Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.84 AVERAGE
3.84 AVERAGE
I could not have picked a better start in fulfilling my resolution to read more fiction. While I know that Turgenev wrote from an outline (it is handily appended in this edition), it almost seems that he simply called the characters into existence and let them spin out like tops, crashing and colliding into each other. The Kirsanovs' and Bazarovs' lives and personalities feel so real that their generational and ideological conflict (the main theme of the novel) is a natural progression and still resounds today. While other works with well-developed characters might suffer from a halting plot (here I look, lovingly, to [b:Independent People|77287|Independent People|Halldór Laxness|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1282892439l/77287._SY75_.jpg|1391302]), Turgenev's tale might slow for reflection but never stops. Indeed, I read the second half of the book in almost one sitting, I was so hooked. This is an instant favorite and a novel I am sure to reread, perhaps in Russian.
I highly recommend this translation, both for the clever conversions of Russian idioms and speech patterns and some simply stunning prose, e.g., "The morning was marvellous and fresh. Small dappled clouds formed a fleece against the pale clear blue. A fine dew was scattered on leaves and grass and glittered like silver on a spider's webs. The damp dark earth still seemed to retain within it the rosy pinkness of the sunrise."
I highly recommend this translation, both for the clever conversions of Russian idioms and speech patterns and some simply stunning prose, e.g., "The morning was marvellous and fresh. Small dappled clouds formed a fleece against the pale clear blue. A fine dew was scattered on leaves and grass and glittered like silver on a spider's webs. The damp dark earth still seemed to retain within it the rosy pinkness of the sunrise."
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Fathers and Sons has all the characteristics of a great novel. It is moving; the characters are well-developed; there are climactic highs and lows; it is well-written; it was historically situated well; etc. Nonetheless, it is undoubtedly just "not for" some people. I am a huge fan of Dostoevsky; I enjoy his novels because of how he examines misery, struggle, destitution, faith, and redemption. Certainly, there is some of that in Fathers and Sons, but it still feels quite lacking. Furthermore, I never felt as deeply connected to any of the characters (barring the parents of Bazarov) as I do with Dostoevsky's. Fathers and Sons is a spectacular book, and I would recommend it, for either you will enjoy Turgenev or you will realize what you like about another author more.
adventurous
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
reflective
slow-paced
I bought this with the intention of doing an OU course (which I didn't take) and didn't get very far with it at my first attempt. I found it much more readable on coming back to it but can't say it's one of my favourites. I may need to become better informed to appreciate it fully. I find with books in translation that there can be sentences that seem a bit awkward or unnatural and can't tell if it's down to the author or the translator.
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes