The Landlady and Other Stories

This novella, written in 1847, follows the reclusive scholar Vasily Ordynov as he becomes enamored with Katerina, leading to a dramatic confrontation with her formidable husband, Ilya Murin. It is part of a collection that includes other notable stories by Dostoevsky.

The Landlady and Other Stories is a collection featuring the novella The Landlady, penned by Fyodor Dostoevsky in 1847, shortly after his work The Double. This volume also includes a selection of Dostoevsky's shorter fiction, such as notable tales like Mr. Prokharchin,White Nights,The Dream of a Ridiculous Man, and A Gentle Creature, all translated with care by Roger Cockrell.

In The Landlady, the story revolves around Vasily Ordynov, a young and introverted scholar who becomes captivated by Katerina, the wife of the stern and much older Ilya Murin. As Ordynov takes up residence in their home, he uncovers the dark and mysterious history of his landlord, who is rumored to possess clairvoyant abilities that have intrigued the local community. This unsettling backdrop sets the stage for a complex emotional entanglement between Ordynov and Katerina, who shares his growing affection.

As their relationship deepens, the narrative builds towards a tense and dramatic climax, hinting at the potential for violence and upheaval. Dostoevsky masterfully explores themes of obsession, desire, and the consequences of human connections, making The Landlady a compelling read. The accompanying stories in the collection further showcase Dostoevsky's talent for capturing the intricacies of the human experience, making this volume a significant contribution to the literature of the 19th century.