Pavel Basinsky's 'Saint Against Lion' offers a profound and meticulously researched exploration into the dramatic final years of the legendary Russian writer Leo Tolstoy. This compelling biography delves deep into the spiritual and existential crises that plagued Tolstoy, highlighting his radical renunciation of wealth and societal norms, and his desperate quest for a simpler, more meaningful life. Basinsky masterfully chronicles the intense conflicts within Tolstoy's family, particularly with his wife, and the philosophical battles that ultimately led to his poignant departure from Yasnaya Polyana, painting a vivid picture of a towering intellectual grappling with faith, morality, and the human condition. It's an essential read for anyone interested in Tolstoy's complex legacy.