The Peacock Novel, by Nikolai Leskov

A short novel by one of the giants of Russian literature in his classical era, embodying the contradictions of human character, where the highest moral qualities coexist with tragic destinies in a short and well-crafted work, imbued with an authentic Russian spirit. Its events revolve around a character from the era of serfdom, characterized by spiritual and emotional nobility, living in contradictory and complex circumstances. Despite her intense emotional sensitivity, she fulfills her duty sincerely, obeying harsh and inhumane orders, and bears the hatred resulting from her actions with silent heroism. The novel reveals the contradictions of Russian society in the second half of the nineteenth century through a precise psychological and social analysis by an experienced writer. It has been said about Nikolai Leskov that he is the most truthful of writers in expressing the Russian soul.