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Fathers and Sons

Ivan Turgenev

Start date: April 1, 2021

Finish date: April 30, 2021

Discussion: Current Group Reads

Why we're reading this: Old School Classics April 2021
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What Members Thought

Apr 06, 2021 Anne rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: russia, 2021, classics

RTC

16 likes · Like · see review

May 01, 2021 Franky rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2021-reading-challenge, classics, historical-fiction, literary-fiction, literary, philosophy, russia

I had Fathers and Sons on my to-read list for quite some time, so it was nice to finally get to read it for a group read. Although Ivan Turgenev is not as well known with as names like Tolstoy, Dostoevsky and other great Russian novelists, certainly he was an impressionable Russian voice in the many of the same ways and I believe this novel is considered the first Russian novel.

Father and Sons does not establish a traditional plot, per se, as the construct of the narrative seems to be a series I had Fathers and Sons on my to-read list for quite some time, so it was nice to finally get to read it for a group read. Although Ivan Turgenev is not as well known with as names like Tolstoy, Dostoevsky and other great Russian novelists, certainly he was an impressionable Russian voice in the many of the same ways and I believe this novel is considered the first Russian novel.

Father and Sons does not establish a traditional plot, per se, as the construct of the narrative seems to be a series of episodes shifting from one locale to another. Nonetheless, the novel as a whole is a brilliant vehicle for deep thought, discussion and reflection, which to me is a hallmark of a good book. In some ways, Fathers and Sons works almost as a drama or play without actually being a drama or a play, as the central framework and focus is through character interaction and discussion. The book itself is constructed beautifully and there are so many layers and thinking points to deconstruct and analyze upon reading the final page.

As the book’s title suggest, one predominant theme is that of the older generation vs. the younger generation. In this case, we have the “reactionary” fathers of the 1840s and the “revolutionary” sons of the 1860s. At front and center within this conflict is Bazarov, a young, nihilistic rebel, who is openly critical of society. The book opens in 1859 with a young man, Arkady, coming home to his father and his uncle and introducing his friend Bazarov to them. Arkady idolizes and admires Bazarov for his independent thought, and through the course of the novel we see how the young men, particularly Bazarov, come into conflict with the ideals of Arkady’s father and uncle.

There are also other areas that create engagement in Fathers and Sons. Within the novel, there are a couple of romantic subplots, a duel, and a dramatic finale and conclusion. I also thought that each of the characters presented had a level of depth to them.

This version (translated by Rosemary Edmonds) has a fabulous and extensive introduction to the novel, which gives quite a bit of background to both the novel and the author.

If you are a fan of Russian authors of Russian literature or just enjoy a deeply philosophical, thought-provoking read, Fathers and Sons is well worth the time ...more

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Mar 05, 2018 Jim Townsend rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I enjoyed this. It is hard to like Bazarov but easy to pity his parents. The author explores the interactions and reactions between fathers and sons, sisters (even those from different misters) and brothers (even those from different mothers). I bought this alternate cover edition at a library book sale. Unlike many classics, this one read fast. Turgenev is more accessible than either Dostoyevsky or Tolstoy, both of whom despised him, and this book is his masterpiece. Read it. You'll be glad you ...more

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Jan 20, 2021 Clio rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2021-faves

Inexplicably unputdownable.

Haven’t many of us been the recent college graduate who confuses education and wisdom? Who thinks he does not subscribe to any system of thought when he doesn’t recognize himself in modern popular systems of thought? Yvgeney sees the world as a scientific probing ground, wants to poke a hole right through anything that proves to be not quite all solid, until it dissipates and he can prove nothing is real. He does not know how to take the next step into society, the st ...more

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