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Mark Porton's Reviews > Fathers and Children
Fathers and Children
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Mark Porton's review
bookshelves: classics, romance, philosophy, russian-authors, nihilism
Oct 10, 2023
bookshelves: classics, romance, philosophy, russian-authors, nihilism
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Fathers and Children by Ivan Turgenev is a story I have mixed feelings about.
Initially, I really enjoyed this, largely because of a young man, a nihilist, named Bazarov. He accompanied another young man, called Arkady, to the latter’s family home to meet his widower father, Nikolay, and his uncle Pavel. Immediately, there were some uncomfortable discussions to be had as the opinionated Bazarov proved to be a taciturn, contrary (and in my opinion, arrogant) character � who spent his time disagreeing with everything Nikolay and Pavel had to say. There was a particular animosity between Uncle Pavel and Bazarov. Personally, I thought Bazarov was a complete tosser, and I would’ve thrown him out of my home, no matter how much Arkady fawned all over him. Arkady idolised him.
Despite my fractious relationship with Bazarov, I found him interesting as a character and whenever he appeared in a scene I made a wee “whoop� noise of delight (nothing too creepy, mind you), as I knew drama would ensue. If you read this, keep an eye on the relationship between Bazarov and Pavel � it crumbles dramatically.
The young men also visited Bazarov’s family farm, I found this part of the story incredibly sad � the parents of Bazarov, were almost ‘cap in hand� gratefully simpering, in appreciation for their son’s visit. Bazarov seemed to exploit this, and even worse, he became increasingly indifferent to their love.
There’s also a love story in this liquorice all sorts, chop suey type of tale. Romance erupts when the boys visit a local aristocratic family � admittedly, this was interesting, too.
I think the theme in this story is the differences between the old and the young. Seems obvious, I know. However, I could write a few pages on the theme as I see it � and that’s the difference between nihilists and the rest of us. What an annoying bunch.
Admittedly, the literary messages here are probably way above my ability to identify, define, and analyse.
I found this interesting in parts, but it was also all over the shop (for me) and didn’t seem at all cohesive � a bit like this review!
Good enough to recommend (the story, not my review).
Just.
3 stars
If you'd like to read a far more insightful review of this interesting book , check out this review by Yules /review/show....
Fathers and Children by Ivan Turgenev is a story I have mixed feelings about.
Initially, I really enjoyed this, largely because of a young man, a nihilist, named Bazarov. He accompanied another young man, called Arkady, to the latter’s family home to meet his widower father, Nikolay, and his uncle Pavel. Immediately, there were some uncomfortable discussions to be had as the opinionated Bazarov proved to be a taciturn, contrary (and in my opinion, arrogant) character � who spent his time disagreeing with everything Nikolay and Pavel had to say. There was a particular animosity between Uncle Pavel and Bazarov. Personally, I thought Bazarov was a complete tosser, and I would’ve thrown him out of my home, no matter how much Arkady fawned all over him. Arkady idolised him.
Despite my fractious relationship with Bazarov, I found him interesting as a character and whenever he appeared in a scene I made a wee “whoop� noise of delight (nothing too creepy, mind you), as I knew drama would ensue. If you read this, keep an eye on the relationship between Bazarov and Pavel � it crumbles dramatically.
The young men also visited Bazarov’s family farm, I found this part of the story incredibly sad � the parents of Bazarov, were almost ‘cap in hand� gratefully simpering, in appreciation for their son’s visit. Bazarov seemed to exploit this, and even worse, he became increasingly indifferent to their love.
There’s also a love story in this liquorice all sorts, chop suey type of tale. Romance erupts when the boys visit a local aristocratic family � admittedly, this was interesting, too.
I think the theme in this story is the differences between the old and the young. Seems obvious, I know. However, I could write a few pages on the theme as I see it � and that’s the difference between nihilists and the rest of us. What an annoying bunch.
Admittedly, the literary messages here are probably way above my ability to identify, define, and analyse.
I found this interesting in parts, but it was also all over the shop (for me) and didn’t seem at all cohesive � a bit like this review!
Good enough to recommend (the story, not my review).
Just.
3 stars
If you'd like to read a far more insightful review of this interesting book , check out this review by Yules /review/show....
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Reading Progress
October 3, 2023
–
Started Reading
October 3, 2023
– Shelved
October 8, 2023
–
90.0%
October 10, 2023
– Shelved as:
classics
October 10, 2023
– Shelved as:
romance
October 10, 2023
– Shelved as:
philosophy
October 10, 2023
– Shelved as:
russian-authors
October 10, 2023
–
Finished Reading
May 23, 2024
– Shelved as:
nihilism
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Oct 10, 2023 04:44AM
Love the review, Mark. And tell me about the annoying nihilists. I’m dealing with them in the novel I’m reading at the moment too. I’m going to guess Turgenev was a peer of Dostoevsky’s but I could be way off.
