"Ivan le terrible; ou, La Russie au XVIe siècle" by Count Alexis Tolstoy is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. The narrative focuses on the life of Ivan IV, also known as Ivan the Terrible, who ruled Russia in the 16th century, exploring his complex character and brutal reign. Through Ivan's actions and the political turmoil of the time, the book delves into themes of tyranny, loyalty, and the impact of absolute power on both the ruler and his subjects. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to the setting of 16th century Russia, where the young prince Nikita Sérébrany returns from a failed diplomatic mission in Lithuania. His journey is filled with joy and anticipation to see his homeland again, yet he is confronted with the harsh realities of Ivan's oppressive regime, particularly through the terror of the Opritchniks, the Tsar's secret police. The narrative vividly illustrates the atmosphere of fear and violence that permeates society as Sérébrany learns about the ongoing brutalities inflicted by Ivan's enforcers. The chapter culminates with a dramatic encounter as Sérébrany faces threats from the Opritchniks while attempting to protect the innocents during their ruthless pursuits, setting the tone for the historical drama to unfold. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
