Honest Thief

Set against the backdrop of 19th-century Russia, the story revolves around Emelyan Ilyitch, a tragic figure whose life intersects with that of Astafy Ivanovich, an elderly soldier. Following a coat theft that leaves Astafy disheartened, he shares a remarkable tale of an honest thief, challenging the narrator's perceptions of morality and theft. Dostoevsky's exploration of human psychology and social issues is evident, making this short story a compelling reflection of the era's complexities. A modern edition includes a new biography of the author.