What to Do?   By: Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910)

Leo Tolstoy's What to Do? is a compelling exploration of morality and personal fulfillment. Set against the backdrop of 19th-century Russia, this philosophical novella delves into the search for meaning in life and the often uncomfortable choices one must make along the way.

The story follows the central character, Dmitri Ivanovich Nekhlyudov, a wealthy nobleman who unexpectedly finds himself serving on a jury for a murder trial. As Nekhlyudov witnesses the trial of a young maid accused of a crime, he is confronted with the harsh realities of social inequality and the consequences of his own actions. Haunted by guilt over his past relationship with the accused, Nekhlyudov embarks on a personal journey of redemption.

The power of Tolstoy's storytelling lies in his ability to expose the complexities of human nature. By skillfully intertwining personal narrative with broader societal themes, he invites readers to reflect on their own values and choices. Tolstoy's characters are masterfully crafted, each representing various facets of moral dilemmas. From the corrupt and disillusioned bureaucracy to the marginalized individuals oppressed by the system, every interaction serves to challenge Nekhlyudov's worldview.

As the plot unfolds, Tolstoy weaves in his own philosophical musings, questioning the role of the individual in society and the significance of one's actions in the grand scheme of things. He rejects superficial, conventional morality, advocating for a more authentic pursuit of ethical living. This perspective is particularly embodied through Nekhlyudov's transformation as he abandons his privileged lifestyle and commits himself to rectifying injustices.

While What to Do? may not be as monumental as Tolstoy's larger works like War and Peace or Anna Karenina, it remains a thought-provoking piece of literature. It serves as a reminder of the power of empathy and the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions. Tolstoy's writing style is as captivating as ever, immersing readers in the story while simultaneously engaging their intellect.

However, the novella does have its flaws. At times, Tolstoy's philosophical musings tend to overshadow the narrative, making it feel more didactic than necessary. Additionally, some readers may find the story's pace slow, as its primary focus lies in internal reflection rather than external events. Nonetheless, the strength of the characters and the relevance of the questions posed make these minor criticisms easy to overlook.

In conclusion, What to Do? is an engaging and introspective work by Leo Tolstoy. It encourages readers to examine their own lives and consider the ethical implications of their choices. Although not as widely known as Tolstoy's magnum opus, this novella should not be overlooked as it showcases the author's thought-provoking intellect and enduring storytelling prowess.

First Page:

Books which are prohibited by the Russian Censor are not always inaccessible. An enterprising publishing house in Geneva makes a specialty of supplying the natural craving of man for forbidden fruit, under which heading some of Count L. N. Tolstoi's essays belong. These essays circulate in Russia in manuscript; and it is from one of these manuscripts, which fell into the hands of the Geneva firm, that the first half of the present translation has been made. It is thus that the Censor's omissions have been noted, even in cases where such omissions are in no way indicated in the twelfth volume of Count Tolstoi's collected works, published in Moscow. As an interesting detail in this connection, I may mention that this twelfth volume contains all that the censor allows of "My Religion," amounting to a very much abridged scrap of Chapter X. in the last named volume as known to the public outside of Russia. The last half of the present book has not been published by the Geneva house, and omissions cannot be marked... Continue reading book >>