A review by mikenyby
Fathers and Children by Ivan Turgenev

funny reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

A little underwhelming, though perhaps that can be chalked up to my expectations and a general ambivalence towards domestic fiction. The purpose seems to be a send-up of a certain type of arrogant young intellectual embodied in Bazarov, a type that must have been common in mid 19th century Russia. The disconnect maybe lessens the impact, but still I think the critiques have some parallel in the pseudo-intellectual reactionary culture we see effect mostly young men today. 

I did enjoy the jabs at the prevailing classist worldview and lack of self-awareness on the part of the upper class, especially this exchange: 

Bazarov: "Alas, we shall not have beef today. Poverty is no crime."
Arkady: "How many serfs do you have?"
Bazarov: "Twenty-three."