Timeless classic - shame about the translation, 26 Dec 2007
This is the story of two young men Arkady and Bazarov as they travel between the ciy, the houses of their parents, and the house of the beautiful widow Odintsova. During their journeythey quarrel with parents, fall in love and explore ideas of nihilism, feudalism and impending revolution.

What makes the novel great are the characters, real recognisable human types. Nikolai Petrovich, the good but incomptetent man, Pavel Petrovich embittered by lost youth, Odintsova, the intelligent woman trapped in a patriarchal society, Barazov the tortured but charismatic "angry young man". The real character of genius is however Arkady. Here we have a totally convincing portrait of a follower. He is enthralled by Barazov, imagines himself in love with Odintsova, and seeks to rebel against his parents, but all the time it is clear he will marry the more homely Katya and go into business with his father. As a portrait of inaccessible dreams and mundane reality it is both heart breaking and life affirming.

So all in allthoroughly recommended. That recommendation must however be for the novel. I found the transaltion, and particular the self conscious use of modern English terminology grating. It is a translation which will date more quickly that the novel.

Competition where there should only be love..., 18 Sep 2007
Ivan Turgenev is one of those dusty old masters of Russian literature, crowded out by Chekhov, Tolstoy and Dostoevsky. I found reading "Fathers and Sons" rewarding, although many of the references have gone astray in the almost 150 years since the book was written. At that time the educated classes in Russia looked towards the rest of Europe for direction - although some of this is certainly pretension and some escapism from the real and surrounding problems. The 'Explanatory Notes' do not really add a great deal, and perhaps only distract further from the true aims of the book.

Contained is a snapshot of Russian society in all its diversity, with the Russian landscape and politics in the background, but it is in the main characters and their interaction which are most satisfying. The 'Fathers' - past their prime, beyond experimentation or great endevours, but still clinging to their dignity as best they can and seeking comfort where they can. The 'Sons' - arrogantly striding towards a brighter future, so unwilling to compromise, so sure of their views and beliefs, even when they hold that nothing is worth believing in anyway! Fathers clinging to what is dear to them, and sons willing to throw everything familiar away in order to obtain something new and better. Thus there is competition where there should only be love. And so it has been down the centuries and always will be.

I fear Turgenev was writing for a Russian audience of his time, and neither he nor the translator has managed to wholly transport me back there. But some things do come through strongly......

very good read, 27 Jul 2007
I thought this book would be a boring dull russian saga but I was mistaken, I was hooked into this story from the begining, I found the idea easy to follow and could picture the travels in my kind, only a good book can do this without causing misinterpretation and misunderstaning let alone confusion. Highly recommended read from a story based in another country.

The generation gap!, 01 Nov 2006
One of the many delights of reading fiction from any literary period is the sense of timeless authority fashioned by the rich imaginations of talented writers. Although the historical settings may seem distant the characters behave pretty much as they do today, for example, they feel pain, fall in love, philosophise, act benevolently, contradict themselves, are conceited and pretentious. And these traits of human nature are compassionately handled by Turgenev in a novel that skilfully captures the ageless dilemma of youthful idealism (the sons) versus contented maturity (the fathers) thrust against the socio-political conservatism and burgeoning radicalism of mid 19th century Russia. The principle protagonist, Bazarov, is the archetypal angry young man, an Epicurean nihilist with romantic tendencies! Such are the contradictory dimensions belonging to this strain of Russian reactionaries, who want to destroy society's institutions whilst not caring about what to put in their place. In dismissing the existing social order and its moral obligations Bazarov is forced to confront his own despair and loss. In a telling passage Bazarov details, to his friend Arkady, his sense of `spiritual' insignificance in an indifferent universe, "I feel nothing but depression and rancour." Bazarov, however, is only human, and when he encounters the independent, educated, beautiful widow, Madame Odintsov, his self-imposed emotional detachment is tested to breaking point with catastrophic consequences. The story is an extraordinary examination of the cost of moral principles even if you think, as Bazarov does, you don't have any. This edition contains an excellent lecture and introduction detailing Turgenev's literary life, contemporary reaction to Fathers and Sons and the political climate of the period.

19th Century Russian Classic, 17 Jul 2006
'Fathers and Sons' is arguably Turgenev's greatest work. It is very accessible to the reader, and excellently written. Turgenev is renowned for his masterful ability to construct realistic dialogues and this novel does not disappoint in this respect. But 'Fathers and Sons' is also a novel of ideas and Turgenev analyses some of the ideas and sentiments which were later to have such an important influence on Russian society.

This novel follows Bazarov, a self-proclaimed nihilist, and his friend and pupil Arkady Nikolayevich Kirsanov as they return from their studies in Petersburg to the province in which their fathers reside. The tale is tangled with arguments and discussions about politics and philosophy, and of course it is also complicated by a heavy dose of love. As another reviewer has mentioned, the author's treatment of nihilism as a philosophy is particularly interesting and enlightening.

Turgenev is adept, as other reviewers have noted, at accurately describing different emotions and even at evoking those emotions in his readers; something of which precious few writers are capable. The subject of love, both romantic and mat/paternal, is dealt with extremely skilfully by the author and betrays the understanding of someone who has undoubtedly been exposed to those feelings himself.

'Fathers and Sons' then, leaves the reader with the sense that he/she has participated as a quiet observer in Bazarov and Arkady's journeys, and that Turgenev has enabled one to better appreciate love and the relationship between father and son, amongst other things. This is a book that deserves to be read, appreciated, and pondered over long after it has been closed. It's core relevance has not been diminished by the century-and-a-half since it was written.

Timeless classic - shame about the translation, 26 Dec 2007
This is the story of two young men Arkady and Bazarov as they travel between the ciy, the houses of their parents, and the house of the beautiful widow Odintsova. During their journeythey quarrel with parents, fall in love and explore ideas of nihilism, feudalism and impending revolution.

What makes the novel great are the characters, real recognisable human types. Nikolai Petrovich, the good but incomptetent man, Pavel Petrovich embittered by lost youth, Odintsova, the intelligent woman trapped in a patriarchal society, Barazov the tortured but charismatic "angry young man". The real character of genius is however Arkady. Here we have a totally convincing portrait of a follower. He is enthralled by Barazov, imagines himself in love with Odintsova, and seeks to rebel against his parents, but all the time it is clear he will marry the more homely Katya and go into business with his father. As a portrait of inaccessible dreams and mundane reality it is both heart breaking and life affirming.

So all in allthoroughly recommended. That recommendation must however be for the novel. I found the transaltion, and particular the self conscious use of modern English terminology grating. It is a translation which will date more quickly that the novel.

Competition where there should only be love..., 18 Sep 2007
Ivan Turgenev is one of those dusty old masters of Russian literature, crowded out by Chekhov, Tolstoy and Dostoevsky. I found reading "Fathers and Sons" rewarding, although many of the references have gone astray in the almost 150 years since the book was written. At that time the educated classes in Russia looked towards the rest of Europe for direction - although some of this is certainly pretension and some escapism from the real and surrounding problems. The 'Explanatory Notes' do not really add a great deal, and perhaps only distract further from the true aims of the book.

Contained is a snapshot of Russian society in all its diversity, with the Russian landscape and politics in the background, but it is in the main characters and their interaction which are most satisfying. The 'Fathers' - past their prime, beyond experimentation or great endevours, but still clinging to their dignity as best they can and seeking comfort where they can. The 'Sons' - arrogantly striding towards a brighter future, so unwilling to compromise, so sure of their views and beliefs, even when they hold that nothing is worth believing in anyway! Fathers clinging to what is dear to them, and sons willing to throw everything familiar away in order to obtain something new and better. Thus there is competition where there should only be love. And so it has been down the centuries and always will be.

I fear Turgenev was writing for a Russian audience of his time, and neither he nor the translator has managed to wholly transport me back there. But some things do come through strongly......

very good read, 27 Jul 2007
I thought this book would be a boring dull russian saga but I was mistaken, I was hooked into this story from the begining, I found the idea easy to follow and could picture the travels in my kind, only a good book can do this without causing misinterpretation and misunderstaning let alone confusion. Highly recommended read from a story based in another country.

The generation gap!, 01 Nov 2006
One of the many delights of reading fiction from any literary period is the sense of timeless authority fashioned by the rich imaginations of talented writers. Although the historical settings may seem distant the characters behave pretty much as they do today, for example, they feel pain, fall in love, philosophise, act benevolently, contradict themselves, are conceited and pretentious. And these traits of human nature are compassionately handled by Turgenev in a novel that skilfully captures the ageless dilemma of youthful idealism (the sons) versus contented maturity (the fathers) thrust against the socio-political conservatism and burgeoning radicalism of mid 19th century Russia. The principle protagonist, Bazarov, is the archetypal angry young man, an Epicurean nihilist with romantic tendencies! Such are the contradictory dimensions belonging to this strain of Russian reactionaries, who want to destroy society's institutions whilst not caring about what to put in their place. In dismissing the existing social order and its moral obligations Bazarov is forced to confront his own despair and loss. In a telling passage Bazarov details, to his friend Arkady, his sense of `spiritual' insignificance in an indifferent universe, "I feel nothing but depression and rancour." Bazarov, however, is only human, and when he encounters the independent, educated, beautiful widow, Madame Odintsov, his self-imposed emotional detachment is tested to breaking point with catastrophic consequences. The story is an extraordinary examination of the cost of moral principles even if you think, as Bazarov does, you don't have any. This edition contains an excellent lecture and introduction detailing Turgenev's literary life, contemporary reaction to Fathers and Sons and the political climate of the period.

