|
| |||||||||||
What are readers saying about Fathers and Sons (Penguin Classics)?
| Reviews of Fathers and Sons (Penguin Classics) - Page 1 of 4 |
|
A Reader posted a review at 2008-02-11 01:44:49.
(Language: English)
 
It's been a while since I'd read this book. I'm recalling the sentiments which I'd come across while reading this book. Russian writers I've always been fascinated with, probably because while growing up most of the books that was given to be read were of Russian Writers. Fathers and Sons, has been one of my favorites, as it's a tale of sentiments which exists between the two Generations; which is often termed as Generation Gap, and infact, the gap between the two appear to me more at a particular stage. Bazarov is the Face which resembles every young individual of the Chaning Russia; a revolution was taking place, and Bazarov had a rebellious heart, he was a nihilist. Usually nihilism can be easily mistaken for pessimism; I, myself don't have so much knowledge on Nihilism to do more justice on the topic. Whatsoever, Bazarov too faces sickness and ultimately dies.
|
Yes (0) 
No (0) |
|
A Reader posted a review at 2008-06-30 07:38:10.
(Language: English)
Turgenev explores the dangers and ultimate folly of a young cynic university intellectual. Bazarov is a man of contradictions. His rejection of love ultimately finds himself beholden to it. It incorporates the usual Russian novel centerpieces; a young, foreign-educated young man returns to russian, expounds new ideas against the old order, falls in love, fights a duel and ultimately dies. The last page is the best part of the entire novel. The beauty and complexity of nature serve as an enduring response and rejection of Bazarov's nihilism.
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2010-01-03 06:39:08.
(Language: English)
Turgenev.
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2008-12-02 05:43:20.
(Language: English)
Not a bad story, althought it is not just a novel, it is tied to the history of Russia. SO if you know anything about Russia and what was going on at the moment then you'll enjoy it more than if you're just reading it for fun. I specially like this Norton Critial Edition because of the helpful footnotes that help you understand a lot of what was going on.
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2009-11-05 09:26:33.
(Language: English)
a good book. a peculiar report. . . hehe! i remember being in our The Novel class with Prof. Ortega, the woman who wears pretty floral shoes, speaks like Anna Wintour with guts and spunk that of Kelly Cutrone. hehe! the class was divided into groups. i was with terai, jami and kim. the day of our scheduled review and reporting of the book was the day we got hold of Turgenev's precious writing. that was the crammiest cramming we ever had!... well,the devil indeed wears Prada and God was on our side. the reporting was postponed and we got the chance to read, review and relate with the book! phew....
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2008-03-13 03:43:42.
(Language: English)
This book explores not only the complex generational divide amongst the older and younger Russians of the late eighteen-hundreds, it also explores in detail the metaphysics of materialism, as well as the chaotic notion of nihilism. The writing is brilliant and highly descriptive, and overall I would highly reccomend this book. The ending was particularly powerful, and the insights are worth the effort. Try not to just read this book at face value, or else it will not be nearly at all worth the effort.
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2011-02-15 05:10:15.
(Language: English)
Exceptional!
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2010-01-27 05:22:26.
(Language: English)
I enjoyed this short novel and will continue to read more European and particularly Russian Literatutre. I wish I could be a nihilist.
|
|
Dennis posted a review at 2009-11-29 09:26:50.
(Language: English)
It starts slow. But you need to get past first third. Then it gets very mucl like Jane Austen books only it is about guys and not girls.
|
|
Müzeyyen posted a review at 2009-10-01 11:29:59.
(Language: English)
This's also a short but great book. Actually, the book uses a new term, nihilism, and also the main character Bazarov is probably the hero of all nihilists. I personally think that nihilists are the strangest of all people. All they do is nothing, but still it's as if they want to change something. And the unrequited love that Bazarov have for Anna Odintsova is also quite interesting since it contradicts with nihilism. The ending of the book's a little tragic and it's a must read.
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2007-06-23 12:10:54.
(Language: English)
There is a reason books of this sort are lumped into that genre called "Classics". Obviously they are not all of the same subject matter or style or purpose, but they are all historically important and often temporally transcending. This is most assuredly the case with this novel, written in 1862 and sometimes considered the first modern work of Russian literature. I find myself more and more interested in the study of the generation gap after watching Ozu's films and this story compliments that interest quite well. Cultural specifics notwithstanding, this story is still as relevant today as it was 150 years ago. Sons think their fathers are part of the old and can't hope to understand how things are "these days" and the fathers always "know" that the "good old days" were much more civilized. Sometimes differences are remedied and sometimes they aren't, but its almost never the case that the initial friction is smoothed out by an immediate mutual understanding. It is a process and a life changing one at that, requiring growth and maturity on the part of the youth and a empathy nurtured by concession on the part of the older generation. Fathers and Sons does not take sides because there truly is no line to draw, it merely points out the obvious, saying "look here, this is life", but it does it in a eloquent way.
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2008-03-27 09:19:22.
(Language: English)
This novel is about the clash in values between two generations, set in Russia prior to the abolition of serfdom. I didn't know what to expect from this book - or this author - and the beginning of the novel seemed rather pedestrian. But it didn't take long before I was totally wrapped up in it. Parts of it are very concerned with the political and social atmosphere of Tsarist Russia at the time it was written, but fortunately I found this fascinating. However, even if that doesn't sound your bag, there is so much more to this wonderful novel, most of all what it has to say about relationships - specifically, as you can tell from the title, between fathers and sons. These are detailed with a perfect precision, and economy (a rare thing in 19th century novels), that I found astounding. A beautiful read about a fascinating subject.
