I could tell she remained deeply frightened, yet I showed no mercy. On the contrary, witnessing her fear, I chose to make her anguish even worse. In this compelling short story, Dostoevsky masterfully portrays raw themes of despair, greed, manipulation and suicide.

Part of the Little Black Classics collection—curated to mark Penguin’s 80th anniversary with 80 iconic titles—this series highlights the extraordinary breadth and diversity of Penguin Classics. Spanning centuries and cultures from across the globe, these works transport readers through vivid settings: a balloon journey above Victorian London, blooming gardens in Japan, Tierra del Fuego, 16th-century California, and the vast Russian steppes.

Within the collection lie lyrical and stark tales, grand and intimate poetry, sharp satirical and inspiring essays, and timeless ideas that have profoundly influenced countless lives worldwide.

Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky (1821–1881) was a celebrated Russian novelist, short story writer, essayist, journalist, and philosopher. His writings deeply examine human nature and inner psychology, set against the complex political, social, and spiritual backdrop of 19th-century Russia. Faith and Christian themes feature prominently throughout his stories, as he reflected on human suffering, hope, and the dual nature of existence.

Dostoevsky embarked on his writing career in his twenties. His debut novel Poor Folk was released in 1846, earning him quick recognition in literary circles. He went on to create timeless masterpieces, including Crime and Punishment, The Idiot, Demons, and The Brothers Karamazov. His extensive body of work comprises eleven full-length novels, three novellas, and over a dozen short stories. Widely praised by critics, he is regarded as one of literature’s most profound psychological observers, with his novella Notes from Underground seen as a foundational work of existential writing.

Born in Moscow, Dostoevsky grew up immersed in classic literature, folktales, and both local and international works. Following his mother’s passing in his youth, he enrolled in a military engineering institute and later worked as an engineer. To supplement his income, he translated foreign books while gradually focusing on creative writing. His early works quickly brought him fame within Saint Petersburg’s literary community.

In his later life, Dostoevsky edited magazines and produced his own periodic collection, A Writer’s Diary. Frequent travels across Western Europe and struggles with gambling brought ongoing financial struggles, yet he ultimately rose to become one of Russia’s most influential and internationally beloved authors. Translated into over 170 languages, his works have left a lasting impact on generations of novelists, thinkers, and philosophers across the globe.