The novel explores the complex emotions and consequences that arise when a young lieutenant, succumbing to societal pressure, feigns romantic interest in a disabled young woman. His pity-driven actions lead to an entanglement of obligation, guilt, and false hope, ultimately culminating in a tragic series of events. Set against the backdrop of the Austro-Hungarian Empire on the brink of World War I, the story delves into the psychological depths of its characters, examining the moral dilemmas and the devastating impact of pity when it is mistaken for love.

The 2047th greatest book of all time