An Ordinary Story is a novel by the Russian writer Ivan Alexandrovich Goncharov about growing up and disappointment in one’s own ideals—of an provincial romantic, Alexander Aduyev, as he is at first. After arriving in Petersburg, he goes "under the wing" of his uncle Pyotr Aduyev—a rather dry businessman. Despite attempts by the older Aduyev to rein him in, the younger’s romantic aspirations invariably leave him with a broken heart. Disillusioned with city life, Aduyev returns to his mother’s estate, but after 4 years he again goes to Petersburg to marry a wealthy heiress and pursue a career in public service.