An Unhappy Girl

"An Unhappy Girl" (also known as "Neschastnaya" or "The Unfortunate" in some translations) is a novella written by Ivan Turgenev. First published in 1868, the story offers a glimpse into the life of Susanna, a woman of Jewish descent who, because of her roots, is cast adrift in the Russian social structure. The narrative unfolds from the perspective of a distant observer, Maximov, who becomes inadvertently involved in Susanna's life. Turgenev weaves themes of love, alienation and tragedy against the backdrop of Russia's strong social and religious prejudices. This poignant story not only explores the personal torment of the titular "unhappy girl", but also casts a critical eye on the deeply rooted prejudices and indifference of the society of his time.