White Nights - Fyodor Dostoyevsky

White Nights is a beautifully melancholic novella by Fyodor Dostoyevsky, one of the greatest minds in world literature. Set against the atmospheric backdrop of St Petersburg, this short yet emotionally resonant story explores themes of romantic longing, social isolation, and the bittersweet nature of human connection.

Told through the eyes of a lonely dreamer, the story captures the ephemeral magic of four summer evenings and a dawn, during which a chance encounter blossoms into an intense emotional experience.

Main Themes of the Book

• Loneliness & Human Connection: The narrator lives in isolation, clinging to fleeting human encounters.
• Romantic Idealism: A deeply felt but ultimately tragic romance underlies the plot.
• Time & Memory: The story meditates on how brief moments can leave lasting emotional marks.
• Urban Alienation: Dostoyevsky paints a vivid picture of life in 19th-century St Petersburg and the alienation it can breed.

Why You Should Read This Book by Fyodor Dostoyevsky

• A perfect introduction to Dostoyevsky’s emotional and philosophical range.
• A compact classic that packs profound insight into under 100 pages.
• Evocative storytelling that blends realism with dreamlike lyricism.
• Part of Penguin’s Little Black Classics—ideal for collectors and classic literature lovers.

White Nights is a timeless tale of unrealized love and aching vulnerability, a story that speaks across generations. Whether you're new to Dostoyevsky or a devoted fan, this novella offers a poignant glimpse into the human soul—told with elegance, honesty, and aching beauty.