The Gambler

An autobiographical, dramatic, and incredibly piercing novel by F. M. Dostoevsky, which has become one of the most recognizable works in his oeuvre. Unrequited love, an all-consuming passion for gambling, and a philosophical quest for the meaning of life intertwine in the character of a young teacher, Alexei, who travels through Europe with the family of a retired general. Following his beloved, Alexei witnesses deeply personal and tragic experiences of a large family.

Illustrations by Nadezhda Frolova beautifully accompany the narrative, filled with mystical and philosophical motifs, immersing the reader in the deeply psychological world of the master of Russian prose.