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3.84 AVERAGE
3.84 AVERAGE
challenging
informative
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
The great Russian novelists seldom disappoint, in my experience. This novel was recommended to me years ago by another writer I very much respect, but I put off reading it. The title, the period, the fact that it's a lesser "classic": all of this made it loom in my mind as colorless and grey. And of course the reality is much different. A most enjoyable and beautiful story, beautifully described, with rich characters that you really feel you know as friends at the end even though it's a short novel. And like Tolstoy, Turgenev is capable of capturing the joyous moments in life, even in the midst of the essential darkness necessary for conflictual fiction, with a radiant light that is a wonder to behold. I was lucky enough to find this lovely Heritage Press edition in my in-laws' library; it's a pleasure to hold such a finely made book in one's hands. Put it on your list!
Good, worth reading. Parts were very moving and others pretty dry. Not one of my favourite books I have ever read but will still probably re-read it at some point...
Really resisted this book and hated much of it, but half way through was unable to put it down. Discovered that these nihilists were much different than those in The Big Lebowski.
I maybe would have liked this book even more if I were able to be scandalized by nihilism. But great character studies, and a good vacation read.
this was really difficult to place between a three and a four. but ultimately, the characters are interesting enough to lean into four-star territory. this is a book I would love to discuss with someone because the relationships between the characters feel so nuanced, and to me, there seems to be a lot of sub text. Especially between Basarov and Arkady.
it also made me think a lot about how generations interact, and how young and old people can both be naïve. at the same time it’s very endearing.
it also made me think a lot about how generations interact, and how young and old people can both be naïve. at the same time it’s very endearing.
funny
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced