Books White Nights  by Fyodor Dostoevsky

"White Nights" is a short story by Fyodor Dostoevsky, first published in 1848. It tells the poignant tale of a lonely, unnamed young man living in St. Petersburg who describes himself as a "dreamer." The protagonist leads an isolated life, wandering the city's streets at night to fight off his loneliness.

During one of these summer nights, referred to as the "white nights" when the evening light lingers long, he encounters a young woman named Nastenka, who is weeping on a bridge. The narrator offers her comfort and protection from a drunken man, sparking a delicate friendship between them. Over the course of four nights, they share their personal stories and dreams. Nastenka reveals that she is in love with another man, her absent lover, to whom she is deeply loyal despite his long absence.

The dreamer falls deeply in love with Nastenka, but his feelings remain unrequited. Their relationship is marked by both deep emotional connection and the heartache of unattainable love. Toward the story's end, Nastenka's long-lost lover returns, reunites with her, and she leaves the narrator behind, once again alone.

In the final section, Nastenka sends the narrator a letter apologizing for the pain caused and expressing gratitude for his companionship. She indicates she will soon marry her lover. The narrator, though heartbroken, wishes her happiness and finds some solace in the brief moment of bliss they shared.

The story explores themes of loneliness, unfulfilled longing, human connection, and the bittersweet nature of love. It combines elements of romanticism and realism, capturing the dreamlike atmosphere of the nights and the emotional depth of the characters' experiences.

"White Nights" is regarded as an early work of Dostoevsky, showcasing his profound psychological insight into human emotions and relationships