62 pages • 2 hours read
Dead Souls
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Book Brief
464
Novel • Fiction
Russia • 19th century
1842
Adult
18+ years
1080L
Super Short Summary
Dead Souls, by Nikolai Gogol, tells the story of Chichikov, a mid-rank bureaucrat who attempts to amass wealth by purchasing deceased peasants ("dead souls") who are still counted as living in official records, enabling him to mortgage them for profit. As he navigates the landowners and nobles, his schemes reveal the absurdity and corruption of imperial Russian society.
Mysterious
Humorous
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
88,191 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Nikolai Gogol's Dead Souls is widely praised for its dark humor, satirical narrative, and vivid depiction of 19th-century Russian society. Critics appreciate Gogol's skill in creating complex characters and a compelling plot. However, some readers find the novel's pacing uneven and the ending abrupt. Despite these flaws, it remains a significant work of Russian literature for its biting social commentary.
Who Should Read Dead Souls?
A reader who enjoys Dead Souls by Nikolai Gogol is likely interested in satirical, character-driven narratives that offer a critique of society. Fans of Dickens's Bleak House or Dostoevsky's The Idiot would appreciate Gogol's exploration of human folly and greed, paired with humor and incisive social commentary.
88,191 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
464
Novel • Fiction
Russia • 19th century
1842
Adult
18+ years
1080L
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