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The Death of Ivan Ilyich by Leo Tolstoy

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Fan of Leo Tolstoy's works here. I've read his epic novels, "War and Peace" and "Anna Karenina." I've read some of his short stories, too. "How Much Land Does a Man Need?" may be my favourite. But this blog is about "The Death of Ivan Ilyich."

"The Death of Ivan Ilyich" tells the story of Ivan Ilyich, a successful judge in 19th-century Russia. After falling seriously ill, Ivan starts to reflect on his life and realizes that his relentless chase for social status and material success has led to a shallow, unfulfilling existence. His life is filled with superficial relationships and a loveless marriage. Facing his mortality, Ivan undergoes a profound transformation, discovering the importance of compassion, forgiveness, and living authentically. In his final moments, he finds peace by embracing these newfound values and acknowledging the emptiness of his previous pursuits.

When I was living alone, I often found myself thinking about death, and it scared me. I remember deciding to read this novella, hoping it would provide a fresh perspective on life and death or reinforce the value of life. Finally, I’ve read it. While it did not have the kind of impact I had expected, it's a good read, maybe a hard one, but worth it. The writing is heavy and often bleak, fitting the serious theme of Ivan’s crisis. But I don’t mind that. It highlights the main message of the story: the need to live an authentic life. The darkness of Ivan’s journey shows how regrets come from living a shallow life. 

My takeaway from this novella is that to avoid such regrets, we need to live genuinely and meaningfully. We should embrace compassion, forgiveness, and real connections with others. This way, when we face death, we can do so with peace instead of regret. 

Happy Reading!📖


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