"Under Western Eyes" by Joseph Conrad offers a gripping and thought-provoking exploration of themes such as betrayal, political turmoil, and the complexities of human nature. The story follows a young Russian student, Razumov, who becomes entangled in a web of espionage and moral dilemmas after being forced to spy on a group of revolutionary exiles. As the plot unfolds, Conrad masterfully delves into the psychology of his characters, drawing out their inner conflicts and motivations with great depth and insight. The narrative is rich in suspense and tension, keeping readers engaged until the very end. Overall, "Under Western Eyes" is a compelling novel that delves into the darker aspects of humanity and the consequences of our actions.

Book Description:
"But it is a vain enterprise for sophisticated Europe to try and understand these doings." Set in St Petersburg and Geneva, this austere and claustrophobic psycho-political tragedy focusses on the terrible plight of Razumov, a bright young student without family ties whose chance to live his own life is snatched from him the moment a fellow student takes refuge in his room after helping assassinate a Russian statesman. Razumov's profound sense of grief and bitterness at the cruel logic of his predicament may well reflect Conrad's own reaction to having his childhood and early teen years stolen from him, cruelly subsumed by the disastrous consequences of his Polish parents' resistance to Russian brutality and domination.