19th Century Russian Classic, 17 Jul 2006
'Fathers and Sons' is arguably Turgenev's greatest work. It is very accessible to the reader, and excellently written. Turgenev is renowned for his masterful ability to construct realistic dialogues and this novel does not disappoint in this respect. But 'Fathers and Sons' is also a novel of ideas and Turgenev analyses some of the ideas and sentiments which were later to have such an important influence on Russian society.

This novel follows Bazarov, a self-proclaimed nihilist, and his friend and pupil Arkady Nikolayevich Kirsanov as they return from their studies in Petersburg to the province in which their fathers reside. The tale is tangled with arguments and discussions about politics and philosophy, and of course it is also complicated by a heavy dose of love. As another reviewer has mentioned, the author's treatment of nihilism as a philosophy is particularly interesting and enlightening.

Turgenev is adept, as other reviewers have noted, at accurately describing different emotions and even at evoking those emotions in his readers; something of which precious few writers are capable. The subject of love, both romantic and mat/paternal, is dealt with extremely skilfully by the author and betrays the understanding of someone who has undoubtedly been exposed to those feelings himself.

'Fathers and Sons' then, leaves the reader with the sense that he/she has participated as a quiet observer in Bazarov and Arkady's journeys, and that Turgenev has enabled one to better appreciate love and the relationship between father and son, amongst other things. This is a book that deserves to be read, appreciated, and pondered over long after it has been closed. It's core relevance has not been diminished by the century-and-a-half since it was written.

Timeless classic - shame about the translation, 26 Dec 2007
This is the story of two young men Arkady and Bazarov as they travel between the ciy, the houses of their parents, and the house of the beautiful widow Odintsova. During their journeythey quarrel with parents, fall in love and explore ideas of nihilism, feudalism and impending revolution.

What makes the novel great are the characters, real recognisable human types. Nikolai Petrovich, the good but incomptetent man, Pavel Petrovich embittered by lost youth, Odintsova, the intelligent woman trapped in a patriarchal society, Barazov the tortured but charismatic "angry young man". The real character of genius is however Arkady. Here we have a totally convincing portrait of a follower. He is enthralled by Barazov, imagines himself in love with Odintsova, and seeks to rebel against his parents, but all the time it is clear he will marry the more homely Katya and go into business with his father. As a portrait of inaccessible dreams and mundane reality it is both heart breaking and life affirming.

So all in allthoroughly recommended. That recommendation must however be for the novel. I found the transaltion, and particular the self conscious use of modern English terminology grating. It is a translation which will date more quickly that the novel.

Competition where there should only be love..., 18 Sep 2007
Ivan Turgenev is one of those dusty old masters of Russian literature, crowded out by Chekhov, Tolstoy and Dostoevsky. I found reading "Fathers and Sons" rewarding, although many of the references have gone astray in the almost 150 years since the book was written. At that time the educated classes in Russia looked towards the rest of Europe for direction - although some of this is certainly pretension and some escapism from the real and surrounding problems. The 'Explanatory Notes' do not really add a great deal, and perhaps only distract further from the true aims of the book.

Contained is a snapshot of Russian society in all its diversity, with the Russian landscape and politics in the background, but it is in the main characters and their interaction which are most satisfying. The 'Fathers' - past their prime, beyond experimentation or great endevours, but still clinging to their dignity as best they can and seeking comfort where they can. The 'Sons' - arrogantly striding towards a brighter future, so unwilling to compromise, so sure of their views and beliefs, even when they hold that nothing is worth believing in anyway! Fathers clinging to what is dear to them, and sons willing to throw everything familiar away in order to obtain something new and better. Thus there is competition where there should only be love. And so it has been down the centuries and always will be.

I fear Turgenev was writing for a Russian audience of his time, and neither he nor the translator has managed to wholly transport me back there. But some things do come through strongly......

very good read, 27 Jul 2007
I thought this book would be a boring dull russian saga but I was mistaken, I was hooked into this story from the begining, I found the idea easy to follow and could picture the travels in my kind, only a good book can do this without causing misinterpretation and misunderstaning let alone confusion. Highly recommended read from a story based in another country.

The generation gap!, 01 Nov 2006
One of the many delights of reading fiction from any literary period is the sense of timeless authority fashioned by the rich imaginations of talented writers. Although the historical settings may seem distant the characters behave pretty much as they do today, for example, they feel pain, fall in love, philosophise, act benevolently, contradict themselves, are conceited and pretentious. And these traits of human nature are compassionately handled by Turgenev in a novel that skilfully captures the ageless dilemma of youthful idealism (the sons) versus contented maturity (the fathers) thrust against the socio-political conservatism and burgeoning radicalism of mid 19th century Russia. The principle protagonist, Bazarov, is the archetypal angry young man, an Epicurean nihilist with romantic tendencies! Such are the contradictory dimensions belonging to this strain of Russian reactionaries, who want to destroy society's institutions whilst not caring about what to put in their place. In dismissing the existing social order and its moral obligations Bazarov is forced to confront his own despair and loss. In a telling passage Bazarov details, to his friend Arkady, his sense of `spiritual' insignificance in an indifferent universe, "I feel nothing but depression and rancour." Bazarov, however, is only human, and when he encounters the independent, educated, beautiful widow, Madame Odintsov, his self-imposed emotional detachment is tested to breaking point with catastrophic consequences. The story is an extraordinary examination of the cost of moral principles even if you think, as Bazarov does, you don't have any. This edition contains an excellent lecture and introduction detailing Turgenev's literary life, contemporary reaction to Fathers and Sons and the political climate of the period.

19th Century Russian Classic, 17 Jul 2006
'Fathers and Sons' is arguably Turgenev's greatest work. It is very accessible to the reader, and excellently written. Turgenev is renowned for his masterful ability to construct realistic dialogues and this novel does not disappoint in this respect. But 'Fathers and Sons' is also a novel of ideas and Turgenev analyses some of the ideas and sentiments which were later to have such an important influence on Russian society.

This novel follows Bazarov, a self-proclaimed nihilist, and his friend and pupil Arkady Nikolayevich Kirsanov as they return from their studies in Petersburg to the province in which their fathers reside. The tale is tangled with arguments and discussions about politics and philosophy, and of course it is also complicated by a heavy dose of love. As another reviewer has mentioned, the author's treatment of nihilism as a philosophy is particularly interesting and enlightening.

Turgenev is adept, as other reviewers have noted, at accurately describing different emotions and even at evoking those emotions in his readers; something of which precious few writers are capable. The subject of love, both romantic and mat/paternal, is dealt with extremely skilfully by the author and betrays the understanding of someone who has undoubtedly been exposed to those feelings himself.

'Fathers and Sons' then, leaves the reader with the sense that he/she has participated as a quiet observer in Bazarov and Arkady's journeys, and that Turgenev has enabled one to better appreciate love and the relationship between father and son, amongst other things. This is a book that deserves to be read, appreciated, and pondered over long after it has been closed. It's core relevance has not been diminished by the century-and-a-half since it was written.

Timeless classic - shame about the translation, 26 Dec 2007
This is the story of two young men Arkady and Bazarov as they travel between the ciy, the houses of their parents, and the house of the beautiful widow Odintsova. During their journeythey quarrel with parents, fall in love and explore ideas of nihilism, feudalism and impending revolution.

What makes the novel great are the characters, real recognisable human types. Nikolai Petrovich, the good but incomptetent man, Pavel Petrovich embittered by lost youth, Odintsova, the intelligent woman trapped in a patriarchal society, Barazov the tortured but charismatic "angry young man". The real character of genius is however Arkady. Here we have a totally convincing portrait of a follower. He is enthralled by Barazov, imagines himself in love with Odintsova, and seeks to rebel against his parents, but all the time it is clear he will marry the more homely Katya and go into business with his father. As a portrait of inaccessible dreams and mundane reality it is both heart breaking and life affirming.

So all in allthoroughly recommended. That recommendation must however be for the novel. I found the transaltion, and particular the self conscious use of modern English terminology grating. It is a translation which will date more quickly that the novel.

Competition where there should only be love..., 18 Sep 2007
Ivan Turgenev is one of those dusty old masters of Russian literature, crowded out by Chekhov, Tolstoy and Dostoevsky. I found reading "Fathers and Sons" rewarding, although many of the references have gone astray in the almost 150 years since the book was written. At that time the educated classes in Russia looked towards the rest of Europe for direction - although some of this is certainly pretension and some escapism from the real and surrounding problems. The 'Explanatory Notes' do not really add a great deal, and perhaps only distract further from the true aims of the book.

