Amongst revered literary classics, Russian literature has a large and intimidating presence. Between Leo Tolstoy’s War and Peace and Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov, these Russian masterpieces can feel more like tomes. Here are some stunning and enjoyable stories that are great for beginners hoping to dip their toes into Russian classics. We’ll have you reading Anna Karenina in no time!
First Love by Ivan Turgenev
When a struggling 21-year-old Princess Zasyekin moves in next door to the country estate where 16-year-old Vladimir lives with his parents, he becomes immediately smitten. But the beautiful and commanding Princess has many suitors, all battling for her fickle admiration and attention. Vladimir’s story of his first adolescent love quickly and dangerously turns into one of agony. This short and heartwrenching coming-of-age love story is a fascinating character study and offers a glimpse into the decline of Russia’s aristocracy in the nineteenth century.
Captain’s Daughter by Alexander Pushkin
This piece of historical fiction paints a brilliant picture of eighteenth-century Russia and the Pugachev Rebellion. When the dutiful Grinev embarks on the beginning of his military career, an act of kindness bestowed upon a random stranger on the road comes back to both haunt and reward him. During the throws of the Pugachev rebellion, Grinev finds himself holding the charismatic rebel’s favor despite their opposing allegiances. At the same time, the young serviceman finds himself falling for the Captain’s daughter, and it’s a love that just might save him.
Queen of Spades by Alexander Pushkin
While at a card game with friends, Hermann learns of an old countess who has a nifty trick to ensure she always wins at faro. He becomes utterly consumed by the tale and sets out on a path to learn the countess’ storied secret – by whatever means necessary. To do so, he sets his sights on the countess’ young ward, Lizavyta. Queen of Spades is an unsettling and supernatural short story all about the dangers of being obsessed with wealth.
The Double by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
This eerie and ambiguous story follows Golyadkin Senior, whose life is haunted by the presence of his “double,” Golyadkin Junior. He haunts his work, home, and social circles – but no one believes him. While resembling him perfectly, this Double is everything Golyadkin isn’t – confident and well-liked. Golyadkin Senior soon begins to be the target of abuse and condemnation by those around him. By reading The Double, you’ll get to experience the mastery of this Russian writer without committing to one of his denser and thicker works.
The Lady with the Dog by Anton Chekov
Dmiriti lives a boring and routine life. He works a job as a banker and is unhappily married. Anna has a very similar life story. When the pair meet during a vacation in the seaside destination of Yalta, they begin an affair. This is one of the most beloved short fiction pieces by prolific author Anton Chekov and is noted by Vladimir Nabokov as one of the greatest works of short fiction.
The Nose by Nikolai Gogol
This short story is a brilliant piece of surreal absurdist fiction. While dealing with themes such as status and bureaucracy, it is also incredibly comical. When Ivan discovers a nose while preparing his breakfast, he discards it in the river, hoping to be done with the whole ordeal. But Major Kyolavok is missing his nose and is determined to track it down after seeing it out and about in St. Petersburg. The story offers a tour of the bustling city and the importance of rank and social status within it.
Father Sergius by Leo Tolstoy
This shorter work by the Russian maestro is a philosophical one all about struggles in faith. After discovering that his fiancee had an affair with none other than Tsar Nicholas I, the jilted groom finds an escape in the brotherhood of the Russian Orthodox Church. What follows is an inner struggle with temptation and doubt.
Classic Russian literature has much to offer to those willing to pick it up, and the works of these incredible authors can be seen as influences across many works today. It is a bit daunting to jump right into heftier works such as War and Peace, so hopefully, with these reads, you can get yourself acquainted and fall in love with the literary canon. Whether you want a devastating account of romance, an eerie and moral-attesting tale, or some absurdist dark comedy, there is something on this list for everyone to enjoy.
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