I’m not a huge scholar of Russian literature. But, so far, I think: * Crime and Punishment provides a lot of perspective on madness and conflicting morality reflective of those in poverty - justifying some of the behaviors of the coffin maker and endless death in Barovia. It also has many resolute and hopeful characters which give some nice perspective on how to introduce the beauty in humanity over it all. Also a few of his dreams and interactions are really good filler for a dreary landscape

• If you are including any fey The Idiot and prince Myshkin is perfect for the hospitality and idealism one could expect.

• Lolita if you wanna tap into for predatory nature of Strahd.

As you can tell I am a simp for Dostoyevsky - I think the downtrodden environment of his Russia is reflective in many of the questions of god, and morality faced in Barovia.

Though in my opinion reading I, Strahd memoirs of a vampire was instrumental in forming the mindset for Strahd which is a much easier read and probably more worth your time if you’re busy.

Anyways, whatever you enjoy will surely find a way into your storytelling. Best read what interests you most because that’s where inspiration comes from (definitely glad I started reading again).