Leo Tolstoy 
Cossacks 

Inspired by Tolstoy’s own experiences in the Caucasian War, 'The Cossacks’ is a suspenseful tale of murder and misfortune as well as being a menas for the young author to clear his gambling debts. Tolstoy’s undying love for the Russian landscape and his incessant exploration of the meaning of life shine through in this novel and make it a must-read for fans of all Russian literature, culture and history. –