10 Books Similar to “The Death of Ivan Ilych” by Leo Tolstoy

The Death of Ivan Ilych

by Leo Tolstoy (1866)

This satirical novella tells the story of the life and early death of a high court judge. Ivan Ilych is proud of his achievements and his status in society, despite his poor relations with his wife which renders his home life bleak and joyless. When he becomes hopelessly ill he begins to realize that he has not after all lived the good life he had supposed he was enjoying.