Best Russian Books

This epic historical novel, set in 19th-century Russia, follows the lives of three young people - Pierre, Andrey, and Natasha - as they navigate love and loss against the backdrop of Napoleon's invasion. From aristocrats to peasants, soldiers to Napoleon himself, War and Peace weaves together a vivid tapestry of human life. Tolstoy expertly tackles themes of conflict, free will, and faith, crafting a magnificent tale of imperfection and grandeur. This beautiful, clothbound Penguin Classics edition features a superb translation by Anthony Briggs and an afterword by Orlando Figes, providing readers with a truly unforgettable reading experience.

A masterpiece that defies comparison, The Master and Margarita is a crowning achievement that skillfully weaves together magical and realistic elements, ethical concerns, and grotesque situations. Set during Stalin's reign, this devastating satire of Soviet life is divided into two distinct parts, each filled with fascinating characters and historical, imaginary, frightful, and wonderful events. This complete and unabridged translation is a must-read for anyone seeking artistic and spiritual freedom.

Fathers and Sons is a stirring tale set in Russia during the 1860s, amidst the liberation of the serfs. The story follows the generational conflict between older aristocrats and the new democratic intelligentsia, and vividly depicts the friction between liberal and conservative thought. It introduces the radical new philosophy of nihilism and follows the journey of two young friends, Arkady and Bazarov, who venture off to the provincial capital in search of amusement. This affordable masterpiece offers readers the opportunity to savor a timeless work of world literature.

A destitute former student commits a random murder in St. Petersburg and believes he is a great man acting beyond moral law. As he plays a dangerous game with police, his conscience grows louder and guilt tightens around his neck. Only a downtrodden prostitute can offer him redemption.

A timeless classic, Anna Karenina is a captivating novel that covers themes of love, family, and society in nineteenth-century Russia. Written by Leo Tolstoy and hailed by famous authors such as Dostoyevsky, Nabokov, and Faulkner, the novel tells the story of a woman torn between her passion for a man who is not her husband and her desire to maintain social expectations. Tolstoy's unrivaled prose and attention to detail make this novel a must-read for lovers of literary fiction.

In Dead Souls, explore provincial Russian life through the wily antihero Chichikov as he deals in "dead souls"-- serfs who still represent money. This novel serves as a satire of imperial Russian venality and vulgarity, providing a Dickensian cast of characters that are both funny and endearing. With a lively translation by award-winning translators, experience the full extent of this novel's humor and delight in human oddity and error.

Immerse yourself in imperial Russia with this poetic masterpiece that follows the intertwined destinies of three men and three women. Eugene Onegin showcases a wide range of characters, literary and philosophical digressions, and a highly satirical tone that blends suspense and wit. This new translation captures the original work's poetic music and spontaneity while remaining faithful to the literal sense. The novel marks a pivotal point in the author's attempt to combine romantic poetry and realistic fiction. Dive into this richly annotated version and explore the different ways of reading and interpreting Eugene Onegin.

Experience the tumultuous times of the Russian Revolution through the story of a poet/physician and his loves in Doctor Zhivago. Escaping to the Ural Mountains with his family, Zhivago becomes embroiled in the brutal conflict between the Whites and the Reds. Amidst this chaos, Zhivago falls in love with Lara, a woman symbolizing the pain of the era. Through their story, Pasternak explores the theme of love against the backdrop of cruelty and strife. This classic of world literature is masterfully translated by Pevear and Volokhonsky, capturing the spirit of Pasternak's original style, rhythms, voicings, and tone.

Experience a chilling and dystopian future in "Day of the Oprichnik." Set in Moscow, 2028, this novel takes you on a journey through a new Russia that combines futuristic technology with the draconian codes of Ivan the Terrible. Follow Andrei Komiaga, one of the czar's most trusted courtiers and feared men, as he navigates through a day filled with brutal executions, extravagant parties, and meetings with the elite. Vladimir Sorokin's gripping storytelling and dark humor create a disturbing yet realistic portrayal of a troubled empire on the brink of collapse. Get ready for a gripping and thought-provoking read that will leave you questioning the future of society.