Fathers and Sons (Wordsworth Classics) Paperback – 5 Feb. 1996

Our u3a literature group decided to learn about Russian literature and this is the first book I have read. What a wonderful introduction it turned out to be. The generationalSons and Daughters is a good introduction to Russian literature. |It deals with the generational gap and the inevitable conflict between the generations - the value of traditionalist and 'intellectuals' All the characters are well portrayed and throughout the story I was able to understand the concept of nihilism.

Turgenev explores Nihilism through his protagonist Bazarov and the flawed notion that humans need only science in their lives and that art, poetry, emotions and elitism can be spared and are of no value. Bazarov meets his match in the form of the gentry and later when himself falls in love, the very thing he had convinced himself he did not believe in. Turgenev also makes the contrast with Arcady, the very opposite of Bazarov and whom he tried to recruit to his ideas, the precursors of communism that was to follow a few decades later. The emancipation of the serfs was a dividing issue at the time, and also the old ways of the fathers versus the new dawn the sons were searching for. Turgenev leaves it to his readers to see the different views of all parties even including the ordinary villagers and of course the gentry. Bazarov comes to a sticky end and Turgenev portrays poingantly the suffering of his parents. If only Bazarov understood the real meaning of inner happiness and the value of artistic creation in people's lives. The book is a panorama of russian life and russian people in the second half of the 19th century.

At first The book is rather difficult to get into but once I did I couldn't put it down. It is a bit like a Russian "great expectations "

A classic. Heard it recommended on Desert Island discs by Anthony Beevor (?) for frequent reading. Once was enough for me.

Enjoyed it.

I bought the book because Antony Beevor on Desert Island Discs said he read it as a learning exercise in writing prose.Having now read the book myself, I cannot see what all the fuss is about. I found it slow and pedestrian, though I did manage to finish it. Maybe something is lost in translation..A case of the Emperor's New Clothes, I reckon

Too many conversations that don't drive the story forward.

From the 'author for authors' this small volume packs a lot of descriptive writing- from surroundings to inner thoughts.