Under Western Eyes

Set against the backdrop of revolutionary Russia, the narrative follows Razumov, a young student who grapples with loyalty and morality after betraying his anarchist friend, Victor Haldin, to the authorities. As Razumov becomes a spy for the government, he encounters Haldin's sister, Natalia, igniting a profound love that complicates his feelings of guilt. The novel explores themes of integrity, self-interest, and the moral dilemmas faced in turbulent times, making it a significant character study in Joseph Conrad's oeuvre.