Mikhail Iurevich Lermontov

A Hero Of Our Time (1839) is the only novel written by one of Russia's greatest Romantic poets, Mikhail Lermontov -- considered by many to be the Russian counterpart of Lord Byron -- who died in a duel at the age of 26, leaving behind an unforgettable literary legacy. This beloved classic has everything for the modern reader -- dangerous liaisons, elegant psychological complexity, dark passion, emotional tension, romantic duels and deception, fiery action in the Caucasus, beautiful and exotic women with flair . . . And the sexiest Byronic anti-hero in all of Russian literature.

A Hero of Our Time

Nica Rhiana

 That was when despair entered my soul. Not the despair that’s cured by a pistol-barrel, but cold, impotent despair, hiding behind a charming manner and a friendly smile. I became a moral cripple — one half of my soul had ceased to exist, had dried out, evaporated, died, and I had amputated and discarded it; while the other half lived and moved, at the service of everyone. And no one noticed, because no one knew of the existence of the half that had perished.

 It was a bitter realization. But my love had become a part of my very soul; it grew dimmer, but did not die. Our parting is for ever; but you may be sure that I shall never love another. My soul has spent all its treasures on you, all its tears and hopes.

A Hero of Our Time quotes

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