The story revolves around a young blind musician who lives in a small Russian town. He is a talented violinist and earns his living by playing on the streets. The townspeople are initially sympathetic to him, but their attitude changes when they discover that he has a beautiful singing voice. As news of his talent spreads, people begin to request that he sing for them, rather than play the violin. This leads to a decline in his income and a sense of isolation among the townsfolk, who no longer see him as a musician, but rather as a singer. The story explores themes of identity, community, and the complexities of human relationships.
By Vladimir Korolenko · First published 1886 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Drama, Social Commentary · 50 chapters