Plot Summary

The Cossacks

Leo Tolstoy
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The Cossacks

Fiction | Novella | Adult | Published in 1863

Book Brief

Leo Tolstoy

The Cossacks

Fiction | Novella | Adult | Published in 1863
Book Details
Pages

192

Format

Novella • Fiction

Setting

Caucasus • 1850s

Publication Year

1863

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

In The Cossacks by Leo Tolstoy, the young Russian aristocrat Olenin, seeking a more authentic life, joins the army and is stationed in a Cossack village. He immerses himself in local life, falls in love with Maryanka, and grapples with his feelings and the realization that his lifestyle and values differ greatly from those of the Cossacks, leading to personal growth and self-discovery.

Contemplative

Adventurous

Melancholic

Inspirational

Romantic

Reviews & Readership

4.1

9,464 ratings

65%

Loved it

28%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Leo Tolstoy's The Cossacks is lauded for its vivid portrayal of Caucasian life and exploration of existential themes. Readers appreciate the immersive descriptions and complex characterization. However, some find the pacing slow and the protagonist's introspection overbearing. Overall, it's a compelling read that showcases Tolstoy's mastery of realist fiction.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Cossacks?

A reader who enjoys The Cossacks by Leo Tolstoy is likely intrigued by immersive narratives exploring cultural intersections, personal growth, and existential quests. Fans of Tolstoy's own War and Peace or Dostoevsky's The Brothers Karamazov will appreciate this novel's rich depiction of Russian life, moral dilemmas, and poignant character studies.

4.1

9,464 ratings

65%

Loved it

28%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

192

Format

Novella • Fiction

Setting

Caucasus • 1850s

Publication Year

1863

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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