevsky‘s, it’s his magnum opus. I took Russian literature courses in college, and being part Russian, I understand the patronymics well. I’d suggest following along with the Sparknotes

I knew what you meant.

If you love Russian literature, don’t forget Pushkin!

Go for it! Have you read Crime and Punishment?

I’m 40 now, and I haven’t read that since high school. You’ve inspired me to read it this year.

A friend of my family, a Russian woman who is now 102, told me to read War & Peace once every decade of life. She said it would have a totally different effect. I read it at 20, again at 37, and I’ll give it another go at 45 or so. The experience at 37 was so much different and better than at 20. I’d like to do the same with Les Miserables.