The Live Corpse

Name: The Live Corpse
Author: graf Leo Tolstoy

A nobleman, tormented by a failing marriage and his own conscience, abandons his household and stages his own death to free his wife to marry another. His disappearance triggers social and legal turmoil as relatives, suitors, friends, and officials clash over morality, divorce, and reputation. The action shifts from salons and family rooms to taverns, gypsy encampments, and courtrooms, exposing hypocrisy, compassion, and the pressures of social convention. The escalating dilemmas force the protagonist and those around him to confront identity, duty, and the tragic costs of trying to escape personal guilt.

By graf Leo Tolstoy

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About the Author

graf Leo Tolstoy

Leo Tolstoy, a prominent Russian author and philosopher, is best known for his epic novels that explore complex themes of morality, society, and human experience. His most famous works include "Anna Karenina," which delves into the intricacies of love and infidelity, and "War and Peace," a sweeping narrative set against the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars. Beyond fiction, Tolstoy was a significant thinker in the realms of ethics and spirituality, as evidenced in his essays such as "The Kingdom of God Is Within You," where he articulates his views on nonviolent resistance and Christian anarchism. His literary contributions have left a lasting impact on both literature and philosophy.