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charfaust's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
chris_dech's review against another edition
5.0
"Fathers and Sons" by Ivan Turgenev is a tour de force of snappy, concise, and constantly moving, dynamic writing. Turgenev masterfully writes his characters in only some 200-odd pages, ranging from the nihilistic, cheeky Bazarov to the equally intelligent, orderly Anna Sergeyevna. Turgenev gives little to no repose for the plot as he regularly changes scenes and does not linger anywhere for too long, and unlike Tolstoy or Dostoyevsky, Turgenev spends less time within the heads of his characters. Rather, he keeps things interesting and complex through their actions, giving way to more possible interpretations of their character's hidden feelings and intentions.
I will look forward to reading more of Turgenev's works.
I will look forward to reading more of Turgenev's works.
mariasdn's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
antaresmirasun's review against another edition
dark
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
wasted's review against another edition
5.0
The adage "youth is wasted on the young" is too curt because wastefulness is relative. The delicate combination of vitality and wisdom is complex and individualistic. Indeed, proper tinder is needed for the innate flame within young men to alight. Rare souls know their energetic nature from birth, but life experience is nevertheless required to wield bright torches.
This novel lacks practicality, and nihilism is disappointingly only explored through 19th century aristocratic conversations. This setting was quite bland until an ultimate realization occurred during the final pages: the nihilist has accomplished nothing. Perhaps, the reason this story is purely conversational is because there isn't a defining moment or climax to this character's philosophy; only mere talk without substance.
Half-way through Fathers and Sons, the tragic hero showcases his ultimate weakness by stating "When I do meet a man who can hold his own with me. . . then I'll change my opinion of myself." However, if one is not inherently open-minded to others, how may one change themself? The nihilistic denial of kinship contradicts their noble purpose.
By incorporating a Growth Mindset into the Nihilistic framework of being, respecting others comes easier; even if only for the purpose of gaining knowledge. But, the devastating ending of this novel may serve as a warning: build meaningful relationships during the pursuit for meaning, or otherwise fade away into insignificance as a bored, angry, and lonely philosopher.
Highest rating for a tedious story that, whether on purpose or accident by Turgenev, held a much larger meaning in its tediousness.
This novel lacks practicality, and nihilism is disappointingly only explored through 19th century aristocratic conversations. This setting was quite bland until an ultimate realization occurred during the final pages: the nihilist has accomplished nothing. Perhaps, the reason this story is purely conversational is because there isn't a defining moment or climax to this character's philosophy; only mere talk without substance.
Half-way through Fathers and Sons, the tragic hero showcases his ultimate weakness by stating "When I do meet a man who can hold his own with me. . . then I'll change my opinion of myself." However, if one is not inherently open-minded to others, how may one change themself? The nihilistic denial of kinship contradicts their noble purpose.
By incorporating a Growth Mindset into the Nihilistic framework of being, respecting others comes easier; even if only for the purpose of gaining knowledge. But, the devastating ending of this novel may serve as a warning: build meaningful relationships during the pursuit for meaning, or otherwise fade away into insignificance as a bored, angry, and lonely philosopher.
Highest rating for a tedious story that, whether on purpose or accident by Turgenev, held a much larger meaning in its tediousness.
willyearamirez's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
sophiapeony's review against another edition
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
jthinojosa's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I was recommended this book and went in with no clear idea of what it was about. After finishing my first introduction to Dostoyevsky, this author came up as another “must read” in regard to Russian literature.
Turgenev’s prose is captivating and extremely accessible. Agreed with another review here that this book is “life-affirming,” especially in the face of nihilist perspectives and subjects like poverty, disease, and death.
Turgenev’s prose is captivating and extremely accessible. Agreed with another review here that this book is “life-affirming,” especially in the face of nihilist perspectives and subjects like poverty, disease, and death.
polarbear2023's review against another edition
Fine book really I saw a few crazy quotes on tumble but it's really boring w the men