The beautiful Circassian princess Bela is kidnapped by a man named Azamat, who trades her for a horse. She is taken to the home of Pechorin, a man who treats women as an incentive for endless conquests and does not consider them worthy of any particular respect. After living together for some time, Bela becomes completely devoted to Pechorin, but Pechorin starts explicating his need for freedom. Bela fears he may leave her, but is soon kidnapped once again by Pechorin's enemy, Kazbich.

A Hero of Our Time is an example of the superfluous man novel, noted for its compelling antihero. Pechorin is a character of contradiction, both sensitive and cynical. His philosophy concerning existence is oriented towards the nihilistic, creating in him somewhat of a distanced, alienated personality. He is possessed of extreme arrogance, yet has a deep insight into his own character and epitomizes the melancholy of the Romantic hero who broods on the futility of existence and the certainty of death.

This case laminate collector's edition includes a Victorian inspired dust-jacket.