A claustrophobic thriller about love gone wrong, from the French master of noir Blaise should never have hung around in that charmless little provincial town. The job offer that attracted him in the first place had failed to materialize. He should have got on the first train back to Paris, but Fate decided otherwise. After a chance encounter with a beautiful blonde in the town post-office, Blaise is hooked. He realizes he'll do anything to stay by her side, and soon finds himself working for her husband, a funeral director. But the tension in this strange love triangle begins to mount, and eventually results in a highly unorthodox burial . . .

A claustrophobic thriller about love gone wrong, from the French master of noir Blaise should never have hung around in that charmless little provincial town. The job offer that attracted him in the first place had failed to materialize. He should have got on the first train back to Paris, but Fate decided otherwise. After a chance encounter with a beautiful blonde in the town post-office, Blaise is hooked. He realizes he'll do anything to stay by her side, and soon finds himself working for her husband, a funeral director. But the tension in this strange love triangle begins to mount, and eventually results in a highly unorthodox burial . . .

Now available in one collection, four classic crime thrillers from the award-winning “French master of noir” (Observer) Unravelling like a paranoid nightmare, Bird in a Cage melds existentialist drama with thrilling noir to tell the story of a man trapped in a prison of his own making. Crush is a chilling 1950s suspense story of youthful naivety, dark obsession—and the slippery slope to murder. The Executioner Weeps is the winner of the 1957 Grand Prix de Littérature Policière. And The Gravedigger's Bread is a claustrophobic thriller about love gone wrong. All from the French master of noir. In Bird in a Cage, trouble is the last thing Albert needs. Traveling back to his childhood home on Christmas Eve to mourn his mother’s death, he finds the loneliness and nostalgia of his Parisian quartier unbearable. Until, that evening, he encounters a beautiful, seemingly innocent woman at a brasserie, and his spirits are lifted. Still, something about the woman disturbs him. Where is the father of her child? And what are those two red stains on her sleeve? When she invites him back to her apartment, Albert thinks he’s in luck. But a monstrous scene awaits them, and he finds himself lured into the darkness against his better judgment. Crush: Bored with her mundane factory job, her nagging mother, and her alcoholic father-in-law, 17-year-old Louise Lacroix is captivated by a glamorous American couple who moves to her industrial hometown in Northern France. The Roolands' home is an island of color, good humor, and easy living in drab 1950s Léopoldville—a place straight out of Louise’s dreams. Louise is thrilled when she successfully convinces the couple to hire her as their maid. But once she is under their roof, their model life starts to fall apart. Painful secrets from their past emerge, cracks in their relationship appear, and a dark obsession begins to grow. In The Executioner Weeps, it was fate that led her to step out in front of the car. A quiet mountain road. A crushed violin. And a beautiful woman lying motionless in the ditch. Carrying her back to his lodging on a beach near Barcelona, Daniel discovers that the woman is still alive but that she remembers nothing—not even her own name. And soon he has fallen for her mysterious allure. She is a blank canvas, a perfect muse, and his alone. But when Daniel travels to France in search of her past, he slips into a tangled vortex of lies, depravity, and murder. The Gravedigger's Bread: Blaise should never have hung around in that charmless little provincial town. The job offer that attracted him in the first place had failed to materialize. He should have got on the first train back to Paris, but Fate decided otherwise. After a chance encounter with a beautiful blonde in the town post-office, Blaise is hooked. He realizes he'll do anything to stay by her side, and soon finds himself working for her husband, a funeral director. But the tension in this strange love triangle begins to mount, and eventually results in a highly unorthodox burial.

The Brothers Karamazov is the final novel by the Russian author Fyodor Dostoyevsky. He spent nearly two years writing it. The author died less than four months after its publication. The Brothers Karamazov is a passionate philosophical novel set in 19th century Russia, that enters deeply into the ethical debates of God, free will, and morality. It is a spiritual drama of moral struggles concerning faith, doubt, and reason, set against a modernizing Russia, with a plot which revolves around the subject of patricide. Since its publication, it has been acclaimed as one of the supreme achievements in literature. Fyodor Dostoyevsky (1821-1881) was a Russian novelist, short story writer, essayist, journalist and philosopher. His literary works explore human psychology in the troubled political, social, and spiritual atmosphere of 19th-century Russia. Many of his works contain a strong emphasis on Christianity, and its message of absolute love, forgiveness and charity, explored within the realm of the individual, confronted with all of life's hardships and beauty. Many literary critics rate him as one of the greatest and most prominent psychologists in world literature.

