Christmas Tree and A Wedding: Status, Superficiality, and the Chilling Cost of Social Climbing

A Christmas Tree and A Wedding is a short but haunting story from Fyodor Dostoevsky, told through the eyes of a party guest who observes a strange and unsettling interaction between a middle-aged man and a wealthy young girl. Years later, he sees them again-this time at a wedding.

Through vivid storytelling and social commentary, Dostoevsky exposes the greed, calculation, and hidden desires that often fester behind polished manners and holiday cheer.

This modern translation sharpens the language while preserving the moral discomfort and psychological depth of the original. It's a biting tale about what people are willing to do for wealth-and what society is willing to ignore.

What You'll Discover in This Modern Translation:

• A Chilling Portrait of Social Climbing - See how obsession with wealth and status leads to disturbing decisions.
• The Discomfort Beneath Celebration - Experience how a joyful setting can mask quiet horror.
• Psychological Realism at Its Finest - Discover how Dostoevsky uses subtle observation to reveal character motives.
• A Timeless Social Critique - Reflect on the ways ambition still drives moral compromise today.

This edition preserves the unease and insight of Dostoevsky's original work while updating the prose for modern clarity. Ideal for readers interested in psychological fiction, social satire, or powerful short stories with lasting impact.