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. Mother

   

   This novel centers around a working-class Russian woman who becomes involved in revolutionary activities after witnessing the struggles and injustices faced by her son and his comrades. Despite her initial fear and hesitation, she evolves into a dedicated activist, smuggling illegal literature and participating in strikes. The narrative provides a powerful exploration of the personal and societal transformations brought about by political activism, set against the backdrop of pre-revolutionary Russia.

   The 764th Greatest Book of All Time

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2. 2. My Childhood

   

   "My Childhood" is a poignant and powerful autobiographical account of a young boy's life in 19th-century Russia. The narrative explores the harsh realities of growing up in a dysfunctional family, with a cruel stepfather and an uncaring mother, against the backdrop of poverty and social unrest. The protagonist's struggles, resilience, and observations provide a vivid portrayal of the societal conditions of the time, while also illuminating the human capacity for hope and perseverance in the face of adversity.

   The 1733rd Greatest Book of All Time

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3. 3. The Artamonov Business

   

   "The Artamonov Business" is a multi-generational saga that follows the rise and fall of a Russian family's business empire from the 1860s up to the Russian Revolution. The narrative explores the dynamics of the Artamonov family, their personal struggles, moral dilemmas, and the impact of their actions on those around them. The story also provides a critical examination of the socio-economic changes in Russia during this period, highlighting the transformation from a feudal society to a more capitalist one and the accompanying moral decay.

   The 2542nd Greatest Book of All Time

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4. 4. The Lower Depths

   

   The book is a stark depiction of the lives of the impoverished and dispossessed at the bottom of the Russian social ladder in the early 20th century. Set in a squalid shelter, it presents a group of destitute individuals from various backgrounds—thieves, prostitutes, and the down-and-out—who share their stories and philosophies as they grapple with the harsh realities of poverty and survival. The narrative delves into themes of human suffering, the struggle for dignity, and the elusive nature of truth, offering a grim commentary on the social conditions of the time and the human condition itself.

   The 2957th Greatest Book of All Time

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5. 5. Other Fires

   

   This book delves into the lives of individuals grappling with the harsh realities of the Russian lower class at the turn of the 20th century. Through a series of interconnected stories, the narrative explores themes of poverty, injustice, and the struggle for survival in a society marked by deep social divides. The characters, each facing their own battles against a backdrop of societal turmoil, seek solace and meaning in their lives, often through acts of rebellion or the pursuit of personal freedom. The work is a poignant reflection on human resilience and the quest for dignity amidst the challenges of an unforgiving social landscape.

   The 6916th Greatest Book of All Time

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6. 6. The Life Of Klim Samgin

   The Forty Years

   

   Set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing Russia, this epic narrative follows the life of an introspective and often conflicted intellectual from his youth to middle age. As he navigates the tumultuous social and political upheavals of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the protagonist grapples with his own identity, ideals, and the moral ambiguities of his time. Through his interactions with a diverse cast of characters, the story delves into themes of personal disillusionment, the search for meaning, and the relentless march of history, painting a vivid portrait of a society on the brink of revolution.

   The 7168th Greatest Book of All Time

7. 7. Reminiscences Of Tolstoy, Chekhov, And Andreev

   Literary and Personal Recollections

   

   This book is a collection of personal memories and impressions by a prominent Russian author who had the opportunity to interact closely with three of the most illustrious literary figures of his time. Through a series of vivid anecdotes and reflective observations, the author offers intimate insights into the personalities, philosophies, and daily lives of these great writers. His narrative not only sheds light on their creative processes and the milieu in which they worked but also humanizes these larger-than-life figures, revealing their quirks, their passions, and their interactions with the world around them. The work stands as a significant historical document, capturing the essence of an era in Russian literature and the enduring spirits of its most celebrated contributors.

   The 7216th Greatest Book of All Time

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8. 8. Foma Gordeyev

   

   This novel delves into the life of Foma Gordeyev, a young man who inherits a vast business empire from his powerful and wealthy father. Struggling to find his place in a world driven by greed and corruption, Foma becomes disillusioned with the moral decay he sees in those around him, including his own family. As he grapples with his ideals and the harsh realities of human nature and society, Foma's journey is a poignant exploration of the quest for meaning in a materialistic world. The narrative, rich in philosophical introspection, captures the tumultuous changes of Russia at the turn of the 20th century, reflecting on the individual's struggle against the tide of societal norms and expectations.

   The 14473rd Greatest Book of All Time

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9. 9. Creatures that Once Were Men

   

   "Creatures that Once Were Men" is a collection of short stories that depict the harsh realities of life in the lower classes of Russian society. The stories are set in a night refuge for the homeless, where the characters, despite their grim circumstances, strive to maintain their humanity. Through their struggles, the author explores themes of poverty, addiction, despair, and the human spirit's resilience.

