Vital Question, or, What is to be Done? cover art

Vital Question, or, What is to be Done?

Vital Question, or, What is to be Done?

Written by: Nikolai Chernyshevsky
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Despised by literary giants Dostoyevsky and Tolstoy, Chernyshevskys What Is To Be Done? offers a gripping and empathetic portrayal of idealistic revolutionaries navigating the oppressive landscape of mid-nineteenth century tsarist Russia. Translator Nathan Haskell Dole passionately asserts in his preface that this is a thrilling narrative that will captivate readers from start to finish. The novel features a diverse cast of characters, including the fiercely independent Vera Pavlovna and the inspiring radical Rakhmetov. Written from the depths of the notorious Peter & Paul Fortress in St. Petersburg—often referred to as the Abu Ghraib of tsarist Russia—the author later faced years of exile in Siberia. Despite Dostoyevskys scorn for Chernyshevskys work, particularly in The Possessed and Notes From Underground, the novels legacy lies in its profound influence on future revolutionaries and activists who embraced a life of asceticism and self-sacrifice. - Summary by ExpatriateCopyright Romance Stories Art Political Science Politics & Government
Episodes
  • 101 - Part V Chapter 23b Part VI

    101 - Part V Chapter 23b Part VI
    Apr 15 2026
    Despised by literary giants Dostoyevsky and Tolstoy, Chernyshevskys What Is To Be Done? offers a gripping and empathetic portrayal of idealistic revolutionaries navigating the oppressive landscape of mid-nineteenth century tsarist Russia. Translator Nathan Haskell Dole passionately asserts in his preface that this is a thrilling narrative that will captivate readers from start to finish. The novel features a diverse cast of characters, including the fiercely independent Vera Pavlovna and the inspiring radical Rakhmetov. Written from the depths of the notorious Peter & Paul Fortress in St. Petersburg—often referred to as the Abu Ghraib of tsarist Russia—the author later faced years of exile in Siberia. Despite Dostoyevskys scorn for Chernyshevskys work, particularly in The Possessed and Notes From Underground, the novels legacy lies in its profound influence on future revolutionaries and activists who embraced a life of asceticism and self-sacrifice. - Summary by Expatriate
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    12 mins
  • 100 - Part V Chapter 23a

    100 - Part V Chapter 23a
    Apr 14 2026
    Despised by literary giants Dostoyevsky and Tolstoy, Chernyshevskys What Is To Be Done? offers a gripping and empathetic portrayal of idealistic revolutionaries navigating the oppressive landscape of mid-nineteenth century tsarist Russia. Translator Nathan Haskell Dole passionately asserts in his preface that this is a thrilling narrative that will captivate readers from start to finish. The novel features a diverse cast of characters, including the fiercely independent Vera Pavlovna and the inspiring radical Rakhmetov. Written from the depths of the notorious Peter & Paul Fortress in St. Petersburg—often referred to as the Abu Ghraib of tsarist Russia—the author later faced years of exile in Siberia. Despite Dostoyevskys scorn for Chernyshevskys work, particularly in The Possessed and Notes From Underground, the novels legacy lies in its profound influence on future revolutionaries and activists who embraced a life of asceticism and self-sacrifice. - Summary by Expatriate
    Show More Show Less
    12 mins
  • 099 - Part V Chapter 19-22

    099 - Part V Chapter 19-22
    Apr 13 2026
    Despised by literary giants Dostoyevsky and Tolstoy, Chernyshevskys What Is To Be Done? offers a gripping and empathetic portrayal of idealistic revolutionaries navigating the oppressive landscape of mid-nineteenth century tsarist Russia. Translator Nathan Haskell Dole passionately asserts in his preface that this is a thrilling narrative that will captivate readers from start to finish. The novel features a diverse cast of characters, including the fiercely independent Vera Pavlovna and the inspiring radical Rakhmetov. Written from the depths of the notorious Peter & Paul Fortress in St. Petersburg—often referred to as the Abu Ghraib of tsarist Russia—the author later faced years of exile in Siberia. Despite Dostoyevskys scorn for Chernyshevskys work, particularly in The Possessed and Notes From Underground, the novels legacy lies in its profound influence on future revolutionaries and activists who embraced a life of asceticism and self-sacrifice. - Summary by Expatriate
    Show More Show Less
    12 mins
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