This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

1. 1. Anna Karenina

   

   Set in 19th-century Russia, this novel revolves around the life of Anna Karenina, a high-society woman who, dissatisfied with her loveless marriage, embarks on a passionate affair with a charming officer named Count Vronsky. This scandalous affair leads to her social downfall, while parallel to this, the novel also explores the rural life and struggles of Levin, a landowner who seeks the meaning of life and true happiness. The book explores themes such as love, marriage, fidelity, societal norms, and the human quest for happiness.

   The 10th Greatest Book of All Time

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2. 2. War and Peace

   

   Set in the backdrop of the Napoleonic era, the novel presents a panorama of Russian society and its descent into the chaos of war. It follows the interconnected lives of five aristocratic families, their struggles, romances, and personal journeys through the tumultuous period of history. The narrative explores themes of love, war, and the meaning of life, as it weaves together historical events with the personal stories of its characters.

   The 12th Greatest Book of All Time

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3. 3. The Death of Ivan Ilyich

   

   The book is a poignant exploration of mortality and the human condition, focusing on a high-court judge in 19th-century Russia who lives a seemingly successful and conventional life. However, when he is confronted with a terminal illness, he begins to question the meaning and value of his life, leading to an existential crisis and eventual spiritual awakening. Through his struggle, he comes to realize the superficiality of his previous life and the importance of genuine human connection. His story is a profound commentary on the nature of life, death, and the pursuit of happiness.

   The 349th Greatest Book of All Time

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4. 4. The Kreutzer Sonata

   And Other Stories

   

   "The Kreutzer Sonata: And Other Stories" is a collection of novellas and short stories that delve into the complexities of human relationships and emotions. The central story revolves around a man who, consumed by jealousy and suspicion, murders his wife and then grapples with the guilt and moral implications of his actions. The other stories in the collection explore themes of love, lust, morality, and the human condition, reflecting the author's deep philosophical and religious beliefs.

   The 1090th Greatest Book of All Time

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5. 5. Resurrection

   

   "Resurrection: A Novel" is a profound exploration of moral responsibility and the possibility of redemption. The story revolves around a nobleman who, in his youth, seduces and abandons a young servant girl. Years later, he encounters her as a prostitute on trial for murder. Overwhelmed by guilt for his role in her downfall, he decides to atone for his sins by dedicating himself to her defense and rehabilitation. The novel grapples with themes of morality, justice, and the human capacity for change.

   The 2233rd Greatest Book of All Time

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6. 6. Hadji Murat

   

   The novella centers on the real-life figure Hadji Murat, a 19th-century Chechen rebel commander who, after a falling out with his own leader, Imam Shamil, defects to the Russians for a chance to avenge his family. Caught between the complex military and cultural conflicts of the Russian Empire and the fiercely independent Chechen tribes, Murat's struggle for honor, survival, and revenge reflects the brutal realities of the Caucasian War. As he navigates the treacherous political landscape, his story becomes a poignant exploration of loyalty, betrayal, and the dichotomies of human nature.

   The 2886th Greatest Book of All Time

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7. 7. Childhood

   Boyhood and Youth

   

   The book is a classic coming-of-age story that delves into the inner world of a young boy as he experiences the joys, sorrows, and confusions of his early years. Through the protagonist's eyes, readers explore the complexities of family life, the challenges of growing up, and the profound impact of personal relationships on one's development. The narrative captures the innocence of childhood and the gradual loss of that innocence as the boy confronts the realities of the world around him, painting a poignant and introspective portrait of the transition from childhood to adolescence in 19th-century Russia.

   The 2994th Greatest Book of All Time

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8. 8. Sevastopol Sketches

   

   The book is a collection of three short stories, each offering a vivid and gritty portrayal of the Siege of Sevastopol during the Crimean War. Through the eyes of various characters, ranging from a young and naive officer to seasoned and weary soldiers, the narrative delves into the brutal realities of warfare, the camaraderie among the troops, and the heroism and sacrifice on the front lines. The author's own experiences as a participant in the siege lend authenticity to the detailed descriptions of the battles, the strategies employed by both sides, and the daily struggles of life in the besieged city, ultimately presenting a poignant meditation on the nature of war and the human condition.

