Russian Literature for Beginners: 10 Book Recommendations

Russian literature is one of the richest and most respected literary traditions in the world. Great writers such as Dostoyevsky, Tolstoy, Chekhov, and Gogol wrote books that examined universal themes such as human psychology, society, and morality.

If you want to dive into this rich literature, I have prepared a guide that recommends 9 different books at 3 different levels. If you can't wait for diving into this fascinating world, let's get started.

Absolute Beginners

Fyodor Dostoyevsky - Crime and Punishment

This classic novel tells the story of a young man named Raskolnikov, who struggles with the remorse of the murder he committed. One of Dostoyevsky's most popular books, Crime and Punishment is an excellent starting point for an introduction to Russian literature.

Lev Tolstoy - Stories

Tolstoy is known for his short stories as well as his novels. Stories such as "The Death of Ivan Ilyich" and "Kreutzer Sonata" in this book reflect Tolstoy's deep perspective on the human soul.

Anton Chekhov - The Sixth Ward

Chekhov is considered the master of the short story. Stories in this book, such as "The Sixth Ward", masterfully depict the atmosphere and human relations of 19th-century Russia.

Nikolai Gogol - Dead Souls

This satirical novel by Gogol satirizes 19th century Russia, where bribery and corruption were common. The work stands out with its black humor and grotesque characters.

Intermediate

Fyodor Dostoyevsky - The Brothers Karamazov

The Brothers Karamazov, one of Dostoyevsky's longest and most complex novels, deals with themes such as murder, faith and morality in depth.

Lev Tolstoy - War and Peace

This epic novel by Tolstoy tells the story of five noble families against the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars. The work blends themes such as historical events, love, betrayal and family.

Fyodor Dostoyevsky - Possessed or Devils

This political novel by Dostoyevsky is about the activities of a revolutionary group and the chaos it creates in society. The work is full of political intrigue, psychological tension and philosophical inquiries.

Ivan Goncharov - Oblomov

This novel by Goncharov tells the story of Ilya Oblomov, a lazy and lethargic man. The work reflects the social changes in 19th century Russia and the individual's struggle with them.

Advanced Level

Fyodor Dostoyevsky - The Fading Light

This psychological novel by Dostoyevsky tells the story of Sonya Marmeladova, a former prostitute, and a young man named Raskolnikov who loves her. The book examines themes such as poverty, morality and salvation.

Aleksandr Pushkin - Yevgeny Onegin

This poetic novel by Pushkin is about love, loss and the situation of Russian society in the 19th century. The work stands out with Pushkin's masterful language and sarcastic narration. It is considered one of the most important works of Russian literature.

Mikhail Lermontov - A Hero of Our Time

This novel by Lermontov tells the story of Pechorin, a cynical and indifferent man. The work reflects the conflict of the individual with society and the characteristics of the Russian romantic hero.

Conclusion

This is end of the guide. When choosing the translations of the books mentioned in this guide, it is important to choose reliable publishing houses. You can choose the translation that best suits you by looking at book reviews online.

I would recommend,

• if you have difficulty, you read the book in sections and make short notes at the end of each section.
• You research online about the historical events in the book, the social status of the characters, or concepts that are unfamiliar to you.
• You exchange ideas with other readers by joining online forums about Russian literature.

Thank you for reading.