The story revolves around a young man who returns to his native village after serving time in prison for participating in the Narodnaya Volya movement. He is met with suspicion and hostility by the villagers, who view him as an outsider and a threat to their way of life. As he tries to reintegrate into society, he becomes embroiled in a conflict between the old ways and the new, modernizing influences that are changing the village. The young man's experiences serve as a commentary on the social and economic changes taking place in Russia during this period. Throughout the story, themes of identity, community, and redemption are explored, raising questions about the nature of belonging and the consequences of one's actions.
By Vladimir Korolenko · First published 1885 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Realism, Adventure · 9 chapters