   The 4268th Greatest Book of All Time

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9. 9. The Power Of Darkness

   

   "The Power of Darkness" is a harrowing drama that delves into the depths of human depravity and the struggle for redemption. Set in rural Russia, the narrative follows a peasant named Nikita, who, driven by lust and greed, becomes entangled in a web of tragic events, including adultery, infanticide, and deception. As the consequences of his actions spiral out of control, the story exposes the stark realities of the moral decay and the social ills of the time. The play ultimately confronts the audience with the profound impact of sin and the possibility of forgiveness, posing challenging questions about the nature of evil and the potential for moral transformation.

   The 5891st Greatest Book of All Time

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10. 10. A Confession

    

    In this philosophical treatise, the author embarks on a profound existential inquiry, reflecting on the crisis of meaning in his own life. Despite his literary success and social standing, he is plagued by a deep sense of despair and contemplates suicide. Through an intense process of questioning and self-examination, he explores various avenues of thought, including science, philosophy, and the wisdom of the common people. Ultimately, he finds solace in the Christian faith, embracing a spiritual awakening that leads him to a new understanding of life's purpose and a rejection of his previous materialistic and hedonistic lifestyle. The work is a candid exploration of the author's search for truth and the moral and spiritual convictions that result from this quest.

    The 5893rd Greatest Book of All Time

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11. 11. The Cossacks

    

    The novel is a coming-of-age story that follows the journey of a young Russian aristocrat who, disillusioned with his privileged life and the superficiality of society, seeks meaning and authenticity. He joins a Cossack community in the Caucasus, where he is drawn to the simplicity and vigor of their lifestyle. As he becomes entangled in the local conflicts and customs, he falls in love with a Cossack girl, which leads to a deep internal struggle between his previous values and his newfound admiration for the Cossack's way of life. The protagonist's journey is one of self-discovery, cultural immersion, and the quest for a genuine existence amidst the backdrop of the rugged and unforgiving landscape of the Russian frontier.

    The 5911th Greatest Book of All Time

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12. 12. Master And Man

    

    Set against the backdrop of a harsh Russian winter, this story explores the complex relationship between a wealthy merchant and his loyal servant as they embark on a journey to close a business deal. As they face the brutal elements and unforeseen challenges, the narrative delves into themes of human nature, morality, and the stark contrasts between social classes. The tale takes a profound turn when the characters are forced to confront their own vulnerabilities, ultimately leading to a poignant reflection on the true essence of life and the bonds that define us.

    The 6002nd Greatest Book of All Time

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13. 13. Short Novels

    The Kreutzer Sonata and Other Stories

    

    This collection brings together several of the most significant works by a renowned Russian writer, showcasing his mastery in exploring the human condition, morality, and society through fiction. The novellas within this compilation vary in theme and scope, ranging from the psychological turmoil of a man contemplating suicide, the moral dilemmas faced by a judge, to the spiritual awakening of a privileged aristocrat during wartime. Each story delves deep into the characters' inner conflicts, societal norms, and the search for meaning in life, all while critiquing the social and political issues of the time. The author's profound insights into human nature and his skillful storytelling make these short novels timeless classics that continue to resonate with readers around the world.

    The 7215th Greatest Book of All Time

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14. 14. The Devil

    A Story

    

    The story explores the intense psychological struggle of a young landowner who is torn between his moral convictions and his overpowering physical desires. After a brief affair with a peasant woman, he attempts to lead a virtuous life by marrying a woman of his own social class. However, he finds himself unable to escape the haunting allure of his past indiscretion, leading to a profound internal conflict that threatens to unravel his life. The narrative delves into themes of temptation, guilt, and the complexities of human nature, highlighting the destructive power of unchecked desires.

    The 16722nd Greatest Book of All Time

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15. 15. Family Happiness And Other Stories

    

    This collection of stories delves into the complexities of human emotions and relationships, exploring themes of love, marriage, and the pursuit of happiness. Through vivid character portrayals and intricate narratives, the stories examine the inner struggles and societal pressures faced by individuals in their quest for fulfillment. The tales offer a profound reflection on the nature of happiness, the challenges of maintaining familial bonds, and the moral dilemmas that arise in the pursuit of personal desires, ultimately highlighting the universal quest for meaning and contentment in life.

    The 16911th Greatest Book of All Time

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16. 16. The Death Ivan Ilych And Other Stories

    

    A collection of penetrating realist stories that confront mortality, social pretension, and the search for genuine meaning; through the account of a high-court judge’s terminal illness and several shorter sketches of rural life and human folly, the narratives expose hypocrisy, fear, compassion, and the possibility of moral and spiritual awakening in the face of death and suffering.

    The 17088th Greatest Book of All Time

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