Reviews

I started reading this book because I was looking for clues to help me decipher William Trevor’s [b:Reading Turgenev|1354222|Reading Turgenev|William Trevor|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/book/50x75-a91bf249278a81aabab721ef782c4a74.png|1343923] but I didn’t really find many - I’ve since realised that Trevor was mostly referring to a different Turgenev novel, [b:On the Eve|616052|On the Eve|Ivan Turgenev|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1347341272s/616052.jpg|2578778]. In fact Fathers and Sons has more in common with another book I read recently, Belinda McKeon’s [b:Solace|11512137|Solace|Belinda McKeon|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1327105761s/11512137.jpg|15774145]. Both novels are concerned with the gaps in comprehension between people of different generations, in particular between fathers and sons and the tensions that arise as a result of these gaps and the consequent impact on the lives of all concerned. Interestingly, around 1840, Turgenev is said to have visited Edgworthstown, the home of Maria Edgeworth in Ireland where Solace is set. I imagine that she and Turgenev had a lot in common: land reform, plus access to better health and education for the masses.
However, in Fathers and Sons, Turgenev seems to be saying that there is no point trying to bring about reforms until the time is right: during the course of the novel, he disposes rather cruelly of his principal reformer and turns the reformer’s main friend and supporter into a comfortable and prosperous landowner’s son living out his life in complete harmony with his father.

marc129's review against another edition

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3.0

A generation conflict always offers good inspiration for novels. In this case it's beautifully set within the Russian aristocracy of the mid-19th century. Turgenev presents some exquisite psychological portraits, with a thick romantic underlayer and much tragedy. I enjoyed it even more the second time I read it, with 25 years in between. I must say, on the basis of the portrait of the brutal and arrogant Bazarov, I don't get why Dostoyevsky disliked Turgenev so much; I guess it was more a clash of characters. (rating 3.5 stars)

kaiarnold_'s review against another edition

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reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

loving's review against another edition

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3.25

engaging at times, tedious at others. i liked the themes and historical context, i disliked the sections of dialogue. this was my introduction to russian lit. so i don't have much to compare it to.

ajza's review against another edition

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dark reflective tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

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