# The Outcasts, and Other Stories

By Maksim Gorky.

"The Outcasts, and Other Stories" by Maksim Gorky is a collection of stories written in the late 19th century. The book explores the lives of society's outcasts, focusing particularly on the character Aristide Kouvalda, a retired cavalry officer who runs a doss-house for the downtrodden in a squalid suburb. Through Kouvalda and his lodgers, the narrative delves into themes of poverty, camaraderie, and the struggles against a harsh social environment. The opening of the collection introduces readers to the setting of the High Street, a grim place characterized by dilapidated hovels and a permeating sense of despair among its inhabitants. We meet Aristide Kouvalda, the doss-house keeper, who exhibits a blend of cynicism and humor while interacting with a cast of unique, troubled characters, each with their own backstory of hardship and vice. Their daily lives are marked by a struggle for survival, addiction to alcohol, and fleeting moments of connection, illustrating the challenges faced by those on the periphery of society. Through vivid descriptions and dialogues, Gorky offers a poignant critique of social injustices while also highlighting the humanity of his outcast characters amidst their grim circumstances. (Summary by Project Gutenberg, written by machine.)

- Language: English
- Translator: Emily Jakowleff
- Translator: Dora B. Montefiore
- Translator: Vera Volkhovsky
- Subjects: Russia -- Social life and customs -- Fiction; Short stories, Russian -- Translations into English; Russian fiction -- Translations into English

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From Project Gutenberg. Public domain in the United States.