Ivan Turgenev was the first of the Russian writers of the XIX Century to make a name for himself outside his country. His novels influenced many of the great writers of the first half of the next century, such as Conrad, Virginia Wolf, Galsworthy and Henry James, who admired the Russian writer deeply. In his most famous novel, `Fathers and Sons', the writer focus on the never-ending clash between generations.

Although it is set in the XIX Century Russia, the narrative has universal and timeless connotation. "Fathers and Sons" focus on the conflict between younger member of Russian society that longed for reforms, and old intellectuals who were committed to political and aesthetical ideals of Western civilization.

Turgenev is known as one of the most objective writers ever, and it is clear in this text. However matter-of-fact, his narrative is meticulous e fulfilled with details and important background information of most characters. His choice of words is precise, and it is clear mostly in the dialogues.

As it is known, Turgenev kept a journal as if it were written by one of his main characters, Bazarov. This character has become one of the most important heroes of literature and his figure has influenced many writers. He repudiates everything that cannot be scientifically explained, and personalizes the spirit of revolution. On the other hand, Pavel Petrovich is his contrast and very conservative.

"Fathers and Sons" is a symptomatic novel exposing where Russia was being let to. As some characters know, the society had to change, and not become the same (like in "The Leopard"). Drastic changes were necessary and they came some years after Turgenev's novel. As we all know, this change is called Revolution.

'Fathers and Sons' is arguably Turgenev's greatest work. It is very accessible to the reader, and excellently written. Turgenev is renowned for his masterful ability to construct realistic dialogues and this novel does not disappoint in this respect. But 'Fathers and Sons' is also a novel of ideas and Turgenev analyses some of the ideas and sentiments which were later to have such an important influence on Russian society.

This novel follows Bazarov, a self-proclaimed nihilist, and his friend and pupil Arkady Nikolayevich Kirsanov as they return from their studies in Petersburg to the province in which their fathers reside. The tale is tangled with arguments and discussions about politics and philosophy, and of course it is also complicated by a heavy dose of love. As another reviewer has mentioned, the author's treatment of nihilism as a philosophy is particularly interesting and enlightening.

Turgenev is adept, as other reviewers have noted, at accurately describing different emotions and even at evoking those emotions in his readers; something of which precious few writers are capable. The subject of love, both romantic and mat/paternal, is dealt with extremely skilfully by the author and betrays the understanding of someone who has undoubtedly been exposed to those feelings himself.

'Fathers and Sons' then, leaves the reader with the sense that he/she has participated as a quiet observer in Bazarov and Arkady's journeys, and that Turgenev has enabled one to better appreciate love and the relationship between father and son, amongst other things. This is a book that deserves to be read, appreciated, and pondered over long after it has been closed. It's core relevance has not been diminished by the century-and-a-half since it was written.

Ivan Turgenev's novel "Fathers and Sons" examines the emerging generation gap that reflects the growing changes in 19th century Russian society. When the novel begins middle-aged widower Nikolai Petrovich Kirasnov is waiting for the return of his son Arkady. Arkady, who has just graduated from university, returns with his close friend the nihilist, medical student Bazarov. Bazarov is the son of a retired army doctor, and he comes from a humble, yet vital background. While Bazarov embodies the ideals of nihilism, Arkady's belief system seems to be a pale reflection of his friend's. Arkady's foppish effete uncle, Pavel, a former army officer, is deeply disturbed by Bazarov, and sees Bazarov and his belief system as a personal affront.

The novel begins in 1859--right before the emancipation of the serfs in 1861--and a significant shift is taking place in Russian society. The relatively enlightened Kirasnov has freed his serfs, and he's attempting to adjust to employing people who can produce. The management of his estate, however, is problematic. Kirasnov has an illegitimate child with a peasant girl he refuses to marry because of the differences in their social status, and the girl, Fenichka and her child live in one of the back rooms of the house. Fenichka's role is a peculiar one--she's obviously Kirasnov's mistress, but she's also a servant within the household.

Kirasnov and his brother Pavel are "men of the old school"--whereas Bazarov and to a lesser degree Arkady represent the new wave of thought--Nihilism. Bazarov "does not look up to any authorities ... does not accept a single principle on faith, no matter how highly that principle may be esteemed." Both Bazarov and Arkady find their nihilist beliefs under assault when they fall in love. Bazarov, who believes that the "study of personalities is a waste of time" and that "all people are alike" finds himself inexplicably falling in love with the elegant, cold, elusive widow Anna Odintsova. While Anna is immensely attracted to Bazarov, she cannot allow herself to engage in any passionate affair. He threatens her passionless, ordered world, and she threatens his nihilist beliefs. But falling in love is just the first of Bazarov's problems. He also discovers that prolonged exposure to the Kirasnov family is a contaminating influence, and he tells Arkady, "that's what comes of living with feudal lords. You'll become a feudal lord yourself, before you know it, and take part in knightly tournaments."

Bazarov is a marvelous, strange and unforgettable character, and "Fathers and Sons"--one of the seminal novels from the period--is a must for Russophiles. As a companion piece, I recommend "Nihilist Girl" by Sofya Kovalevskaya--displacedhuman

I read this book back in January, but I remember it very well. It's interesting to see, during the course of the novel, how the characters evolve and act toward each other, and at times, it's an extremely interesting and exciting story. Highly recommended.

I am a well read physician and yet I had not read Fathers and Sons until this week. First this edition compared to the other three available is the better translation and reading format. Its the story of two sons Bazarov and Arkady each with diferenet parents who come from the big city education to visit to visit Arkadys farming family and then Bazarov medical family. The story is short and so well developed that it carries you through several emotional whorlwinds. First their is conflict between Bazarov and Arkady's uncle later their arguments result in the two fighting a duel. Later both while visits another Arkady uncle meet a beautiful women and cousin at a celebration ball and there the story really takes off. This story involves two men accepting responsibility for their lifes and actions while also falling in love. It now is my favorite novel with War and Peace & Anna Karinina. What a delightful read. I will now explore other Turgenev story for hidden masterpieces similar to Tolstoys numerous short stories (novella's).