When Hadji Murat, a revered and feared Avar commander in the struggle of Dagestan and Chechnya against incorporation into the Russian empire, falls out with his commander, Imam Shamil, the only way to save his family's life is to surrender to the Russian forces. Though they respect his prowess, the Russians do not trust Murat enough to allow him to lead a force against Shamil--forcing him to find another way to rescue his family. This short novel, the last written by Tolstoy, is an exciting, moving tale of sacrifice and valiance filled with vivid and expertly drawn characters.