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A review by wolfdan9
Home of the Gentry by Ivan Turgenev
3.5
Home of the Gentry is a pretty average “star crossed lovers” novel. Turgenev is no stranger to the formula (see the equally good “First Love”), but I can think of countless better stories with a similar theme (there are many: The Red and The Black, Romeo & Juliet, The Sun Also Rises, etc.). Turgenev is a master of realism and the general flow of the story is paced well and interestingly told. Like Tolstoy, Turgenev is able to paint crystal clear scenes with a good dose of psychological portrayal and meaningful characterization. I enjoyed flying through this story and was entertained mostly with Turgenev’s style.
My main issue lies in Lavretsky’s relationship with Liza. The stakes are pretty low. His wife is assumed dead for most of their relationship and Liza is unmarried. Couldn’t they just… be together? They disagree on religion, but that’s not exactly a juicy deal breaker. Panshin, Liza’s other prospect, is not threatening enough or loser-ish enough to be too enjoyable and there is just a lack of relationship building moments between Lavretsky and Liza. It’s too ethereal or intangible or something. Turgenev writes some interesting quotes and reflections about love and feelings connected to it, but the story is almost a little too breezy and weightless. Even with the borderline immaculately clean prose and vivid storytelling, I can’t justify considering this an outstanding work. I almost wish it was a storyline in a huger, character-rich novel rather than a standalone work. I liked how Turgenev handled Lavretsky’s character, especially how he maturely/realistically managed his relationship with his wife. And the minimalism/light touch during characterization was refreshing but just a bit too understated. Liza’s decision to live in a convent for nearly a decade seems inexplicable and makes me feel like I missed something. Overall a wonderfully set up story with excellent writing but maybe some poor execution.
My main issue lies in Lavretsky’s relationship with Liza. The stakes are pretty low. His wife is assumed dead for most of their relationship and Liza is unmarried. Couldn’t they just… be together? They disagree on religion, but that’s not exactly a juicy deal breaker. Panshin, Liza’s other prospect, is not threatening enough or loser-ish enough to be too enjoyable and there is just a lack of relationship building moments between Lavretsky and Liza. It’s too ethereal or intangible or something. Turgenev writes some interesting quotes and reflections about love and feelings connected to it, but the story is almost a little too breezy and weightless. Even with the borderline immaculately clean prose and vivid storytelling, I can’t justify considering this an outstanding work. I almost wish it was a storyline in a huger, character-rich novel rather than a standalone work. I liked how Turgenev handled Lavretsky’s character, especially how he maturely/realistically managed his relationship with his wife. And the minimalism/light touch during characterization was refreshing but just a bit too understated. Liza’s decision to live in a convent for nearly a decade seems inexplicable and makes me feel like I missed something. Overall a wonderfully set up story with excellent writing but maybe some poor execution.