Contained is a snapshot of Russian society in all its diversity, with the Russian landscape and politics in the background, but it is in the main characters and their interaction which are most satisfying. The 'Fathers' - past their prime, beyond experimentation or great endevours, but still clinging to their dignity as best they can and seeking comfort where they can. The 'Sons' - arrogantly striding towards a brighter future, so unwilling to compromise, so sure of their views and beliefs, even when they hold that nothing is worth believing in anyway! Fathers clinging to what is dear to them, and sons willing to throw everything familiar away in order to obtain something new and better. Thus there is competition where there should only be love. And so it has been down the centuries and always will be.

I fear Turgenev was writing for a Russian audience of his time, and neither he nor the translator has managed to wholly transport me back there. But some things do come through strongly......

very good read, 27 Jul 2007
I thought this book would be a boring dull russian saga but I was mistaken, I was hooked into this story from the begining, I found the idea easy to follow and could picture the travels in my kind, only a good book can do this without causing misinterpretation and misunderstaning let alone confusion. Highly recommended read from a story based in another country.

The generation gap!, 01 Nov 2006
One of the many delights of reading fiction from any literary period is the sense of timeless authority fashioned by the rich imaginations of talented writers. Although the historical settings may seem distant the characters behave pretty much as they do today, for example, they feel pain, fall in love, philosophise, act benevolently, contradict themselves, are conceited and pretentious. And these traits of human nature are compassionately handled by Turgenev in a novel that skilfully captures the ageless dilemma of youthful idealism (the sons) versus contented maturity (the fathers) thrust against the socio-political conservatism and burgeoning radicalism of mid 19th century Russia. The principle protagonist, Bazarov, is the archetypal angry young man, an Epicurean nihilist with romantic tendencies! Such are the contradictory dimensions belonging to this strain of Russian reactionaries, who want to destroy society's institutions whilst not caring about what to put in their place. In dismissing the existing social order and its moral obligations Bazarov is forced to confront his own despair and loss. In a telling passage Bazarov details, to his friend Arkady, his sense of `spiritual' insignificance in an indifferent universe, "I feel nothing but depression and rancour." Bazarov, however, is only human, and when he encounters the independent, educated, beautiful widow, Madame Odintsov, his self-imposed emotional detachment is tested to breaking point with catastrophic consequences. The story is an extraordinary examination of the cost of moral principles even if you think, as Bazarov does, you don't have any. This edition contains an excellent lecture and introduction detailing Turgenev's literary life, contemporary reaction to Fathers and Sons and the political climate of the period.

19th Century Russian Classic, 17 Jul 2006
'Fathers and Sons' is arguably Turgenev's greatest work. It is very accessible to the reader, and excellently written. Turgenev is renowned for his masterful ability to construct realistic dialogues and this novel does not disappoint in this respect. But 'Fathers and Sons' is also a novel of ideas and Turgenev analyses some of the ideas and sentiments which were later to have such an important influence on Russian society.

This novel follows Bazarov, a self-proclaimed nihilist, and his friend and pupil Arkady Nikolayevich Kirsanov as they return from their studies in Petersburg to the province in which their fathers reside. The tale is tangled with arguments and discussions about politics and philosophy, and of course it is also complicated by a heavy dose of love. As another reviewer has mentioned, the author's treatment of nihilism as a philosophy is particularly interesting and enlightening.

Turgenev is adept, as other reviewers have noted, at accurately describing different emotions and even at evoking those emotions in his readers; something of which precious few writers are capable. The subject of love, both romantic and mat/paternal, is dealt with extremely skilfully by the author and betrays the understanding of someone who has undoubtedly been exposed to those feelings himself.

'Fathers and Sons' then, leaves the reader with the sense that he/she has participated as a quiet observer in Bazarov and Arkady's journeys, and that Turgenev has enabled one to better appreciate love and the relationship between father and son, amongst other things. This is a book that deserves to be read, appreciated, and pondered over long after it has been closed. It's core relevance has not been diminished by the century-and-a-half since it was written.

Timeless classic - shame about the translation, 26 Dec 2007
This is the story of two young men Arkady and Bazarov as they travel between the ciy, the houses of their parents, and the house of the beautiful widow Odintsova. During their journeythey quarrel with parents, fall in love and explore ideas of nihilism, feudalism and impending revolution.

What makes the novel great are the characters, real recognisable human types. Nikolai Petrovich, the good but incomptetent man, Pavel Petrovich embittered by lost youth, Odintsova, the intelligent woman trapped in a patriarchal society, Barazov the tortured but charismatic "angry young man". The real character of genius is however Arkady. Here we have a totally convincing portrait of a follower. He is enthralled by Barazov, imagines himself in love with Odintsova, and seeks to rebel against his parents, but all the time it is clear he will marry the more homely Katya and go into business with his father. As a portrait of inaccessible dreams and mundane reality it is both heart breaking and life affirming.

So all in allthoroughly recommended. That recommendation must however be for the novel. I found the transaltion, and particular the self conscious use of modern English terminology grating. It is a translation which will date more quickly that the novel.

Competition where there should only be love..., 18 Sep 2007
Ivan Turgenev is one of those dusty old masters of Russian literature, crowded out by Chekhov, Tolstoy and Dostoevsky. I found reading "Fathers and Sons" rewarding, although many of the references have gone astray in the almost 150 years since the book was written. At that time the educated classes in Russia looked towards the rest of Europe for direction - although some of this is certainly pretension and some escapism from the real and surrounding problems. The 'Explanatory Notes' do not really add a great deal, and perhaps only distract further from the true aims of the book.

Contained is a snapshot of Russian society in all its diversity, with the Russian landscape and politics in the background, but it is in the main characters and their interaction which are most satisfying. The 'Fathers' - past their prime, beyond experimentation or great endevours, but still clinging to their dignity as best they can and seeking comfort where they can. The 'Sons' - arrogantly striding towards a brighter future, so unwilling to compromise, so sure of their views and beliefs, even when they hold that nothing is worth believing in anyway! Fathers clinging to what is dear to them, and sons willing to throw everything familiar away in order to obtain something new and better. Thus there is competition where there should only be love. And so it has been down the centuries and always will be.

I fear Turgenev was writing for a Russian audience of his time, and neither he nor the translator has managed to wholly transport me back there. But some things do come through strongly......

very good read, 27 Jul 2007
I thought this book would be a boring dull russian saga but I was mistaken, I was hooked into this story from the begining, I found the idea easy to follow and could picture the travels in my kind, only a good book can do this without causing misinterpretation and misunderstaning let alone confusion. Highly recommended read from a story based in another country.

The generation gap!, 01 Nov 2006
One of the many delights of reading fiction from any literary period is the sense of timeless authority fashioned by the rich imaginations of talented writers. Although the historical settings may seem distant the characters behave pretty much as they do today, for example, they feel pain, fall in love, philosophise, act benevolently, contradict themselves, are conceited and pretentious. And these traits of human nature are compassionately handled by Turgenev in a novel that skilfully captures the ageless dilemma of youthful idealism (the sons) versus contented maturity (the fathers) thrust against the socio-political conservatism and burgeoning radicalism of mid 19th century Russia. The principle protagonist, Bazarov, is the archetypal angry young man, an Epicurean nihilist with romantic tendencies! Such are the contradictory dimensions belonging to this strain of Russian reactionaries, who want to destroy society's institutions whilst not caring about what to put in their place. In dismissing the existing social order and its moral obligations Bazarov is forced to confront his own despair and loss. In a telling passage Bazarov details, to his friend Arkady, his sense of `spiritual' insignificance in an indifferent universe, "I feel nothing but depression and rancour." Bazarov, however, is only human, and when he encounters the independent, educated, beautiful widow, Madame Odintsov, his self-imposed emotional detachment is tested to breaking point with catastrophic consequences. The story is an extraordinary examination of the cost of moral principles even if you think, as Bazarov does, you don't have any. This edition contains an excellent lecture and introduction detailing Turgenev's literary life, contemporary reaction to Fathers and Sons and the political climate of the period.

19th Century Russian Classic, 17 Jul 2006
'Fathers and Sons' is arguably Turgenev's greatest work. It is very accessible to the reader, and excellently written. Turgenev is renowned for his masterful ability to construct realistic dialogues and this novel does not disappoint in this respect. But 'Fathers and Sons' is also a novel of ideas and Turgenev analyses some of the ideas and sentiments which were later to have such an important influence on Russian society.

This novel follows Bazarov, a self-proclaimed nihilist, and his friend and pupil Arkady Nikolayevich Kirsanov as they return from their studies in Petersburg to the province in which their fathers reside. The tale is tangled with arguments and discussions about politics and philosophy, and of course it is also complicated by a heavy dose of love. As another reviewer has mentioned, the author's treatment of nihilism as a philosophy is particularly interesting and enlightening.

Turgenev is adept, as other reviewers have noted, at accurately describing different emotions and even at evoking those emotions in his readers; something of which precious few writers are capable. The subject of love, both romantic and mat/paternal, is dealt with extremely skilfully by the author and betrays the understanding of someone who has undoubtedly been exposed to those feelings himself.