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2007-11-25 09:36:38.
(Language: English)
The father-son relationship is admirable indeed. However, that's not what attracted me in the novel. I feel that Bazarov is someone who is continuously misunderstood by so many people. His nihilism is definitely something to be abhorred. But what lies underneath that nihilism is much more important. Nihilism is just a cover, a mask, for being lost. Bazarov is someone who was trying to find meaning in a changing world. Big notions like nationalism, love, art, etc proved useless at a certain point. He is in everyone of us in different scales and levels. What is different is that he was not afraid of showing that. He defended what he believed to be reality at a certain point in his life. He is a man who is willing to die for what he believes in. He is willing to sacrifice even though his character in the beginning does not show that. I admire the fact that his character changed at the end due to his love for a woman. Too bad he died too soon. But i guess that people like him are destined to die. He was the one person who touched me in the novel. I still find it hard to hate him.
|
|
Scott'n'Shana posted a review at 2009-04-15 04:28:06.
(Language: English)
While the story takes place in 19th century Russia, the subject matter is universal. How do young people deal with going away to college and seeing the ideals and values of their parents questioned? That part of university education is priceless, because that's where you start morphing or confirming your beliefs. This epoch was focal in forming the Russian nation as well as world history. Turgenev, by placing it in a noble's household, shows change's effects on two generations. Wholeheartedly reccommend.
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2007-10-03 04:27:27.
(Language: English)
there's something about late 18th century russian writers that do it for me. that strong strain of realism in fiction at the time is something that contemporary writers can learn from. this book took me to another world that has nothing to do with me, and yet i could relate. the young university cynic and his tag-a-long are caricatures i saw while i was in university. of course, it tugged at my heartstrings with the tragedy of Bazarov. loved it. loved the way it was written. read it.
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2009-11-13 05:25:29.
(Language: English)
Read as uni text. Notable as first Russian writer to receive acclaim in Western Europe. One of the few books that improves upon studying it! Interesting representation of what was happening in Russia at the time (19th century). Should definitely give it a try - it's not too long either, which makes the characters seem very intense as they're packed in!
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2010-01-31 11:34:41.
(Language: English)
I always like Turgenev's unique poetic narrative and its alternating pace: There comes the unexpected twist in the plot, yet nothing is too unpredictable; the story seems to be unfolding peacefully and slowly, and then it spins 'out of control'. This one reminds me so much of 'First Love', particular seasons in our youth, our ageing, and the reconciliation. There's always the exquisite moderation, as if Turgenev is trying to please people of all ideological persuasions -- that dynamic between man and nature, turmoil passion and tranquil tenderness, the poetic and 'the mundane', the changing society and the enduring humanity, life everlasting and death all-encompassing...
|
|
Poley posted a review at 2010-04-02 12:48:20.
(Language: English)
getting into russians minds is a missing subject,but so rewarding.Much deep snow in there and then,melting lavas
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2011-10-09 01:19:06.
(Language: English)
I really liked this book and will definitely be reading more of Turgenev's stuff. Nothing like a good Russian novel.
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2011-01-25 03:04:31.
(Language: English)
An amazing book, really enjoyed the interplay between the generations and due to it being in 19th century Russia fascinating historical backdrop to go with it. Well worth a read
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2009-11-24 02:07:20.
(Language: English)
Beautiful old language,and a deep spiralled plot.
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2009-01-01 10:50:54.
(Language: English)
I really love this book because Turgenev focused on the analysis of the behavioral differences of generation gap along with a emotional drama with beautiful use of human emotions & feelings, I remember the last paragraph where old parents goes to the grave of their young and just died son.....I would say its must read.
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2010-02-17 02:20:20.
(Language: English)
This book is a good little read. Both the main characters are well depicted - and the social commentary is interesting. If you like old Russian novels this is a quick one to tickle your tastebuds.
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2008-12-01 02:02:06.
(Language: English)
I borrowed this book from someone who owned b/c it was an assigned read for western civ. This book was written by a Russian in the mid-late 1800's and centers around two young nihilists who wrestle with the "old ways vs. new ways", love, and socio-economic issues. This book allowed me the opportunity to deviate from the contemporary novels I often pick up and just experience something different... makes me wish I read more of those assigned books in college! Because its so unlike most books you choose to read,its easy to pass it up or not finish but you'll be glad when you do. Although translated, very nicely written...
|
|
Sarah posted a review at 2010-02-22 08:19:30.
(Language: English)
In Turgenev's Fathers and Sons, as in most of Chekhov, nothing much really happens. People talk a lot and that's about it. Should be dull, right? But it isn't. The talk, and the characters revealed, reflect the profound changes that were being felt in Russian society at the end of the 19th Century; changes that would set the stage for much of what was to happen in the 20th Century. But more important to a modern reader, the ideas and the real life implication of those ideas are as current and relevant as when Turgenev wrote. Bazarov, the young 'nihilist', sounds just like the typical student rebel of the 60's. He has the arrogance and the innocence of idealistic youth. He is as believable, and as moving in his ultimate hurt, as any young person today might be confronted with the limitations of idealism and the fickle tyranny of personal passion. I loved this book when I had to read it for my AP European History class; I could have just as easily read it for enjoyment. It makes the world of 19th century Russia seem strangely familiar and it gives many a current political thread a grounding in meaningful history.
|
| Reviews of Fathers and Sons (Penguin Classics) - Page 1 of 4 |
Share your views!
Similar books
![Povesti Pokoinogo Ivana Petrovicha Belkina [The Tales of the Late Ivan Petrovich Belkin]](http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B00150EY0G.01._AA75_.jpg)
