The Landlady

The Landlady is a novella written by Fyodor Dostoevsky and first published in 1847. It is one of the Russian writer's first novels, prior to his time in Siberia.

This short story follows the complex relationship between Ordynov, a young student, and Katerina Ivanovna, his enigmatic landlady. The young man finds himself caught between reality and illusion, while his panic grows as he discovers the mysterious past of the woman who completely dominates his thoughts.

The story deals with themes of love and madness. Although it is not as well known as his later novels, it is very interesting to understand Dostoevsky's development as a writer. The book presents a dense and oppressive atmosphere so characteristic of his later work, as well as highlighting the complexity of human relationships.

Through this journey into the depths of Ordynov's mind, we can see the Russian writer's ability, from a very young age, to portray moral dilemmas, human passions, and their impact on life.

"Ordynov had made up his mind at last to change his lodgings. The landlady with whom he lodged, the poor and elderly widow of a petty functionary, was leaving Petersburg, for some reason or other, and setting off to a remote province to live with relations, before the first of the month when his time at the lodging was up."

This edition of the book The Landlady is based on the translation by Constance Garnett.