Poor People (Common Reader, January 2003)
disturbingly interesting in itself and as a harbinger of the immortal books to come.
Product Description
As both a masterpiece of Russian populist writing, and a parody of the entire genre, it is a profound and troubled piece, with many glimpses of future genius. Written as a series of letters, Poor People tells the tragic tale of a petty clerk and his impossible love for a young girl. Longing to help her and her family, he sells everything he can, but his kindness leads him only into more desperate poverty, and ultimately into debauchery. As a typical 'man of the underground', he serves as the embodiment of the belief that happiness can only be achieved with riches.