Reviews

A fantastic book written shortly after the emancipation of the serfs in Russia--the book is mainly about two families and the generational gaps between the parents and children. The two children are Arkadii and Bazarov. Bazarov, the son of a doctor, is a self-described Nihilist, and Arkadii, the son of a not-so-wealthy landowner, worships him. The book is about their attempt at applying their beliefs (in nothing) to everyday life, while their parents come to terms with the fact that their children view them as holding washed-up views, even though the parents view themselves as liberal.

charfaust's review against another edition

Go to review page

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

Go to review page

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.

mariasdn's review against another edition

Go to review page

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

Go to review page

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

More...