   The 15897th Greatest Book of All Time

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10. 10. The Collected Short Stories of Maxim Gorky

    

    This collection of short stories showcases the work of a renowned Russian author who is known for his realistic and empathetic portrayal of the lower classes. Each story provides a vivid depiction of the hardships and struggles faced by the poor and marginalized in society, often highlighting their resilience and spirit in the face of adversity. The author's skillful use of language and his deep understanding of human nature make these stories both compelling and thought-provoking, offering a poignant commentary on social inequality and injustice.

    The 15897th Greatest Book of All Time

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11. 11. Summerfolk

    A Play in Four Acts

    

    The book is a classic Russian play that delves into the lives of a diverse group of middle-class Russians who are spending their summer vacation at a rural retreat on the Volga River. Through a series of vignettes and dialogues, the play explores the disillusionment, personal crises, and social conflicts of the characters as they grapple with their own failings and the societal changes around them. The retreat serves as a microcosm of pre-revolutionary Russian society, highlighting the contrasts between the privileged and the working class, while also examining the existential questions and moral dilemmas faced by individuals in a rapidly changing world.

    The 16608th Greatest Book of All Time

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12. 12. Старуха Изергиль

    

    Set against the backdrop of the vast and rugged Russian landscape, this tale weaves together the life stories of three distinct characters, each embodying different facets of human nature and destiny. The narrative unfolds through the eyes of an elderly woman, who recounts her own passionate and adventurous past, alongside the legends of two mythical figures: Larra, a proud and rebellious outcast, and Danko, a selfless hero who sacrifices himself for the greater good. Through these intertwined stories, themes of love, freedom, sacrifice, and the eternal struggle between individual desires and communal responsibilities are explored, painting a vivid picture of the human condition.

13. 13. My Universities

    

    In this poignant autobiographical novel, the protagonist embarks on a transformative journey from a small provincial town to the bustling city of Kazan, seeking education and enlightenment. The narrative vividly captures the struggles and hardships faced by the young man as he navigates poverty, societal constraints, and the harsh realities of life. Through encounters with diverse characters and exposure to radical ideas, he experiences a profound intellectual awakening, ultimately shaping his worldview and igniting a fervent desire for social change. The story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the relentless pursuit of knowledge amidst adversity.

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14. 14. My Apprenticeship

    

    Set against the backdrop of late 19th-century Russia, this autobiographical narrative follows a young boy's journey from a life of hardship to self-discovery and intellectual awakening. As he navigates through various jobs and encounters a diverse array of characters, the protagonist learns about the complexities of human nature and the harsh realities of society. Through these experiences, he develops a profound understanding of the world, fueled by a relentless pursuit of knowledge and a deep-seated desire for personal growth. The story captures the essence of resilience and the transformative power of education amidst adversity.

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15. 15. Ana

    

    Set against the backdrop of pre-revolutionary Russia, the narrative explores the life of a resilient woman who navigates the complexities of love, loss, and societal expectations. Through her journey, the story delves into themes of personal sacrifice, the quest for identity, and the struggle for autonomy in a world dominated by rigid social norms. Her interactions with a diverse cast of characters reveal the stark contrasts between the privileged and the oppressed, painting a vivid picture of a society on the brink of transformation. The tale is a poignant reflection on the human condition, capturing the essence of hope and despair in equal measure.

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16. 16. Selected Short Stories

    

    This collection of stories delves into the lives of the marginalized and downtrodden in early 20th-century Russia, capturing the raw essence of human struggle and resilience. Through vivid and poignant narratives, the tales explore themes of poverty, social injustice, and the indomitable spirit of individuals facing adversity. Each story paints a rich tapestry of emotions, highlighting the stark realities of life while offering glimpses of hope and redemption. The characters, often depicted with profound empathy, navigate a world marked by hardship, yet their enduring humanity shines through, leaving a lasting impact on the reader.

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17. 17. Gorky's Tolstoy And Other Reminiscences

    

    A compact collection of personal memoirs and sketches recalling encounters with leading Russian writers and thinkers, offering candid anecdotes, vivid character portraits, and reflections on art, conscience, and social change; the pieces combine admiring observation with frank critique, illuminating both the personalities of cultural figures and the turbulent intellectual atmosphere of late 19th–early 20th-century Russia.

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18. 18. На дне

    

    A ragged group of society’s outcasts live together in a shabby, overcrowded lodging where their conversations and confessions reveal families torn by poverty, shame, petty crime and faded dreams; an itinerant stranger offers consoling illusions while a blunt, articulate skeptic insists on bitter truths, and through their interactions the play examines human dignity, hypocrisy, compassion and the clash between hope and the harsh realities that keep the characters 'at the bottom' of life.