Leo Tolstoy is famous for his doorstopper novels, but 'Master and Man' proves he could deliver a knockout story in just a few dozen pages. Set in rural 19th-century Russia, it focuses entirely on two men and a journey that goes terribly wrong.

The Story

Vasili Andreich is a merchant, a man driven by money and status. He's determined to travel to a neighboring town to buy a woodlot before a competitor can, seeing it as a crucial business move. His servant, Nikita, is a gentle, resigned peasant who goes along with his master's wishes, even though a bad snowstorm is brewing. Against all advice, Vasili insists they set out. As predicted, the weather turns vicious, they lose their way, and their horse can go no further. Trapped in a white void of snow, their dynamic shifts from master and servant to two men simply trying to survive the night.

Why You Should Read It

This story is a masterclass in tension. Tolstoy makes you feel the biting cold and the creeping panic of being lost. But the real chill comes from watching Vasili's character. His initial arrogance and single-minded focus on profit become painfully absurd in the face of nature's power. Nikita, in his quiet acceptance, emerges as the story's moral center. The climax isn't about a dramatic rescue; it's a profound, quiet moment of realization for Vasili about what his life has truly been about. It's a story that strips away all the noise of society and asks what's left of a person when only their conscience and their mortality remain.

Final Verdict

Perfect for anyone who thinks they 'don't have time for the Russian classics.' This is your gateway. It's also for readers who love character studies and stories that explore big ideas in a simple, powerful setting. If you've ever felt the weight of regret or wondered about the gap between the life you have and the life you *should* have, this short, devastating novella will speak to you. It's a winter story you can read in a summer afternoon, but its questions will stay with you for much longer.