'Fathers and Sons' then, leaves the reader with the sense that he/she has participated as a quiet observer in Bazarov and Arkady's journeys, and that Turgenev has enabled one to better appreciate love and the relationship between father and son, amongst other things. This is a book that deserves to be read, appreciated, and pondered over long after it has been closed. It's core relevance has not been diminished by the century-and-a-half since it was written.

Turgenev, Pritchett, Berlin, 18 Mar 2008
Simply beautiful. One of the most overlooked of the nineteenth-century writers, Turgenev (like his friend Maupassant) was a master craftsman as well as an amzing observer of people and scenes; this little book, together with Scenes From a Hunter's Album, is his best. And here is surely the best of all the translations into English from the Russian novels: V.S. Pritchett's lucid, pared-down style fits the bill so well. Don't look further for a translation of First Love. It also has a terrific little essay by Isaiah Berlin as an introduction. Well done to Penguin for keeping this in print for almost 30 years. Maybe they should try now to reprint the marvellous collections of short stories by Pritchett, too...

Moving short story about youth and love, 22 May 2007

An accessible translation allowed me to read this like any other story; nothing difficult about it. It is extremely moving in parts, as he loves for the first time a girl who many love, including his own father. And the memory of her and his father is memorable for us all, with some universal writing about love's nature, its effects and youth. I wish i'd read this earlier!

Beautiful contrasts in mood and variations on love., 04 Nov 2001
These six stories offer subtle variations on the theme of first love, often beautifully evoked through the first person narrative to highlight the autoboigraphical nature of some of the episodes. Turgenev creates contrasts of moods which capture either the ecstacy or misery of falling in love. For example, in the title piece, 'First Love', the young boy feels the bliss of his first crush and first kiss, which is finally defeated by his own father. The main message of the book is that nothing is permanent, and that love does not lead to a happy marriage nor to fullfilment. This is enhanced by the episodic nature of the tales which often capture just one moment of a larger timescale. The book is also historically interesting as it contains some of the first Russian literature to have become widely known throughout Europe in the nineteenth century. If you enjoy these stories I would recommend you try some of Turgenev's longer novels.

Timeless classic - shame about the translation, 26 Dec 2007
This is the story of two young men Arkady and Bazarov as they travel between the ciy, the houses of their parents, and the house of the beautiful widow Odintsova. During their journeythey quarrel with parents, fall in love and explore ideas of nihilism, feudalism and impending revolution.

What makes the novel great are the characters, real recognisable human types. Nikolai Petrovich, the good but incomptetent man, Pavel Petrovich embittered by lost youth, Odintsova, the intelligent woman trapped in a patriarchal society, Barazov the tortured but charismatic "angry young man". The real character of genius is however Arkady. Here we have a totally convincing portrait of a follower. He is enthralled by Barazov, imagines himself in love with Odintsova, and seeks to rebel against his parents, but all the time it is clear he will marry the more homely Katya and go into business with his father. As a portrait of inaccessible dreams and mundane reality it is both heart breaking and life affirming.

So all in allthoroughly recommended. That recommendation must however be for the novel. I found the transaltion, and particular the self conscious use of modern English terminology grating. It is a translation which will date more quickly that the novel.

Competition where there should only be love..., 18 Sep 2007
Ivan Turgenev is one of those dusty old masters of Russian literature, crowded out by Chekhov, Tolstoy and Dostoevsky. I found reading "Fathers and Sons" rewarding, although many of the references have gone astray in the almost 150 years since the book was written. At that time the educated classes in Russia looked towards the rest of Europe for direction - although some of this is certainly pretension and some escapism from the real and surrounding problems. The 'Explanatory Notes' do not really add a great deal, and perhaps only distract further from the true aims of the book.

Contained is a snapshot of Russian society in all its diversity, with the Russian landscape and politics in the background, but it is in the main characters and their interaction which are most satisfying. The 'Fathers' - past their prime, beyond experimentation or great endevours, but still clinging to their dignity as best they can and seeking comfort where they can. The 'Sons' - arrogantly striding towards a brighter future, so unwilling to compromise, so sure of their views and beliefs, even when they hold that nothing is worth believing in anyway! Fathers clinging to what is dear to them, and sons willing to throw everything familiar away in order to obtain something new and better. Thus there is competition where there should only be love. And so it has been down the centuries and always will be.

I fear Turgenev was writing for a Russian audience of his time, and neither he nor the translator has managed to wholly transport me back there. But some things do come through strongly......

very good read, 27 Jul 2007
I thought this book would be a boring dull russian saga but I was mistaken, I was hooked into this story from the begining, I found the idea easy to follow and could picture the travels in my kind, only a good book can do this without causing misinterpretation and misunderstaning let alone confusion. Highly recommended read from a story based in another country.

The generation gap!, 01 Nov 2006
One of the many delights of reading fiction from any literary period is the sense of timeless authority fashioned by the rich imaginations of talented writers. Although the historical settings may seem distant the characters behave pretty much as they do today, for example, they feel pain, fall in love, philosophise, act benevolently, contradict themselves, are conceited and pretentious. And these traits of human nature are compassionately handled by Turgenev in a novel that skilfully captures the ageless dilemma of youthful idealism (the sons) versus contented maturity (the fathers) thrust against the socio-political conservatism and burgeoning radicalism of mid 19th century Russia. The principle protagonist, Bazarov, is the archetypal angry young man, an Epicurean nihilist with romantic tendencies! Such are the contradictory dimensions belonging to this strain of Russian reactionaries, who want to destroy society's institutions whilst not caring about what to put in their place. In dismissing the existing social order and its moral obligations Bazarov is forced to confront his own despair and loss. In a telling passage Bazarov details, to his friend Arkady, his sense of `spiritual' insignificance in an indifferent universe, "I feel nothing but depression and rancour." Bazarov, however, is only human, and when he encounters the independent, educated, beautiful widow, Madame Odintsov, his self-imposed emotional detachment is tested to breaking point with catastrophic consequences. The story is an extraordinary examination of the cost of moral principles even if you think, as Bazarov does, you don't have any. This edition contains an excellent lecture and introduction detailing Turgenev's literary life, contemporary reaction to Fathers and Sons and the political climate of the period.

19th Century Russian Classic, 17 Jul 2006
'Fathers and Sons' is arguably Turgenev's greatest work. It is very accessible to the reader, and excellently written. Turgenev is renowned for his masterful ability to construct realistic dialogues and this novel does not disappoint in this respect. But 'Fathers and Sons' is also a novel of ideas and Turgenev analyses some of the ideas and sentiments which were later to have such an important influence on Russian society.

This novel follows Bazarov, a self-proclaimed nihilist, and his friend and pupil Arkady Nikolayevich Kirsanov as they return from their studies in Petersburg to the province in which their fathers reside. The tale is tangled with arguments and discussions about politics and philosophy, and of course it is also complicated by a heavy dose of love. As another reviewer has mentioned, the author's treatment of nihilism as a philosophy is particularly interesting and enlightening.

Turgenev is adept, as other reviewers have noted, at accurately describing different emotions and even at evoking those emotions in his readers; something of which precious few writers are capable. The subject of love, both romantic and mat/paternal, is dealt with extremely skilfully by the author and betrays the understanding of someone who has undoubtedly been exposed to those feelings himself.

'Fathers and Sons' then, leaves the reader with the sense that he/she has participated as a quiet observer in Bazarov and Arkady's journeys, and that Turgenev has enabled one to better appreciate love and the relationship between father and son, amongst other things. This is a book that deserves to be read, appreciated, and pondered over long after it has been closed. It's core relevance has not been diminished by the century-and-a-half since it was written.

Timeless classic - shame about the translation, 26 Dec 2007
This is the story of two young men Arkady and Bazarov as they travel between the ciy, the houses of their parents, and the house of the beautiful widow Odintsova. During their journeythey quarrel with parents, fall in love and explore ideas of nihilism, feudalism and impending revolution.

What makes the novel great are the characters, real recognisable human types. Nikolai Petrovich, the good but incomptetent man, Pavel Petrovich embittered by lost youth, Odintsova, the intelligent woman trapped in a patriarchal society, Barazov the tortured but charismatic "angry young man". The real character of genius is however Arkady. Here we have a totally convincing portrait of a follower. He is enthralled by Barazov, imagines himself in love with Odintsova, and seeks to rebel against his parents, but all the time it is clear he will marry the more homely Katya and go into business with his father. As a portrait of inaccessible dreams and mundane reality it is both heart breaking and life affirming.

So all in allthoroughly recommended. That recommendation must however be for the novel. I found the transaltion, and particular the self conscious use of modern English terminology grating. It is a translation which will date more quickly that the novel.

Competition where there should only be love..., 18 Sep 2007
Ivan Turgenev is one of those dusty old masters of Russian literature, crowded out by Chekhov, Tolstoy and Dostoevsky. I found reading "Fathers and Sons" rewarding, although many of the references have gone astray in the almost 150 years since the book was written. At that time the educated classes in Russia looked towards the rest of Europe for direction - although some of this is certainly pretension and some escapism from the real and surrounding problems. The 'Explanatory Notes' do not really add a great deal, and perhaps only distract further from the true aims of the book.

