This collection brings together two powerful novellas by the master Russian writer Leo Tolstoy: 'Family Happiness' and 'Polikushka.' 'Family Happiness' delves into the complexities of early married life, portraying a young woman's journey from passionate love to a more mature, if less exhilarating, understanding of companionship and domesticity. It offers profound insights into marital disillusionment and the evolution of love. In contrast, 'Polikushka' is a poignant and tragic tale set amidst the harsh realities of serfdom in 19th-century Russia, depicting the desperate attempts of a simple peasant to prove his worth, leading to devastating consequences. Both works showcase Tolstoy's unparalleled psychological depth and his keen observation of human nature and societal structures.