How the hell do I comprehend Notes From Underground?

I genuinely cannot understand why people would recommend this book as someone's introduction to Dostoevsky when it's easier to read a Socratic Dialogue. I've only read Crime and Punishment and it was much more easier to read and comprehend.

I've been trying to do careful and close reading with Notes From Underground for a week now and I'm still on page 20. Can anybody give me tips so I can comprehend and get through this book better? I'm reading the Penguin Classics edition with The Double btw.