Gloomy River

Historical Context and Significance

The novel «Gloomy River» by Vyacheslav Shishkov is a significant work of Russian literature that describes the life and customs of Siberian peasants and merchants at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century. The book delves into themes of human greed, moral decline, and spiritual rebirth. It shows how the pursuit of wealth and power can destroy human lives and souls. An important aspect of the novel is its ethnographic accuracy and deep understanding of Siberian nature and culture. «Gloomy River» has had a significant impact on Russian literature, becoming one of the classic works that explore the theme of moral choice and human responsibility to oneself and society.