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Mark, I am picturing you sitting in an arm chair by a sunny window reading this one and scratching your head trying to decide what to make of this story. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
I'm yet to read any Turgenev but after this I think I'll stick to his short stories and see how it goes from there. Incohesive yet helpful review Mark ;)
Fair and honest review Mark.
Ha! Characters like Bazarov are intriguing. We hate them yet end up loving it when they walk "on stage". Glad you didn't overdo the "whoop", Markus. I'd have had to wonder about your own character ;p :D :D I see it's still intact ;) I want to read Turgenev and will be curious about my own reaction! Great review!
The parents are the saddest part ðŸ˜Isn’t Bazarov so terribly real though?
Hayley wrote: "Love the review, Mark. And tell me about the annoying nihilists. I’m dealing with them in the novel I’m reading at the moment too. I’m going to guess Turgenev was a peer of Dostoevsky’s but I could..."Thanks so much Hayley, I'll have to check out what you're reading - sounds like the Nihilist in your book is annoying too?? Yes, Turgenev was alive around the same time as Dostoevsky (and Tolstoy). I just grabbed this from Wikipedia - if you're interested (sorry for banging on).
"Unlike Tolstoy and Dostoyevsky, Turgenev lacked religious motives in his writings, representing the more social aspect to the reform movement. He was considered to be an agnostic.[9] Tolstoy, more than Dostoyevsky, at first anyway, rather despised Turgenev. While traveling together in Paris, Tolstoy wrote in his diary, "Turgenev is a bore." His rocky friendship with Tolstoy in 1861 wrought such animosity that Tolstoy challenged Turgenev to a duel, afterwards apologizing. The two did not speak for 17 years, but never broke family ties. Dostoyevsky parodies Turgenev in his novel The Devils (1872) through the character of the vain novelist Karmazinov, who is anxious to ingratiate himself with the radical youth.However, in 1880, Dostoevsky's Pushkin Speech at the unveiling of the Alexander Pushkin monument brought about a reconciliation of sorts with Turgenev, who, like many in the audience, was moved to tears by his rival's eloquent tribute to the Russian spirit."
Russian writers are an interesting bunch aren't they? I'm a Gogoholic - who's really Ukrainian, but they were part of the Russian Empire at the time. I love the guy!
Lisa wrote: "Mark, I am picturing you sitting in an arm chair by a sunny window reading this one and scratching your head trying to decide what to make of this story. Thanks for sharing your thoughts."Hahaha - I love that image you've conjured up, our Lisa, thing is I was probably in a dark room (night or day) with my pups at my feet, fan blowing my freckles off - but I was scratching my head at times. I think 3-stars is harsh. But it could really be rated anywhere between 2-4 stars, at times it was 5-ing!! Thanks again!
Federico wrote: "I'm yet to read any Turgenev but after this I think I'll stick to his short stories and see how it goes from there. Incohesive yet helpful review Mark ;)"Thanks so much Fede, I'm even more incohesive in person mate. I'll have to try one of his short stories for sure :))
Maureen wrote: "Fair and honest review Mark."Thanks so much Maureen, I've just re-read yours and you were spot on, I think your 4-stars is a fair rating to be honest. Thank you 🤗
Candi wrote: "Ha! Characters like Bazarov are intriguing. We hate them yet end up loving it when they walk "on stage". Glad you didn't overdo the "whoop", Markus. I'd have had to wonder about your own character ..."Aren't characters like Bazarov interesting? Some of the best reads involve dislikeable characters don't they? Humbert Humbert comes to mind!
Hahaha - thanks for 'wondering about my own character', that's fair enough Canders - but it's still well intact, despite the best efforts of those around me 🤣. I think Bazarov would have some sort of impact on most people - I can't wait to read what you think of him!! #Whoop!!
Often when I am reading a book like this, a book with hidden meanings, I wish for a uni professor to be right there to guide me through. You have done well describing this one in your review, Mark. Excellent review!
Yules wrote: "The parents are the saddest part ðŸ˜Isn’t Bazarov so terribly real though?"
Yes, I felt the same Yules. Bazarov's indifference to his parents was, to my mind, unforgivable. Perhaps, the most dislikeable part of his make-up I think. Your review was brilliant and I'll share it at the bottom of my review - as it's an insightful summary of this work, to be sure. Thanks for checking in 😊
NILTON wrote: "Great review, Mark!"Thanks so much, Nilton!!
