September 2007--Fathers and Sons

by Ivan Turgenev

For those who think of Russian literature as gloomy and oppressive, I would offer Fathers & Sons as the antidote. Turgenev’s novel of generational conflict in late 19th century Russia is most definitely political, but there is such generosity of warmth and humor in this novel, despite its tragic moments, that one wishes it were actually longer than its relatively short 200 pages. Episodic rather than plot-driven, the story revolves around two young men, home from university. There is Bazarov, the nihilist poseur, who believes only in science and yet still manages to fall in love with a beautiful, intelligent older woman even more terrified of romantic attachment than Bazarov himself. And there is Arkady, a more gentle soul, who idolizes his friend but still cannot reject his traditional, landowner father because he loves him too much. It is a masterpiece of social commentary, but the author has too much tenderness for his characters to allow them to become mere symbols. In fact, you will come to know them intimately just as the author intended, as Turgenev peels away their pretences to reveal the longing, fear and humanity beneath.

--Corrie