The novel revolves around the life of a Russian aristocrat who has fled to San Francisco after the Russian Revolution. He becomes embroiled in a complex web of relationships with various individuals, including a young woman and her husband. As he navigates his new surroundings, the protagonist grapples with feelings of guilt, nostalgia, and disillusionment. His experiences serve as a commentary on the decline of the old aristocracy and the difficulties faced by those who have been displaced by revolution. Throughout the novel, themes of identity, morality, and the human condition are explored through the protagonist's struggles to come to terms with his past and find a sense of purpose in his new life.
By Ivan Bunin · First published 1908 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Realism, Tragedy