This beautifully written novel by Nikolai Leskov transports readers to a remote village in Russia, where the inhabitants live in isolation from the rest of the world. The story follows a young woman named Nastenka, who dreams of leaving the village and exploring the world beyond its borders.

Leskov's writing is poetic and evocative, painting a vivid picture of life in the village and the struggles faced by its residents. The characters are richly drawn, each with their own hopes, fears, and secrets. As Nastenka embarks on her journey to the edge of the world, the reader is taken on a deeply emotional and thought-provoking exploration of the human experience.

The novel is an enchanting blend of folklore, romance, and philosophical musings, leaving a lasting impact on the reader. Leskov's storytelling is both captivating and poignant, making this a must-read for fans of Russian literature and those who enjoy tales of adventure and self-discovery.

Book Description:
Повесть основана на подлинном случае миссионерской деятельности архиепископа Нила , но написана с характерным для Лескова гротеском и тщательной шлифовкой персонажей. Затронута необычная для русской литературы 19-го века тема свободы вероисповедания. "Making up things is hard labour for me, so I've always felt the need for having before me real faces which could intrigue me with their spirituality; then they get hold of me and I infuse them with new life, using some real-life stories as a basis," wrote Leskov about the characters of this book. Bigger than life characters meet at a missionary expedition to the Siberian North. The subject of freedom of faith is unusual for the 19-century Russian literature. - Summary by Mark Chulsky