Three Men - Maxim Gorky

First published in 1900, 'Three Men' is a novel by famous Russian author Maxim Gorky. The story follows the fortunes of Ilya, a poor boy from the slums who finds himself catapulted into middle-class society in contrast to the friends and family he has left behind. He soon discovers, however, that wealth does not necessarily buy you security or happiness. A touching, melancholic novel which shockingly depicts the harsh reality of the working class at the time. A contemporary of Tolstoy and Chekhov, Gorky's work is essential reading for all fans of Russian literature.