Contained is a snapshot of Russian society in all its diversity, with the Russian landscape and politics in the background, but it is in the main characters and their interaction which are most satisfying. The 'Fathers' - past their prime, beyond experimentation or great endevours, but still clinging to their dignity as best they can and seeking comfort where they can. The 'Sons' - arrogantly striding towards a brighter future, so unwilling to compromise, so sure of their views and beliefs, even when they hold that nothing is worth believing in anyway! Fathers clinging to what is dear to them, and sons willing to throw everything familiar away in order to obtain something new and better. Thus there is competition where there should only be love. And so it has been down the centuries and always will be.

I fear Turgenev was writing for a Russian audience of his time, and neither he nor the translator has managed to wholly transport me back there. But some things do come through strongly......

very good read, 27 Jul 2007
I thought this book would be a boring dull russian saga but I was mistaken, I was hooked into this story from the begining, I found the idea easy to follow and could picture the travels in my kind, only a good book can do this without causing misinterpretation and misunderstaning let alone confusion. Highly recommended read from a story based in another country.

The generation gap!, 01 Nov 2006
One of the many delights of reading fiction from any literary period is the sense of timeless authority fashioned by the rich imaginations of talented writers. Although the historical settings may seem distant the characters behave pretty much as they do today, for example, they feel pain, fall in love, philosophise, act benevolently, contradict themselves, are conceited and pretentious. And these traits of human nature are compassionately handled by Turgenev in a novel that skilfully captures the ageless dilemma of youthful idealism (the sons) versus contented maturity (the fathers) thrust against the socio-political conservatism and burgeoning radicalism of mid 19th century Russia. The principle protagonist, Bazarov, is the archetypal angry young man, an Epicurean nihilist with romantic tendencies! Such are the contradictory dimensions belonging to this strain of Russian reactionaries, who want to destroy society's institutions whilst not caring about what to put in their place. In dismissing the existing social order and its moral obligations Bazarov is forced to confront his own despair and loss. In a telling passage Bazarov details, to his friend Arkady, his sense of `spiritual' insignificance in an indifferent universe, "I feel nothing but depression and rancour." Bazarov, however, is only human, and when he encounters the independent, educated, beautiful widow, Madame Odintsov, his self-imposed emotional detachment is tested to breaking point with catastrophic consequences. The story is an extraordinary examination of the cost of moral principles even if you think, as Bazarov does, you don't have any. This edition contains an excellent lecture and introduction detailing Turgenev's literary life, contemporary reaction to Fathers and Sons and the political climate of the period.

19th Century Russian Classic, 17 Jul 2006
'Fathers and Sons' is arguably Turgenev's greatest work. It is very accessible to the reader, and excellently written. Turgenev is renowned for his masterful ability to construct realistic dialogues and this novel does not disappoint in this respect. But 'Fathers and Sons' is also a novel of ideas and Turgenev analyses some of the ideas and sentiments which were later to have such an important influence on Russian society.

This novel follows Bazarov, a self-proclaimed nihilist, and his friend and pupil Arkady Nikolayevich Kirsanov as they return from their studies in Petersburg to the province in which their fathers reside. The tale is tangled with arguments and discussions about politics and philosophy, and of course it is also complicated by a heavy dose of love. As another reviewer has mentioned, the author's treatment of nihilism as a philosophy is particularly interesting and enlightening.

Turgenev is adept, as other reviewers have noted, at accurately describing different emotions and even at evoking those emotions in his readers; something of which precious few writers are capable. The subject of love, both romantic and mat/paternal, is dealt with extremely skilfully by the author and betrays the understanding of someone who has undoubtedly been exposed to those feelings himself.

'Fathers and Sons' then, leaves the reader with the sense that he/she has participated as a quiet observer in Bazarov and Arkady's journeys, and that Turgenev has enabled one to better appreciate love and the relationship between father and son, amongst other things. This is a book that deserves to be read, appreciated, and pondered over long after it has been closed. It's core relevance has not been diminished by the century-and-a-half since it was written.

Turgenev, Pritchett, Berlin, 18 Mar 2008
Simply beautiful. One of the most overlooked of the nineteenth-century writers, Turgenev (like his friend Maupassant) was a master craftsman as well as an amzing observer of people and scenes; this little book, together with Scenes From a Hunter's Album, is his best. And here is surely the best of all the translations into English from the Russian novels: V.S. Pritchett's lucid, pared-down style fits the bill so well. Don't look further for a translation of First Love. It also has a terrific little essay by Isaiah Berlin as an introduction. Well done to Penguin for keeping this in print for almost 30 years. Maybe they should try now to reprint the marvellous collections of short stories by Pritchett, too...

Moving short story about youth and love, 22 May 2007

An accessible translation allowed me to read this like any other story; nothing difficult about it. It is extremely moving in parts, as he loves for the first time a girl who many love, including his own father. And the memory of her and his father is memorable for us all, with some universal writing about love's nature, its effects and youth. I wish i'd read this earlier!

Beautiful contrasts in mood and variations on love., 04 Nov 2001
These six stories offer subtle variations on the theme of first love, often beautifully evoked through the first person narrative to highlight the autoboigraphical nature of some of the episodes. Turgenev creates contrasts of moods which capture either the ecstacy or misery of falling in love. For example, in the title piece, 'First Love', the young boy feels the bliss of his first crush and first kiss, which is finally defeated by his own father. The main message of the book is that nothing is permanent, and that love does not lead to a happy marriage nor to fullfilment. This is enhanced by the episodic nature of the tales which often capture just one moment of a larger timescale. The book is also historically interesting as it contains some of the first Russian literature to have become widely known throughout Europe in the nineteenth century. If you enjoy these stories I would recommend you try some of Turgenev's longer novels.

Easy Reading, 30 Aug 2002
What a superb book, from possibly my favourite author. Unlike other famous Russian authors this is a small and pleasant read. But don't think that means a lack of quality, each short story is a gem and really gives you a peak at Russia around the time of the Russian serfs emancipation.

Timeless classic - shame about the translation, 26 Dec 2007
This is the story of two young men Arkady and Bazarov as they travel between the ciy, the houses of their parents, and the house of the beautiful widow Odintsova. During their journeythey quarrel with parents, fall in love and explore ideas of nihilism, feudalism and impending revolution.

What makes the novel great are the characters, real recognisable human types. Nikolai Petrovich, the good but incomptetent man, Pavel Petrovich embittered by lost youth, Odintsova, the intelligent woman trapped in a patriarchal society, Barazov the tortured but charismatic "angry young man". The real character of genius is however Arkady. Here we have a totally convincing portrait of a follower. He is enthralled by Barazov, imagines himself in love with Odintsova, and seeks to rebel against his parents, but all the time it is clear he will marry the more homely Katya and go into business with his father. As a portrait of inaccessible dreams and mundane reality it is both heart breaking and life affirming.

So all in allthoroughly recommended. That recommendation must however be for the novel. I found the transaltion, and particular the self conscious use of modern English terminology grating. It is a translation which will date more quickly that the novel.

Competition where there should only be love..., 18 Sep 2007
Ivan Turgenev is one of those dusty old masters of Russian literature, crowded out by Chekhov, Tolstoy and Dostoevsky. I found reading "Fathers and Sons" rewarding, although many of the references have gone astray in the almost 150 years since the book was written. At that time the educated classes in Russia looked towards the rest of Europe for direction - although some of this is certainly pretension and some escapism from the real and surrounding problems. The 'Explanatory Notes' do not really add a great deal, and perhaps only distract further from the true aims of the book.

Contained is a snapshot of Russian society in all its diversity, with the Russian landscape and politics in the background, but it is in the main characters and their interaction which are most satisfying. The 'Fathers' - past their prime, beyond experimentation or great endevours, but still clinging to their dignity as best they can and seeking comfort where they can. The 'Sons' - arrogantly striding towards a brighter future, so unwilling to compromise, so sure of their views and beliefs, even when they hold that nothing is worth believing in anyway! Fathers clinging to what is dear to them, and sons willing to throw everything familiar away in order to obtain something new and better. Thus there is competition where there should only be love. And so it has been down the centuries and always will be.

I fear Turgenev was writing for a Russian audience of his time, and neither he nor the translator has managed to wholly transport me back there. But some things do come through strongly......

very good read, 27 Jul 2007
I thought this book would be a boring dull russian saga but I was mistaken, I was hooked into this story from the begining, I found the idea easy to follow and could picture the travels in my kind, only a good book can do this without causing misinterpretation and misunderstaning let alone confusion. Highly recommended read from a story based in another country.

