A surge in popularity has brought Fyodor Dostoevsky's novel White Nights to the forefront of modern readers, especially among Generation Z, thanks in large part to its presence on TikTok. According to data from the Brazilian publisher Editora 34, sales of the book have skyrocketed by 463% in 2025, with the trend continuing to break records. The novel, which follows a "dreamer" who meets a young woman during a walk in 19th-century Saint Petersburg, has become one of the best-selling books in Brazil, the United Kingdom, and Spain. TikTokers have connected with the story because of its portrayal of a "solitary dreamer," a character that many young people today see as a reflection of themselves, according to Marcelo Nogueira, a 27-year-old literary influencer. The novel, one of Dostoevsky's earlier works, covers four nights and a morning in which the protagonist moves from a world of imagination to reality, leading to a passionate but brief love story. The novel’s closing line, "My God! A whole minute of happiness! Isn't that enough for an entire life?" has become one of the most shared quotes on social media. On BookTok, a popular TikTok community focused on books, the novel has sparked thousands of comments, showing how Dostoevsky’s work continues to resonate with readers nearly 180 years after its publication. Many users have described the book as "real life, written in a poetic way" and have related to the protagonist's experiences. Paloma Lima, a 29-year-old influencer and fan of Russian literature, noted that many young people on TikTok discovered her YouTube channel after reading White Nights, drawn to its "short and intense" narrative. In Russia, the novel's global success has generated both surprise and pride. Ekaterina Kvitko, a 28-year-old writer, mentioned at the Moscow Book Fair that young Russians do not show the same enthusiasm for the book, suggesting that it may reflect a different emotional need. She noted that the story of a character who is alone and seeks love as a "crutch" may resonate more with Western youth. The success of White Nights has also boosted interest in other Dostoevsky classics, such as Crime and Punishment. Danilo Hora from Editora 34 reported a 53% increase in sales of this book for his publishing house during the first seven months of the year. Marcelo Nogueira believes that social media can help reintroduce people to books, saying that being a reader can be a "selling argument." He also highlights the appeal of beautifully designed physical books, like the edition of White Nights he used in his video, which has sold out in several Rio de Janeiro bookstores. Cecilia Rosas, a researcher and translator of Russian literature, is pleased that some classics are experiencing renewed interest. However, she warns against confusing literary criticism with the "advertising" that often dominates social media, urging readers to approach such trends with a critical eye.