The story revolves around a young nobleman who returns to his family's estate on the Volga River after serving in the military. He becomes embroiled in a conflict between his family and their serfs, leading to tragic consequences. The novel explores themes of social class, morality, and the decline of the nobility in 19th-century Russia.
By Vladimir Korolenko · First published 1886 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Philosophical Fiction, Social Commentary · 4 chapters