The generation gap!, 01 Nov 2006
One of the many delights of reading fiction from any literary period is the sense of timeless authority fashioned by the rich imaginations of talented writers. Although the historical settings may seem distant the characters behave pretty much as they do today, for example, they feel pain, fall in love, philosophise, act benevolently, contradict themselves, are conceited and pretentious. And these traits of human nature are compassionately handled by Turgenev in a novel that skilfully captures the ageless dilemma of youthful idealism (the sons) versus contented maturity (the fathers) thrust against the socio-political conservatism and burgeoning radicalism of mid 19th century Russia. The principle protagonist, Bazarov, is the archetypal angry young man, an Epicurean nihilist with romantic tendencies! Such are the contradictory dimensions belonging to this strain of Russian reactionaries, who want to destroy society's institutions whilst not caring about what to put in their place. In dismissing the existing social order and its moral obligations Bazarov is forced to confront his own despair and loss. In a telling passage Bazarov details, to his friend Arkady, his sense of `spiritual' insignificance in an indifferent universe, "I feel nothing but depression and rancour." Bazarov, however, is only human, and when he encounters the independent, educated, beautiful widow, Madame Odintsov, his self-imposed emotional detachment is tested to breaking point with catastrophic consequences. The story is an extraordinary examination of the cost of moral principles even if you think, as Bazarov does, you don't have any. This edition contains an excellent lecture and introduction detailing Turgenev's literary life, contemporary reaction to Fathers and Sons and the political climate of the period.

19th Century Russian Classic, 17 Jul 2006
'Fathers and Sons' is arguably Turgenev's greatest work. It is very accessible to the reader, and excellently written. Turgenev is renowned for his masterful ability to construct realistic dialogues and this novel does not disappoint in this respect. But 'Fathers and Sons' is also a novel of ideas and Turgenev analyses some of the ideas and sentiments which were later to have such an important influence on Russian society.

This novel follows Bazarov, a self-proclaimed nihilist, and his friend and pupil Arkady Nikolayevich Kirsanov as they return from their studies in Petersburg to the province in which their fathers reside. The tale is tangled with arguments and discussions about politics and philosophy, and of course it is also complicated by a heavy dose of love. As another reviewer has mentioned, the author's treatment of nihilism as a philosophy is particularly interesting and enlightening.

Turgenev is adept, as other reviewers have noted, at accurately describing different emotions and even at evoking those emotions in his readers; something of which precious few writers are capable. The subject of love, both romantic and mat/paternal, is dealt with extremely skilfully by the author and betrays the understanding of someone who has undoubtedly been exposed to those feelings himself.

'Fathers and Sons' then, leaves the reader with the sense that he/she has participated as a quiet observer in Bazarov and Arkady's journeys, and that Turgenev has enabled one to better appreciate love and the relationship between father and son, amongst other things. This is a book that deserves to be read, appreciated, and pondered over long after it has been closed. It's core relevance has not been diminished by the century-and-a-half since it was written.

Timeless classic - shame about the translation, 26 Dec 2007
This is the story of two young men Arkady and Bazarov as they travel between the ciy, the houses of their parents, and the house of the beautiful widow Odintsova. During their journeythey quarrel with parents, fall in love and explore ideas of nihilism, feudalism and impending revolution.

What makes the novel great are the characters, real recognisable human types. Nikolai Petrovich, the good but incomptetent man, Pavel Petrovich embittered by lost youth, Odintsova, the intelligent woman trapped in a patriarchal society, Barazov the tortured but charismatic "angry young man". The real character of genius is however Arkady. Here we have a totally convincing portrait of a follower. He is enthralled by Barazov, imagines himself in love with Odintsova, and seeks to rebel against his parents, but all the time it is clear he will marry the more homely Katya and go into business with his father. As a portrait of inaccessible dreams and mundane reality it is both heart breaking and life affirming.

So all in allthoroughly recommended. That recommendation must however be for the novel. I found the transaltion, and particular the self conscious use of modern English terminology grating. It is a translation which will date more quickly that the novel.

Competition where there should only be love..., 18 Sep 2007
Ivan Turgenev is one of those dusty old masters of Russian literature, crowded out by Chekhov, Tolstoy and Dostoevsky. I found reading "Fathers and Sons" rewarding, although many of the references have gone astray in the almost 150 years since the book was written. At that time the educated classes in Russia looked towards the rest of Europe for direction - although some of this is certainly pretension and some escapism from the real and surrounding problems. The 'Explanatory Notes' do not really add a great deal, and perhaps only distract further from the true aims of the book.

Contained is a snapshot of Russian society in all its diversity, with the Russian landscape and politics in the background, but it is in the main characters and their interaction which are most satisfying. The 'Fathers' - past their prime, beyond experimentation or great endevours, but still clinging to their dignity as best they can and seeking comfort where they can. The 'Sons' - arrogantly striding towards a brighter future, so unwilling to compromise, so sure of their views and beliefs, even when they hold that nothing is worth believing in anyway! Fathers clinging to what is dear to them, and sons willing to throw everything familiar away in order to obtain something new and better. Thus there is competition where there should only be love. And so it has been down the centuries and always will be.

I fear Turgenev was writing for a Russian audience of his time, and neither he nor the translator has managed to wholly transport me back there. But some things do come through strongly......

very good read, 27 Jul 2007
I thought this book would be a boring dull russian saga but I was mistaken, I was hooked into this story from the begining, I found the idea easy to follow and could picture the travels in my kind, only a good book can do this without causing misinterpretation and misunderstaning let alone confusion. Highly recommended read from a story based in another country.

The generation gap!, 01 Nov 2006
One of the many delights of reading fiction from any literary period is the sense of timeless authority fashioned by the rich imaginations of talented writers. Although the historical settings may seem distant the characters behave pretty much as they do today, for example, they feel pain, fall in love, philosophise, act benevolently, contradict themselves, are conceited and pretentious. And these traits of human nature are compassionately handled by Turgenev in a novel that skilfully captures the ageless dilemma of youthful idealism (the sons) versus contented maturity (the fathers) thrust against the socio-political conservatism and burgeoning radicalism of mid 19th century Russia. The principle protagonist, Bazarov, is the archetypal angry young man, an Epicurean nihilist with romantic tendencies! Such are the contradictory dimensions belonging to this strain of Russian reactionaries, who want to destroy society's institutions whilst not caring about what to put in their place. In dismissing the existing social order and its moral obligations Bazarov is forced to confront his own despair and loss. In a telling passage Bazarov details, to his friend Arkady, his sense of `spiritual' insignificance in an indifferent universe, "I feel nothing but depression and rancour." Bazarov, however, is only human, and when he encounters the independent, educated, beautiful widow, Madame Odintsov, his self-imposed emotional detachment is tested to breaking point with catastrophic consequences. The story is an extraordinary examination of the cost of moral principles even if you think, as Bazarov does, you don't have any. This edition contains an excellent lecture and introduction detailing Turgenev's literary life, contemporary reaction to Fathers and Sons and the political climate of the period.

19th Century Russian Classic, 17 Jul 2006
'Fathers and Sons' is arguably Turgenev's greatest work. It is very accessible to the reader, and excellently written. Turgenev is renowned for his masterful ability to construct realistic dialogues and this novel does not disappoint in this respect. But 'Fathers and Sons' is also a novel of ideas and Turgenev analyses some of the ideas and sentiments which were later to have such an important influence on Russian society.

This novel follows Bazarov, a self-proclaimed nihilist, and his friend and pupil Arkady Nikolayevich Kirsanov as they return from their studies in Petersburg to the province in which their fathers reside. The tale is tangled with arguments and discussions about politics and philosophy, and of course it is also complicated by a heavy dose of love. As another reviewer has mentioned, the author's treatment of nihilism as a philosophy is particularly interesting and enlightening.

Turgenev is adept, as other reviewers have noted, at accurately describing different emotions and even at evoking those emotions in his readers; something of which precious few writers are capable. The subject of love, both romantic and mat/paternal, is dealt with extremely skilfully by the author and betrays the understanding of someone who has undoubtedly been exposed to those feelings himself.

'Fathers and Sons' then, leaves the reader with the sense that he/she has participated as a quiet observer in Bazarov and Arkady's journeys, and that Turgenev has enabled one to better appreciate love and the relationship between father and son, amongst other things. This is a book that deserves to be read, appreciated, and pondered over long after it has been closed. It's core relevance has not been diminished by the century-and-a-half since it was written.

Turgenev, Pritchett, Berlin, 18 Mar 2008
Simply beautiful. One of the most overlooked of the nineteenth-century writers, Turgenev (like his friend Maupassant) was a master craftsman as well as an amzing observer of people and scenes; this little book, together with Scenes From a Hunter's Album, is his best. And here is surely the best of all the translations into English from the Russian novels: V.S. Pritchett's lucid, pared-down style fits the bill so well. Don't look further for a translation of First Love. It also has a terrific little essay by Isaiah Berlin as an introduction. Well done to Penguin for keeping this in print for almost 30 years. Maybe they should try now to reprint the marvellous collections of short stories by Pritchett, too...

Moving short story about youth and love, 22 May 2007

An accessible translation allowed me to read this like any other story; nothing difficult about it. It is extremely moving in parts, as he loves for the first time a girl who many love, including his own father. And the memory of her and his father is memorable for us all, with some universal writing about love's nature, its effects and youth. I wish i'd read this earlier!

