"A man is never such an egotist as at moments of spiritual ecstasy. At such times it seems to him that there is nothing on earth more splendid and interesting than himself."
Loosely based on Tolstoy’s own experiences during the Caucasian War, The Cossacks describes the adventures of a young Russian aristocrat named Olenin, who decides to flee his life in Moscow - brought on by several shortcomings - and to enlist in the army as an officer in the Caucasian War. Olenin becomes involved in the everyday life of the Cossack; participating in battles with neighbouring Cossack tribes, falling in love with a local girl, and encountering rivalry with his male comrades.
One of Tolstoy’s earliest writings, The Cossacks is a simple and linear novel in direct contrast to his later works of which he is most known. This does not diminish the experience however; The Cossacks still ranks among the finest works of Russian literature.
