The novel revolves around the life of a young man who returns to his hometown after years abroad and becomes disillusioned with its moral decay and spiritual emptiness. He witnesses the decline of traditional values and the rise of materialism, which he sees as a threat to humanity's well-being. The protagonist's observations are juxtaposed with his own inner turmoil, as he struggles to reconcile his idealistic views with the harsh realities of modern life.
By Leonid Andreyev · First published 1908 · Genre: Psychological Fiction, Literary Fiction, Social Commentary