chrischapman 's review for:

Dead Souls by Nikolai Gogol
4.0

Despite being unfinished this novel contains powerful themes about the dangers that come with the willingness to do anything for power and wealth. Despite having a fairly good position several times, Chichikov falls victim to his own ambition and commits crimes that lead to his ousting of each society he is a part of. Chichikov has no distinction between right and wrong and overestimates the simplicity of his fellow humans. When met with the consequences of his crimes he quickly repents and swears rehabilitation of which we never see the completion.
An excellent read that utilizes humor and deep characters to explore issues of ambition and morality.