Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky

Set against the backdrop of 18th century St. Petersburg, the narrative explores the stark realities of poverty and suffering faced by the working class. Raskolnikov, the central character, emerges from this bleak environment, grappling with moral dilemmas and the implications of his actions. The story delves into themes of guilt, redemption, and the psychological turmoil that accompanies extreme choices, reflecting the societal tensions leading up to the revolutionary changes in Russia.