The Duel and Other Stories

More about the book

Set against a seaside backdrop, the story introduces Ivan Andreitch Laevsky, a young clerk, and his acquaintance, Samoylenko, an army doctor with a gruff exterior but a kind heart. Samoylenko, despite his imposing appearance and rough demeanor, is beloved in the community for his generosity and willingness to help others, whether by lending money or mediating disputes. His character embodies themes of kindness and the complexities of human relationships, revealing how first impressions can be misleading.