Brazilian reader Marcelo Nogueira, though not a frequent consumer of classic literature, found himself captivated by the cover of Fyodor Dostoevsky’s “White Nights.” This reaction is not unique; TikTok has propelled this 1848 love story into the spotlight, particularly among Gen Z readers, as noted by AFP.
The narrative follows a “dreamer” who, during a stroll through the streets of St. Petersburg in the mid-19th century, encounters a young woman with whom he falls deeply in love. This tale has surged in popularity, becoming one of the best-selling books in Brazil.
In 2025, sales of “White Nights” increased by 463% at Brazilian publisher Editora 34, with projections indicating a potential record year ahead, according to the publisher’s data.
The book has also gained traction in other countries, including the United Kingdom and Spain, where it is now a best-seller.
Why Gen Z Connects with Dostoevsky’s Character
Young TikTok users resonate with this work due to its portrayal of the “solitary dreamer” — a figure many find relatable today, explained Nogueira, a 27-year-old literary influencer. In this early work, Dostoevsky depicts four nights and a morning, a brief period wherein the protagonist emerges from his internal world to confront reality.
This moment precedes a love story that is as passionate as it is fleeting. The book’s closing line, “Oh! A whole minute of happiness! Is that not enough for a lifetime?” has become one of the most quoted phrases on social media, according to France Presse.
“Is one moment of happiness too little for a person’s life?”
“The Book Blows You Away”
Tens of thousands of comments on BookTok, a popular TikTok community focused on literature, illustrate how Dostoevsky continues to touch readers’ hearts nearly 180 years later in under a hundred pages.
“The book blows you away: it’s real life, written in a poetic style,” exclaimed one user.
Another user admitted, “It’s my favorite (even though I’m slightly worried about how much I relate to the character).” Paloma Lima, a 29-year-old influencer passionate about Russian literature, noted that young TikTok users flock to her YouTube channel after discovering “White Nights,” saying, “It makes sense,” because it’s a “short and intense” read.
Surprise in Russia
The phenomenon has sparked both surprise and pride in Russia. “I was amazed,” remarked 28-year-old writer Ekaterina Kvitko at the Moscow Book Fair. Among young Russians, the novel does not evoke the same “enthusiasm,” she observed. It portrays a lonely character seeking a form of love and support, something that perhaps resonates more with Western teens today.
An “Unexpected” Phenomenon
The success of “White Nights” has also paved the way for Dostoevsky’s more substantial and complex works, such as “Crime and Punishment.” According to Danilo Hora from Editora 34, this development is “unexpected,” citing a 53% increase in sales for the book in the first seven months of the year.
In an age dominated by short videos and various social media posts, these platforms can lead us back to literature. Nogueira observed, “Being a reader is a very beautiful idea; it can even become a selling point. There’s an associated aesthetics that spreads on TikTok.”
Sold-Out Editions in Rio de Janeiro Bookstores
“It’s more appealing to have the image of a real physical book with a magnificent cover rather than a Kindle,” the portable electronic reading device designed by Amazon for digital volumes.
This is evident with the edition he showcased in his TikTok video about “White Nights,” which features a colorful pop illustration of a couple kissing.
This edition has sold out in several bookstores across Rio de Janeiro, as confirmed by AFP.
Cecilia Rosas, a researcher and translator of Russian literature, expressed delight over the popularity of certain classics but cautioned against conflating literary critique with the “advertising” that often prevails on social media.