Liquorice all sorts - or chop suey - interesting food choices, Mark. LOL. I'm not sure I'm a fine either so this probably wouldn't be my cup of tea! A great review :)
Antoinette wrote: "Often when I am reading a book like this, a book with hidden meanings, I wish for a uni professor to be right there to guide me through. You have done well describing this one in your review, Mark...."Thanks so much for your kind comments Antoinette! Yes, I agree - this is where I find reading the reviews from our brainy GR friends really useful 😉
Jen CAN wrote: "Liquorice all sorts - or chop suey - interesting food choices, Mark. LOL. I'm not sure I'm a fine either so this probably wouldn't be my cup of tea! A great review :)"Liquorice all sorts came to mind only because I was lucky enough to score a bag of them for Father's Day - I have no idea where Chop Suey came from - hahaha - thanks again Jen Jen 🤗
![Terence M - [Quot libros, quam breve tempus!]](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1712357414p1/6658001.jpg)
An interesting review, Mark! I love it when you go all esoteric on us, jumping from the Romans to the Russians by reading the likes of Turgenev🙂!I had my first and only experience with Ivan Turgenev about 60 years ago, when I played the role of the handsome 21-year-old student-tutor, 'Aleksei Belyaev', in "A Month in the Country", Turgenev's only well-known work for the theatre. Nice work for me on-stage, with both the mother and her young ward falling in love with me.
Luckily we had a decent season, including touring the play around country Victoria, supported by the State government, and I managed to become infatuated with a fellow actress who played the young ward. Ahhh.. those were the days🥰.
Such a good review, Mark. I haven't read Turgenev, I keep meaning to go back to the Russians, I definitely need to read the Dostoyevski masterpieces.
Love this review Mark. So well balanced. Excellent �
Yes, Mark the nihilists in The Idiot are annoying too, but based on that Wiki excerpt, I think that is a deliberate choice on Dostoyevsky’s part 😆. By the way I’ve taken a screenshot of that excerpt. It’s a fun tidbit, so thanks for that! Gogol is on my to-read list.
Terence M - [Quot libros, quam breve tempus!] wrote: "An interesting review, Mark! I love it when you go all esoteric on us, jumping from the Romans to the Russians by reading the likes of Turgenev🙂!I had my first and only experience with Ivan Turgen..."
How interesting Terry - my word, you've done some interesting stuff!! (I count seminary school in that) - now you're showing off, particularly as you were cast as the handsome leading male! Ahhhhh - and you also fell for the leading female, sounds like WONDERFUL DAYS my friend. Thanks for sharing that with us - oh and also for accusing me of going all esoteric on you - bahahahaha 🤣🤣😬😬 - I love that. Thanks mate :))
Bianca wrote: "Such a good review, Mark. I haven't read Turgenev, I keep meaning to go back to the Russians, I definitely need to read the Dostoevski masterpieces."Thanks so much Bianca - I love hanging out with this crazy mob of Russian authors! I read Crime and Punishment when I was in my early 20's, and liked it even then. But I would like to revisit it and that author again - The Idiot is one I'd like to try I think 😊
Margaret M - (Semi-hiatus - wrote: "Love this review Mark. So well balanced. Excellent �"Thanks heaps for your comments again Margaret - I really didn't know what to think of this one, maybe on another day it would be a 5-star read!! 🎈
Fun review, Mark. That Bazarov indeed! And Arkady's father and uncle, what a pair they were! I didn't understand the book fully either but I enjoyed how it gave me a peek into what it was like to live in a country house in Russia at that time. Several different houses in fact. And I suppose Turgenev did set down in print for posterity a way of life that was about to change.
Rowan wrote: "Excellent review, Mark! 😊"Thanks heaps Rowan - Russian authors are becoming a bit of a thing with me - they are a crazy, talented bunch 🤗🎈
Mark wrote: "Yes, I felt the same Yules. Bazarov's indifference to his parents was, to my mind, unforgivable. Perhaps, the most dislikeable part of his make-up I think. Your review was brilliant and I'll share it at the bottom of my review - as it's an insightful summary of this work, to be sure. Thanks for checking in 😊"Thank you so much, Mark! That is incredibly kind of you to say.
Though he's meant as a "type" particular to that moment in time, Bazarov read just like someone I've met in my own life all these 150 years later. He has the characteristics of a certain kind of "visionary," to whom the rest of us seem blind and needlessly sentimental.
Thanks very much for sharing my review :)
Thank you for pointing me towards the direction of this fabulous review, Mark! :) will you revisit it? I have a physical copy I found in my favorite used books store right here. I’m eyeballing it as I type! 👀
I appreciate your honest and balanced review, Mark. It was helpful. You explained your mixed feelings about this story very nicely. I've never read Turgenev. I might try something from him some day. But definitely not this novel. It doesn't sound like something I'd enjoy. :)
Debbie Y wrote: "Thank you for pointing me towards the direction of this fabulous review, Mark! :) will you revisit it? I have a physical copy I found in my favorite used books store right here. I’m eyeballing it a..."Sorry it's taken me months to reply Debbie - maybe it was during a notification drought!!! I hope you do read this story, it's well worth it. This is one I would like to revisit - I'm a bit interested in nihilism and what it's all about. Thanks again :))
Nika wrote: "I appreciate your honest and balanced review, Mark. It was helpful. You explained your mixed feelings about this story very nicely. I've never read Turgenev. I might try something from him some da..."
Sorry for the late reply Nika!!! Turgenev is certainly an author I'd like to read up more on. I hope you get to read him one day - you also never know, you might enjoy this one!
