Reviews

Fathers and Sons by Ivan Turgenev

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emmartr's review against another edition

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slow-paced

3.0

wasted's review against another edition

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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.

willyearamirez's review against another edition

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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

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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

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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.