Dead Souls by Nikolai Gogol

Exploring the flaws of Russian society, the novel follows Pavel Ivanovich Chichikov as he interacts with various representatives of the middle class. Through these encounters, Gogol critiques the mentality and character of his contemporaries, crafting an "epic poem in prose." Although intended as part of a trilogy, the second part was destroyed by the author before his death, leaving the narrative unfinished yet impactful. The work is celebrated as a significant contribution to 19th-century Russian literature, despite its abrupt conclusion.