Book Pairing

I've started pairing non-fiction books with fiction novels I’m reading to deepen my understanding of their themes. Right now, I’m reading The Idiot alongside The Denial of Death. Dostoevsky’s 'The Idiot' explores morality, innocence, and suffering, but what stands out most is Prince Myshkin’s reflections on capital punishment, the unbearable psychological torment of knowing exactly when and how one will die and the complete absence of hope. These passages are especially powerful knowing that Dostoevsky himself experienced a mock execution, standing before a firing squad only to be pardoned at the last moment. His firsthand encounter with death gives Myshkin’s argument a chilling authenticity.

This ties directly into Becker’s themes in 'The Denial of Death', particularly around death anxiety and how the awareness of our own mortality shapes human behavior, often in subconscious ways.

Have you found any fiction/nonfiction pairings that enriched your reading experience? I’d love to hear recommendations, especially on philosophical works that inspire critical thinking.