Fathers and Sons

De: Ivan Turgenev

Narrado por: George Guidall

When Arcady Kirsanov returns from college to the country manor of his father, he brings along his radical friend Bazarov, a nihilist who believes in nothing and respects no one. But behind the intellect of this caustic, impatient man is a heart full of compassion and kindness that will change the Kirsanov's lives forever.

When Ivan Turgenev first published this novel in 1862, the populace of his native Russia was so enraged by the character of Bazarov that Turgenev was forced to flee the country for France. However, critics have praised the novel for its subtle irony and richly crafted characters.

Public Domain (P)1994 Recorded Books, Inc.

Reseñas de la Crítica

"The deep purpose pervading Fathers and Sons is to show us life itself." (Henry James)

Russian Classic

Fathers and Sons has been hailed as a masterpiece of Russian literature, but I knew nothing about it before picking it up. I was certainly impressed.

The book centers around Yevgeny Bazarov, a young radical who embraces the idea of nihilism. Bazarov rejects the old conventions of the past (religion, aristocracism, liberalism, essentially all “-isms”) and believes that life is meaningless. During his travels with his friend, Arkady Kirsanov, he discusses and argues his beliefs with both parents and other characters. Despite his insistence that nothing in life has any meaning, Bazarov is a caring, loving man.

What happens in the plot is of little importance compared to the progression of Bazarov and his beliefs over the course of the novel. The novel’s ending comes suddenly, but is not surprising.

What is more crucial to the novel’s success is the way it captures the essence of people’s relationships and feelings through Turganev’s recounting of events. One always can tell where people stand in their opinions of each other simply by their basic actions.

I was fascinated that in Bazarov,I could see feelings about tzars and social class in general which was reminiscent of the impending Soviet Communist Revolution. I also saw overtones of modern existentialism in a 19th century novel.

George Guidall does a wonderful job, and is easy to follow. Like many Russian novels, however, Fathers and Sons can be somewhat wordy and complex. I am not sure if the English translations are to blame or if the style of Russian writing is simply not what Americans are used to. Nonetheless, Fathers and Sons is a classic and should not be missed.

From Jeff

If you could sum up Fathers and Sons in three words, what would they be?

Learned something new.

Any additional comments?

Keep a list of the character name summaries by your side. Russian names are definitely more difficult to keep track. It becomes easier as you go.

Adoration for Turgenev

George Guidall reading Turgenev is an absolute treat, and this novel is time well spent in my opinion.

Splendid

An absolute triumph, full of pathos and wisdom. Turgenev explores the aspirations, griefs, joys and vexations that attend the relationship of parents and children with tenderness and insight. The destiny of individual Russian persons and Russian families are staged against a background of questions surrounding the destiny of Russia itself, giving the novel both psychological penetration and epic significance. Guidall's narration is impecable.

Loved this! And a perfect reading.

Excellent reading of an interesting Russian work. Gives us a good sense of the period.