Beautiful contrasts in mood and variations on love., 04 Nov 2001
These six stories offer subtle variations on the theme of first love, often beautifully evoked through the first person narrative to highlight the autoboigraphical nature of some of the episodes. Turgenev creates contrasts of moods which capture either the ecstacy or misery of falling in love. For example, in the title piece, 'First Love', the young boy feels the bliss of his first crush and first kiss, which is finally defeated by his own father. The main message of the book is that nothing is permanent, and that love does not lead to a happy marriage nor to fullfilment. This is enhanced by the episodic nature of the tales which often capture just one moment of a larger timescale. The book is also historically interesting as it contains some of the first Russian literature to have become widely known throughout Europe in the nineteenth century. If you enjoy these stories I would recommend you try some of Turgenev's longer novels.

Easy Reading, 30 Aug 2002
What a superb book, from possibly my favourite author. Unlike other famous Russian authors this is a small and pleasant read. But don't think that means a lack of quality, each short story is a gem and really gives you a peak at Russia around the time of the Russian serfs emancipation.

Love and Passion, 25 Jan 2003
This is the first novel I have read by Turgenev and I found it very accessible. The theme that seemed most enduring was that of the enslaving possibilities of desire. It is said to be autobiographical and if so shows a remarkable honesty and vulnerability about the author's own lack of experience and first passions. I am not a Russian student but I found the translation very dated and I imagine it lost some of its lyricism and depth when compared with the original. I would be interested to read an alternative translation if I could find one.

Timeless classic - shame about the translation, 26 Dec 2007
This is the story of two young men Arkady and Bazarov as they travel between the ciy, the houses of their parents, and the house of the beautiful widow Odintsova. During their journeythey quarrel with parents, fall in love and explore ideas of nihilism, feudalism and impending revolution.

What makes the novel great are the characters, real recognisable human types. Nikolai Petrovich, the good but incomptetent man, Pavel Petrovich embittered by lost youth, Odintsova, the intelligent woman trapped in a patriarchal society, Barazov the tortured but charismatic "angry young man". The real character of genius is however Arkady. Here we have a totally convincing portrait of a follower. He is enthralled by Barazov, imagines himself in love with Odintsova, and seeks to rebel against his parents, but all the time it is clear he will marry the more homely Katya and go into business with his father. As a portrait of inaccessible dreams and mundane reality it is both heart breaking and life affirming.

So all in allthoroughly recommended. That recommendation must however be for the novel. I found the transaltion, and particular the self conscious use of modern English terminology grating. It is a translation which will date more quickly that the novel.

Competition where there should only be love..., 18 Sep 2007
Ivan Turgenev is one of those dusty old masters of Russian literature, crowded out by Chekhov, Tolstoy and Dostoevsky. I found reading "Fathers and Sons" rewarding, although many of the references have gone astray in the almost 150 years since the book was written. At that time the educated classes in Russia looked towards the rest of Europe for direction - although some of this is certainly pretension and some escapism from the real and surrounding problems. The 'Explanatory Notes' do not really add a great deal, and perhaps only distract further from the true aims of the book.

Contained is a snapshot of Russian society in all its diversity, with the Russian landscape and politics in the background, but it is in the main characters and their interaction which are most satisfying. The 'Fathers' - past their prime, beyond experimentation or great endevours, but still clinging to their dignity as best they can and seeking comfort where they can. The 'Sons' - arrogantly striding towards a brighter future, so unwilling to compromise, so sure of their views and beliefs, even when they hold that nothing is worth believing in anyway! Fathers clinging to what is dear to them, and sons willing to throw everything familiar away in order to obtain something new and better. Thus there is competition where there should only be love. And so it has been down the centuries and always will be.

I fear Turgenev was writing for a Russian audience of his time, and neither he nor the translator has managed to wholly transport me back there. But some things do come through strongly......

very good read, 27 Jul 2007
I thought this book would be a boring dull russian saga but I was mistaken, I was hooked into this story from the begining, I found the idea easy to follow and could picture the travels in my kind, only a good book can do this without causing misinterpretation and misunderstaning let alone confusion. Highly recommended read from a story based in another country.

The generation gap!, 01 Nov 2006
One of the many delights of reading fiction from any literary period is the sense of timeless authority fashioned by the rich imaginations of talented writers. Although the historical settings may seem distant the characters behave pretty much as they do today, for example, they feel pain, fall in love, philosophise, act benevolently, contradict themselves, are conceited and pretentious. And these traits of human nature are compassionately handled by Turgenev in a novel that skilfully captures the ageless dilemma of youthful idealism (the sons) versus contented maturity (the fathers) thrust against the socio-political conservatism and burgeoning radicalism of mid 19th century Russia. The principle protagonist, Bazarov, is the archetypal angry young man, an Epicurean nihilist with romantic tendencies! Such are the contradictory dimensions belonging to this strain of Russian reactionaries, who want to destroy society's institutions whilst not caring about what to put in their place. In dismissing the existing social order and its moral obligations Bazarov is forced to confront his own despair and loss. In a telling passage Bazarov details, to his friend Arkady, his sense of `spiritual' insignificance in an indifferent universe, "I feel nothing but depression and rancour." Bazarov, however, is only human, and when he encounters the independent, educated, beautiful widow, Madame Odintsov, his self-imposed emotional detachment is tested to breaking point with catastrophic consequences. The story is an extraordinary examination of the cost of moral principles even if you think, as Bazarov does, you don't have any. This edition contains an excellent lecture and introduction detailing Turgenev's literary life, contemporary reaction to Fathers and Sons and the political climate of the period.

19th Century Russian Classic, 17 Jul 2006
'Fathers and Sons' is arguably Turgenev's greatest work. It is very accessible to the reader, and excellently written. Turgenev is renowned for his masterful ability to construct realistic dialogues and this novel does not disappoint in this respect. But 'Fathers and Sons' is also a novel of ideas and Turgenev analyses some of the ideas and sentiments which were later to have such an important influence on Russian society.

This novel follows Bazarov, a self-proclaimed nihilist, and his friend and pupil Arkady Nikolayevich Kirsanov as they return from their studies in Petersburg to the province in which their fathers reside. The tale is tangled with arguments and discussions about politics and philosophy, and of course it is also complicated by a heavy dose of love. As another reviewer has mentioned, the author's treatment of nihilism as a philosophy is particularly interesting and enlightening.

Turgenev is adept, as other reviewers have noted, at accurately describing different emotions and even at evoking those emotions in his readers; something of which precious few writers are capable. The subject of love, both romantic and mat/paternal, is dealt with extremely skilfully by the author and betrays the understanding of someone who has undoubtedly been exposed to those feelings himself.

'Fathers and Sons' then, leaves the reader with the sense that he/she has participated as a quiet observer in Bazarov and Arkady's journeys, and that Turgenev has enabled one to better appreciate love and the relationship between father and son, amongst other things. This is a book that deserves to be read, appreciated, and pondered over long after it has been closed. It's core relevance has not been diminished by the century-and-a-half since it was written.

Timeless classic - shame about the translation, 26 Dec 2007
This is the story of two young men Arkady and Bazarov as they travel between the ciy, the houses of their parents, and the house of the beautiful widow Odintsova. During their journeythey quarrel with parents, fall in love and explore ideas of nihilism, feudalism and impending revolution.

What makes the novel great are the characters, real recognisable human types. Nikolai Petrovich, the good but incomptetent man, Pavel Petrovich embittered by lost youth, Odintsova, the intelligent woman trapped in a patriarchal society, Barazov the tortured but charismatic "angry young man". The real character of genius is however Arkady. Here we have a totally convincing portrait of a follower. He is enthralled by Barazov, imagines himself in love with Odintsova, and seeks to rebel against his parents, but all the time it is clear he will marry the more homely Katya and go into business with his father. As a portrait of inaccessible dreams and mundane reality it is both heart breaking and life affirming.

So all in allthoroughly recommended. That recommendation must however be for the novel. I found the transaltion, and particular the self conscious use of modern English terminology grating. It is a translation which will date more quickly that the novel.

Competition where there should only be love..., 18 Sep 2007
Ivan Turgenev is one of those dusty old masters of Russian literature, crowded out by Chekhov, Tolstoy and Dostoevsky. I found reading "Fathers and Sons" rewarding, although many of the references have gone astray in the almost 150 years since the book was written. At that time the educated classes in Russia looked towards the rest of Europe for direction - although some of this is certainly pretension and some escapism from the real and surrounding problems. The 'Explanatory Notes' do not really add a great deal, and perhaps only distract further from the true aims of the book.

Contained is a snapshot of Russian society in all its diversity, with the Russian landscape and politics in the background, but it is in the main characters and their interaction which are most satisfying. The 'Fathers' - past their prime, beyond experimentation or great endevours, but still clinging to their dignity as best they can and seeking comfort where they can. The 'Sons' - arrogantly striding towards a brighter future, so unwilling to compromise, so sure of their views and beliefs, even when they hold that nothing is worth believing in anyway! Fathers clinging to what is dear to them, and sons willing to throw everything familiar away in order to obtain something new and better. Thus there is competition where there should only be love. And so it has been down the centuries and always will be.

I fear Turgenev was writing for a Russian audience of his time, and neither he nor the translator has managed to wholly transport me back there. But some things do come through strongly......

very good read, 27 Jul 2007
I thought this book would be a boring dull russian saga but I was mistaken, I was hooked into this story from the begining, I found the idea easy to follow and could picture the travels in my kind, only a good book can do this without causing misinterpretation and misunderstaning let alone confusion. Highly recommended read from a story based in another country.

