An Ordinary Story: A Novel

Before Ivan Goncharov wrote Oblomov, one of the most acclaimed and enduring classics of Russian literature, there was An Ordinary Story, his debut, which was immediately hailed by critics upon its publication in 1847.

An Ordinary Story describes the coming of age of Alexander Aduyev, a romantic young man from the provinces who moves to Petersburg in search of love and a career. Psychologically acute in its delineation of Aduyev’s relationship with his successful and unsentimental mentor uncle, this is a work of complexity and great charm. Featuring a stage adaptation, this edition of An Ordinary Story will enhance Goncharov’s reputation as one of the legends of Russian literary history.