The Great Classics of Russian Literature is an expansive anthology that showcases the rich tapestry of Russian writing over the centuries. It includes a broad array of literary styles, from the psychological drama of Dostoevsky to the romantic prose of Pushkin, and the satirical narratives of Gogol. This collection is significant for its inclusion of key texts that have shaped not just Russian literature, but the global literary landscape, offering readers standout pieces that highlight the diversity and depth of Russian thought and storytelling. The themes of spirituality, society, identity, and the human condition are explored with unmatched depth and introspection across these works, displaying the unique blend of realism and philosophy that Russian literature is renowned for. The contributing authors and editors of this anthology represent some of the most influential voices in literature. From the existential inquiries of Tolstoy and Dostoevsky to the pioneering short stories of Chekhov and the biting wit of Saki (H.H. Munro), each authors background contributes to a rich, multilayered exploration of Russian society and the human experience. These writers lived through some of the most turbulent times in Russian history, including the rise of the Russian Empire, the complexities of the Russian Revolution, and the profound changes of the 19th and early 20th centuries. Their collective works offer insights into the socio-political and cultural shifts of their time, making this collection a vital conduit for understanding the forces that shaped modern Russian identity. This anthology is recommended for readers who seek to immerse themselves in the profound depths of Russian literary genius. The Great Classics of Russian Literature offers a unique opportunity to explore a wide range of narratives, themes, and styles, providing a comprehensive understanding of Russian literary movements and their global influence. Its a must-read for those who appreciate the educational value of literature and are eager to engage in the dialogue between these authors works, fostering a deeper appreciation for the complexities of human existence as reflected in the rich tapestry of Russian storytelling.

The Giants of Russian Literature: The Greatest Russian Novels, Stories, Plays, Folk Tales & Legends' encapsulates an unprecedented span of Russian literary achievement, weaving through the transformative arcs of realism, romanticism, and the philosophical introspection characteristic of Russia's literary evolution. This anthology is meticulously curated, offering a spectrum from the dense, existential inquiries of Dostoevsky to the nuanced, social narratives of Chekhov, and the fantastical realms envisioned by Pushkin. The diversity in literary styles, from the poignant short stories of Saki (H.H. Munro) to the grand, epic novels and plays that have defined the ethos of an era, demonstrates the rich tapestry of Russian and related cultures contributions to global literature. The collective works included stand as a testament to the depth and variety of human experience as depicted in literary form, with each piece selected for its timeless relevance and profound impact. The contributing authors and editors of this anthology, leaders amongst the pantheon of Russian literary figures, bring a breadth of cultural, historical, and political context to the fore. Such variety encapsulates pivotal moments in literary and world history, from the intricacies of Tsarist Russia to the turbulent shifts of the Soviet era and beyond. The assembly of authors like Tolstoy, Gorky, and Andreyev, alongside less universally recognized yet equally pivotal figures such as Korolenko and Garshin, offers a panoramic view of the seismic shifts in literary expression and the socio-political undercurrents of their times. Their lives and works serve as prisms through which the broader narratives of Russian and global history can be explored, enriching the anthology with layers of complexity and insight. This anthology is not just a collection of significant works; it is a gateway to exploring the soulful depths, philosophical ponderings, and the reckonings with the human condition that Russian literature so adeptly explores. It invites readers into a rich dialogue across time and space, encouraging a deep and nuanced understanding of the themes that pervade Russian literary history. 'The Giants of Russian Literature' is an essential volume for anyone keen to immerse themselves in the profound narratives and diverse voices that have shaped not only Russian literature but also the world literary landscape. Its educational value and the breadth of insights it offers make it an invaluable resource for students, scholars, and enthusiasts eager to explore the complexities of life and humanity through the lens of one of the worlds most prolific literary traditions.

The Complete Works of Fyodor Dostoyevsky: Novels, Short Stories and Autobiographical Writings is a definitive collection showcasing the genius of one of Russia's greatest literary figures. Dostoyevsky's writing style is characterized by deep psychological insight, moral dilemmas, and philosophical exploration. His works often delve into complex human emotions and the darker aspects of the human psyche, making them both thought-provoking and timeless in their relevance to the human experience. This collection includes some of his most famous novels such as Crime and Punishment, The Brothers Karamazov, and Notes from Underground, as well as lesser-known short stories and autobiographical writings. Dostoyevsky's ability to capture the human condition in all its complexity is on full display in this comprehensive volume.Fyodor Dostoyevsky, a Russian novelist and philosopher, drew inspiration from his own tumultuous life experiences, including a near-death experience and imprisonment, which deeply influenced his writing. His profound understanding of human nature and existential themes is evident throughout his works, making him a seminal figure in world literature. Dostoyevsky's exploration of morality, redemption, and the meaning of life continues to resonate with readers worldwide.I highly recommend The Complete Works of Fyodor Dostoyevsky to anyone interested in delving into the depths of the human soul through masterful storytelling and profound philosophical insights. This collection serves as a testament to Dostoyevsky's enduring legacy and his unparalleled contribution to the literary world.