Poor Folk

More about the book

Set against the backdrop of 19th century St. Petersburg, the novel explores the lives of cousins Varvara Dobroselova and Makar Devushkin, who grapple with poverty and isolation through heartfelt letters. Varvara, trapped by a cruel family and a tragic love, and Devushkin, a mistreated copyist, find solace in literature and their bond. Their fortunes shift, yet these changes ultimately separate them. This poignant work reveals the struggles of the lower classes and marked the beginning of Dostoevsky's literary journey, earning critical acclaim for its social commentary.