The generation gap!, 01 Nov 2006
One of the many delights of reading fiction from any literary period is the sense of timeless authority fashioned by the rich imaginations of talented writers. Although the historical settings may seem distant the characters behave pretty much as they do today, for example, they feel pain, fall in love, philosophise, act benevolently, contradict themselves, are conceited and pretentious. And these traits of human nature are compassionately handled by Turgenev in a novel that skilfully captures the ageless dilemma of youthful idealism (the sons) versus contented maturity (the fathers) thrust against the socio-political conservatism and burgeoning radicalism of mid 19th century Russia. The principle protagonist, Bazarov, is the archetypal angry young man, an Epicurean nihilist with romantic tendencies! Such are the contradictory dimensions belonging to this strain of Russian reactionaries, who want to destroy society's institutions whilst not caring about what to put in their place. In dismissing the existing social order and its moral obligations Bazarov is forced to confront his own despair and loss. In a telling passage Bazarov details, to his friend Arkady, his sense of `spiritual' insignificance in an indifferent universe, "I feel nothing but depression and rancour." Bazarov, however, is only human, and when he encounters the independent, educated, beautiful widow, Madame Odintsov, his self-imposed emotional detachment is tested to breaking point with catastrophic consequences. The story is an extraordinary examination of the cost of moral principles even if you think, as Bazarov does, you don't have any. This edition contains an excellent lecture and introduction detailing Turgenev's literary life, contemporary reaction to Fathers and Sons and the political climate of the period.

19th Century Russian Classic, 17 Jul 2006
'Fathers and Sons' is arguably Turgenev's greatest work. It is very accessible to the reader, and excellently written. Turgenev is renowned for his masterful ability to construct realistic dialogues and this novel does not disappoint in this respect. But 'Fathers and Sons' is also a novel of ideas and Turgenev analyses some of the ideas and sentiments which were later to have such an important influence on Russian society.

This novel follows Bazarov, a self-proclaimed nihilist, and his friend and pupil Arkady Nikolayevich Kirsanov as they return from their studies in Petersburg to the province in which their fathers reside. The tale is tangled with arguments and discussions about politics and philosophy, and of course it is also complicated by a heavy dose of love. As another reviewer has mentioned, the author's treatment of nihilism as a philosophy is particularly interesting and enlightening.

Turgenev is adept, as other reviewers have noted, at accurately describing different emotions and even at evoking those emotions in his readers; something of which precious few writers are capable. The subject of love, both romantic and mat/paternal, is dealt with extremely skilfully by the author and betrays the understanding of someone who has undoubtedly been exposed to those feelings himself.

'Fathers and Sons' then, leaves the reader with the sense that he/she has participated as a quiet observer in Bazarov and Arkady's journeys, and that Turgenev has enabled one to better appreciate love and the relationship between father and son, amongst other things. This is a book that deserves to be read, appreciated, and pondered over long after it has been closed. It's core relevance has not been diminished by the century-and-a-half since it was written.

Turgenev, Pritchett, Berlin, 18 Mar 2008
Simply beautiful. One of the most overlooked of the nineteenth-century writers, Turgenev (like his friend Maupassant) was a master craftsman as well as an amzing observer of people and scenes; this little book, together with Scenes From a Hunter's Album, is his best. And here is surely the best of all the translations into English from the Russian novels: V.S. Pritchett's lucid, pared-down style fits the bill so well. Don't look further for a translation of First Love. It also has a terrific little essay by Isaiah Berlin as an introduction. Well done to Penguin for keeping this in print for almost 30 years. Maybe they should try now to reprint the marvellous collections of short stories by Pritchett, too...

Moving short story about youth and love, 22 May 2007

An accessible translation allowed me to read this like any other story; nothing difficult about it. It is extremely moving in parts, as he loves for the first time a girl who many love, including his own father. And the memory of her and his father is memorable for us all, with some universal writing about love's nature, its effects and youth. I wish i'd read this earlier!

Beautiful contrasts in mood and variations on love., 04 Nov 2001
These six stories offer subtle variations on the theme of first love, often beautifully evoked through the first person narrative to highlight the autoboigraphical nature of some of the episodes. Turgenev creates contrasts of moods which capture either the ecstacy or misery of falling in love. For example, in the title piece, 'First Love', the young boy feels the bliss of his first crush and first kiss, which is finally defeated by his own father. The main message of the book is that nothing is permanent, and that love does not lead to a happy marriage nor to fullfilment. This is enhanced by the episodic nature of the tales which often capture just one moment of a larger timescale. The book is also historically interesting as it contains some of the first Russian literature to have become widely known throughout Europe in the nineteenth century. If you enjoy these stories I would recommend you try some of Turgenev's longer novels.

Easy Reading, 30 Aug 2002
What a superb book, from possibly my favourite author. Unlike other famous Russian authors this is a small and pleasant read. But don't think that means a lack of quality, each short story is a gem and really gives you a peak at Russia around the time of the Russian serfs emancipation.

Love and Passion, 25 Jan 2003
This is the first novel I have read by Turgenev and I found it very accessible. The theme that seemed most enduring was that of the enslaving possibilities of desire. It is said to be autobiographical and if so shows a remarkable honesty and vulnerability about the author's own lack of experience and first passions. I am not a Russian student but I found the translation very dated and I imagine it lost some of its lyricism and depth when compared with the original. I would be interested to read an alternative translation if I could find one.

Returning to the nest, 05 May 2008
An elegaic meditation on ageing, love and happiness, this has been called the most 'Turgenevian' of Turgenev's novels. It is set in the externally placid countryside, with the metropolises of Moscow and St Petersburg (and Paris) mentioned only as distant lands of troubles and bureaucracy.
The novel is mainly concerned with Lavretsky, who has returned to the countryside following his wife's unfaithfulness. She has gone to Paris, and he has now fled back to the country, as if he has been scalded by life and has now scarpered from it like a whimpering dog - or perhaps it is more like a bird returning after migration, as the Russian title 'The Nobility's Nest' suggests. While he fully expects to pass the remainder of his days in seclusion, he falls in love with Liza and the torments of love and unattainable happiness assail him once again, as it conspires that the two of them are unable to be together for the wheel of fate has spun them away from one another.
A Russian novel that if not epic in size, is certainly epic in its strength and beauty. It's concern with Russia's relationship with Europe is one that we can also find in War and Peace, and it's certainly no slander against Turgenev to say that this novel could easily find its place slipped within the pages of that epic masterpiece.

Timeless classic - shame about the translation, 26 Dec 2007
This is the story of two young men Arkady and Bazarov as they travel between the ciy, the houses of their parents, and the house of the beautiful widow Odintsova. During their journeythey quarrel with parents, fall in love and explore ideas of nihilism, feudalism and impending revolution.

What makes the novel great are the characters, real recognisable human types. Nikolai Petrovich, the good but incomptetent man, Pavel Petrovich embittered by lost youth, Odintsova, the intelligent woman trapped in a patriarchal society, Barazov the tortured but charismatic "angry young man". The real character of genius is however Arkady. Here we have a totally convincing portrait of a follower. He is enthralled by Barazov, imagines himself in love with Odintsova, and seeks to rebel against his parents, but all the time it is clear he will marry the more homely Katya and go into business with his father. As a portrait of inaccessible dreams and mundane reality it is both heart breaking and life affirming.

So all in allthoroughly recommended. That recommendation must however be for the novel. I found the transaltion, and particular the self conscious use of modern English terminology grating. It is a translation which will date more quickly that the novel.

Competition where there should only be love..., 18 Sep 2007
Ivan Turgenev is one of those dusty old masters of Russian literature, crowded out by Chekhov, Tolstoy and Dostoevsky. I found reading "Fathers and Sons" rewarding, although many of the references have gone astray in the almost 150 years since the book was written. At that time the educated classes in Russia looked towards the rest of Europe for direction - although some of this is certainly pretension and some escapism from the real and surrounding problems. The 'Explanatory Notes' do not really add a great deal, and perhaps only distract further from the true aims of the book.

Contained is a snapshot of Russian society in all its diversity, with the Russian landscape and politics in the background, but it is in the main characters and their interaction which are most satisfying. The 'Fathers' - past their prime, beyond experimentation or great endevours, but still clinging to their dignity as best they can and seeking comfort where they can. The 'Sons' - arrogantly striding towards a brighter future, so unwilling to compromise, so sure of their views and beliefs, even when they hold that nothing is worth believing in anyway! Fathers clinging to what is dear to them, and sons willing to throw everything familiar away in order to obtain something new and better. Thus there is competition where there should only be love. And so it has been down the centuries and always will be.

I fear Turgenev was writing for a Russian audience of his time, and neither he nor the translator has managed to wholly transport me back there. But some things do come through strongly......

very good read, 27 Jul 2007
I thought this book would be a boring dull russian saga but I was mistaken, I was hooked into this story from the begining, I found the idea easy to follow and could picture the travels in my kind, only a good book can do this without causing misinterpretation and misunderstaning let alone confusion. Highly recommended read from a story based in another country.

The gener