The Cossacks

Set against the backdrop of the Caucasus during the final stages of the Caucasian War, this short novel explores themes of identity and cultural clash through a semi-autobiographical lens. Tolstoy's experiences in the region heavily influenced the narrative, which reflects his deep engagement with the lives of the Cossacks. The work garnered acclaim from contemporaries like Ivan Turgenev, who considered it Tolstoy's best. Written during a tumultuous period in the author's life, it embodies both personal and historical significance.