Poor Folk

Poor Folk by Fyodor Dostoevsky is a deeply emotional and socially conscious novel that portrays the struggles of poverty, love, and human dignity in 19th-century Russia. Told through a series of heartfelt letters between two impoverished individuals, Makar Devushkin and Varvara Dobroselova, the novel captures the pain and beauty of their friendship amid hardship. Dostoevsky masterfully exposes the human cost of inequality, showing how compassion and pride coexist within those society overlooks. As Dostoevsky’s first major work, Poor Folk foreshadows the psychological depth and moral questions that would define his later masterpieces. This book remains a moving exploration of empathy, self-worth, and the quiet resilience of the poor.