A review by alishajuma
On the Eve by Ivan Turgenev

5.0

A gorgeous book. It was one of those books that I cannot be too critical of because it is so beautifully written that I don’t care to look into it too much. The descriptions of nature brought the book alive for me in a way that very few books ever manage to do. In addition to the beautiful scenery, the main thing that blew me away was Turgenev’s ability to describe the inner thoughts and feelings of a young woman in such a captivating, realistic and heartbreaking way. It was also refreshing to see Turgenev allow some love to blossom rather than it all being unrequited (was losing hope with ‘First Love’ and ‘the Diary of a Superfluous Man’), although he did throw some in for good measure. Fathers and Sons is Turgenev’s best due it being so impactful and thought provoking, but On The Eve comes close second for its beauty alone.