Mikhail Artsybashev's provocative novel follows the titular character, Vladimir Sanin, who returns to his provincial hometown. Sanin embodies a philosophy of radical individualism and sensual indulgence, rejecting all societal conventions, moral codes, and religious dogma. He advocates for living life according to one's natural impulses, which inevitably brings him into conflict with the traditional values of his family and peers. The novel sparked immense controversy upon its release for its explicit themes and exploration of free love and nihilism, becoming a cultural touchstone in early 20th-century Russia.