Hadji Murad

Set against the backdrop of the 1850s Chechen conflict, this posthumously published short novel offers a fictionalized portrayal of Leo Tolstoy's experiences in the Russian army. It centers on Hadji Murád, a Chechen soldier who defects to the enemy, leading to tragic consequences. The narrative is marked by its brutal honesty and profound insights into the complexities of ethnic warfare, resonating with contemporary issues. Harold Bloom's recommendation highlights its significance within Tolstoy's oeuvre and the broader literary canon.