Tolstoy takes us on a long train ride where we enter the mind of Pozdnyshev. Embittered, confused, in turmoil about love, hate, marriage, sexuality, gender roles, jealousy, lust, disgust, Pozdnyshev's disquietude crescendos into a vividly violent rage that leads to murder and a comprehension that comes way too late. Pozdnyshev's horrible tale is passionate and riveting.