A Thousand Souls

Graduated from Moscow University, Yakov Kalinovich is appointed as the superintendent of a school in a provincial town. There, he befriends Nastenka, the daughter of the previous superintendent. An intelligent and sensitive girl, she falls deeply in love with Yakov, who also harbors tender feelings for her. However, the ambitious Kalinovich primarily dreams of a comfortable life and a brilliant career. Therefore, the daughter of General Shevalov, the heiress of the largest fortune in the province, seems to him a much more advantageous match…

The collection also includes the drama "Bitter Fate," considered "one of the best Russian plays," telling the difficult story of an ordinary peasant whose wife has an affair with a landowner during his absence.
3 reasons to buy this book:
1. Deep psychological insight and sharp issues: the novel “A Thousand Souls” shows how ambition and the pursuit of success can conflict with sincere feelings. Yakov Kalinovich's story makes one think about the price of choice and the consequences of decisions.
2. Two works in one volume: the reader receives not only an expansive novel about life in pre-reform Russia but also the drama “Bitter Fate”—a vivid and tragic story from peasant life recognized as one of the best Russian plays.
3. Historical value and artistic strength: Pisemsky masterfully recreates the atmosphere of the 19th century, detailing the everyday life and morals of the era, creating multifaceted characters. His works help to better understand the social processes of that time and remain relevant in issues of morality and human relationships.