Great Books Professor Discovers Dostoevsky's 'Brothers Karamazov' Alongside Students
Matt Dinan, a 'Great Books' professor at St. Thomas University in New Brunswick, Canada, admitted in an August 17, 2026 New York Times opinion essay that he had not previously read Fyodor Dostoevsky's 'The Brothers Karamazov.' He became deeply engrossed in the novel during the last semester and found his students equally absorbed. The explanations they offered for their enthusiasm struck Dinan as particularly revealing. The piece details how a seasoned educator grappled with a classic work alongside his class.
Key facts
- Matt Dinan teaches at St. Thomas University in New Brunswick, Canada.
- Dinan had never read 'The Brothers Karamazov' before last semester.
- He found himself completely consumed by the novel.
- His students were equally taken with the book.
- The students' reasons for excitement were telling.
- The article is an opinion piece published in The New York Times.
- The publication date is August 17, 2026.
- Dinan is described as a 'Great Books' professor.
Entities
Artists
- Matt Dinan
- Fyodor Dostoevsky
Institutions
- St. Thomas University
Locations
- New Brunswick
- Canada