A House of Gentlefolk

A novel written in the mid-19th century, providing a glimpse into the complexities of Russian social life during that period. The story revolves around Marya Dmitrievna Kalitin, a widow who navigates her life in a provincial town, managing familial relationships and societal expectations while trying to establish a sense of identity for herself and her daughters amid changing times. The opening of the novel introduces us to Marya Dmitrievna, her aunt Marfa Timofyevna, and various other characters within their social circle, including acquaintances from the past and new arrivals. As they engage in conversation at a window, discussions unfold around family, scandal, and societal pressures. The narrative hints at deeper troubles surrounding the return of Fedor Ivanitch Lavretsky, a cousin whose past misfortunes form a backdrop for the unfolding drama. This sets an inviting stage for exploring themes of love, loss, and societal constraints, drawing readers into the lives of the characters as they navigate their gentlefolk existence in 19th-century Russia.