White Nights Author: Fyodor Dostoyevsky Publisher Series: Penguin Classics No. 118

White Nights by Fyodor Dostoyevsky is a tender and emotionally layered novella that captures the poignant beauty of unexpected connection. Set in 19th-century St. Petersburg during the city’s luminous “white nights,” when twilight lingers long past sunset, the story follows a solitary dreamer—a man whose inner world is richer than his outer life.

Wandering the streets in isolation, the unnamed narrator meets Nastenka, a young woman facing her own emotional crossroads. Over four nights, the two share stories, secrets, and growing affection, painting an unforgettable portrait of vulnerability, hope, and the ache of transitory love. Their bond unfolds not through grand gestures, but through quiet conversations and honest reflection.

Dostoyevsky’s prose evokes the fragility of human desire and the bittersweet nature of chance encounters. This compact masterpiece blends sentimentality with philosophical depth, making it an enduring classic in Russian literature. The Penguin Classics edition offers a crisp translation and elegant design, perfect for collectors and literary enthusiasts alike.