In "To A Distant Island," the narrative follows a protagonist who embarks on a journey retracing the steps of a 19th-century Russian writer's self-imposed exile to Sakhalin Island, situated off the eastern coast of Russia. The protagonist, seeking to understand the writer's motivations and experiences, delves into a reflective exploration that intertwines the historical account with personal introspection. As he travels through Japan and Russia towards the distant and desolate island, the book becomes a meditation on freedom, punishment, and the human condition, all while providing a vivid portrayal of the lands and peoples encountered along the way.

The 6283rd greatest book of all time