This novel explores the life and aspirations of a young man who, inspired by the radical movements of his time, leaves his urban life to engage in the populist cause of the 1860s in Russia. Through his journey, the narrative delves into the complexities of the Russian social structure, the serfdom system, and the fervent, albeit often naive, idealism of the youth seeking to reform their society. The protagonist's encounters with peasants, intellectuals, and fellow revolutionaries, alongside his personal struggles and disillusionments, paint a vivid picture of the era's tumultuous social and political landscape, reflecting the broader ideological conflicts between the old and the emerging new Russia.

The 6265th greatest book of all time