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There is a lot going on here, reflective not only of how people interact with each other, but also of Russia at a certain period. But the real power of this novel is the classic story of the interaction between generations, between the sexes and between the classes. Having been introduced to Turgenev through his "Sketches From a Hunter's Album" -- a most enjoyable, lyrical collection -- I decided to read "Fathers and Sons" and was not disappointed. The wordsmithing here is masterful, either a tribute to the author or the translator or both. This is a book well worth your reading. Turgenev's insights into human thought and behavior are as incisive here as they were in the other book. This relatively short book seems simple, but it really isn't.
Turgenev is a wonderful stylist - economical, precise, and lyrical when it befits his characters. All of the characters are sympathetic, and I could imagine actually traveling with them or engaging in conversation with them. Fathers and Sons by Ivan Turgenev. Published by MobileReference (mobi).Everything in the novel testifies to Turgenev's faith in humanity, without ever seeming didactic or boring.
Turgenev scorned his mother country, spending much of this life in France living with the woman he loved and her husband. The greatness of the book, where it leaves an indelible impression, comes in the last 50 pages. Arcady then returns to Madame Odinizov's and develops his relationship with Katya, while Eugene returns to the Kusimov estate to resume his biological experiments. The first is at the country estate of Nicholas Petrovich Kusimov whose son, Arcady has just graduated from the university and is returning home accompanied by his fellow graduate and mentor, Eugene Vassilich Bazarov. Arcady, for his part, finds solace with the younger and more submissive Katya. In the novel he also has a son (Arcady) gently remove from his father a book by Puskin he was reading, substituting for it a book by a German writer no less--high sacrilege even in 19th century Russia.
The tragedy that occurs comes suddenly and unexpectedly and touches the lives of all the characters. A great book, in my estimation, is one that touches your heart and causes you to change for the better. Ivan Turgenev's novel, Fathers and Sons is, in my view, such a book. Madame Odinizov is drawn to Eugene's mental acuities and intensity, but it is not clear that she loves him.
Both young men fall in love with the widow, Arcady with the sort of hopeless puppy love attraction for an older woman and Eugene without admitting it, in a more mature manner. After a time the pair go to town where they meet Madame Anna Sergeyevna Odinizov, a youngish (29) widow living in relative luxury with her younger sister, Katya. Both parents, especially, Arina, are thrilled that their son has returned home, but Eugene scorns them as he has all others. It will touch your life too and leave you with a greater appreciation for life in all its wonders and futility.
The parents are heartbroken, but understand that their son has greatness in him and cannot be confined to living in obscurity. It is Bazarov who becomes the lighting rod and center of the plot. Finally after some days he says he is bored and wants to leave. Turgenev was not well liked in Russia in his lifetime and is not now, even, regarded as among the foremost of Russian novelists and for good reason.
Finally Bazarov blurts out his love for Madame Odinizov which she seemingly rejects and the two young men leave to visit Bazarov's parents.Vassily Ivanich Bazarov is a retired army doctor who now lives with his kind-hearted wife, Arina, on a farm. Arcady shares Eugene's nilistic view of life, but is clearly softer and less critical than his intense friend. More to the point, in the two young men who are the focal point of the story, Turgenev created characters who display a negative and even hostile view of Russia.The novel has three settings. He instantly quarrels with Nicholas' brother, Paul, an aristocratic defender of the status quo.
This is a fat book with alot of words and one can veer off course in a hurry. This book, written in the true Turgenev style is an easy read and a marvelous one that is applicable to today.
Buy it and read it, put it on the shelf for a few months, read it again. To say more would spoil the suspense and delight that is in store for you.
Fathers and SonsFirst off, I love Russian literature. Two old parents,each with a son and each son a different value system and outlook on life.
You will find out more and be amazed at what you did not read the first time.Karl Olson There is an exception and that being, "War and Peace,".
"Fathers and Sons" is not only written well, but hits home.
But, at the time it was original, and even now the dialogue is never (NEVER) cliché.I was shocked by how much I loved this book.Read it. This is a classic as good as anything I've ever read.It does have slow points, and some of the plot may seem cliché. Use a library if you can't afford it. I read this for fun, and it wasn't a waste of time. It was a little a slow, but the passion for life Trugenev has is clear and beautiful.
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