Ivan Turgenev’s Fathers and Sons is one of the most significant novels of 19th-century Russian literature, exploring the generational and ideological conflicts between parents and their children. The novel follows Arkady Kirsanov and his friend Bazarov, a radical young nihilist who rejects traditional values and institutions. As they return to Arkady’s family estate, tensions arise between the older generation, who uphold aristocratic traditions, and the younger men, who embrace radical change and scientific rationalism. Bazarov’s unshakable belief in nihilism is challenged by personal relationships, love, and the realities of human emotions, leading to a profound and tragic confrontation with his own ideals.

Why read this book?

• A powerful exploration of the clash between old and new ideas, tradition and modernity.

• One of the first novels to introduce nihilism as a philosophical concept in literature.

• Offers a deep and timeless meditation on family, love, and the nature of belief.

• Beautifully written with vivid character development and sharp social commentary.

About the Author

Ivan Turgenev (1818–1883) was a Russian novelist, playwright, and short story writer known for his keen psychological insight and elegant prose. His works, including Fathers and Sons, A Month in the Country, and Sketches from a Hunter’s Album, played a crucial role in shaping Russian and European literature. Unlike his contemporaries Dostoevsky and Tolstoy, Turgenev favored a more restrained, realist style, making his works accessible and deeply resonant.