The story revolves around a young woman who lives with her mother and brother on the outskirts of a small town. The family's life is marked by poverty and hardship. The protagonist's brother is crippled, and she takes care of him while their mother works as a laundress. The young woman's life is one of drudgery and isolation. One day, a group of soldiers arrives in the town, and the young woman meets one of them. He is kind to her and brings some joy into her life. However, their social differences make it impossible for them to be together. The story explores themes of poverty, isolation, and the difficulties faced by women in rural Russia during this time period.
By Aleksandr Kuprin · First published 1908 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Drama, Romance