Fathers and Sons
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Summary
Editor's review
The editor believes that the core value of this book lies in its eternal theme of "generational conflict." Through the fierce debate between Bazarov and Pavel Kirsanov, Turgenev not only displays the intellectual confrontation between nihilism and aristocratic liberalism but also reveals the tension between old and new ideas and ways of life that exists in any era. The author does not simply endorse either side; with astonishing objectivity and sympathy, he depicts the ideals, passions, vulnerabilities, and tragedies of both, making the work far deeper than an ordinary polemical novel.
In artistic terms, Turgenev is hailed as "a novelist's novelist." His writing is delicate, his structure rigorous, and his descriptions of natural scenery blend seamlessly with the psychological states of his characters. Reading this book, one can not only appreciate the weight and speculative depth of Russian literature but also enjoy pure and superb narrative art. For contemporary readers, the debates in the book about science, art, love, and the meaning of life still resonate strongly and provoke reflection. It is a literary classic worth reading repeatedly, bringing new inspiration each time.
Who it's for
A good fit for
- Readers interested in Russian literature and nineteenth-century social and intellectual history
- Thinkers seeking a deeper understanding of generational conflict and ideological change
- Literature lovers who appreciate exquisite characterization and dramatic dialogue
- Readers seeking classic discussions of life and values that transcend their time
Not a good fit for
- Casual readers seeking light entertainment and fast-paced plots
- Readers lacking patience for extensive dialogue on philosophical and social issues
Reading tips
- It is recommended to first read the translator's preface or introduction to understand the specific historical background and intellectual content of the "fathers" and "sons" in nineteenth-century Russia.
- Pay attention to the characterization of the main figure Bazarov and consider the complexity and inner contradictions of his "nihilism."
- Savor the many descriptions of natural scenery in the book and appreciate how they set the atmosphere and mirror the psychological changes of the characters.
About the publisher
SDX Joint Publishing Company is a publisher known for its humanities and social science titles, covering classics, culture, history, social fiction and politics. Its catalogue of 826 books includes Chinese and foreign literary classics such as The Scholars, Camel Xiangzi and Selected Short Stories of Chekhov, scholarly works such as Studies of Chinese Cave Temples, A Study of the Tuoba History (Revised Edition) and The Nine-Rank System: A Prehistory of the Imperial Examination, and translations such as Red Star Over China and Notes from the House of the Dead. Its authors include renowned Chinese and foreign writers such as Wu Jingzi, Lao She, Su Bai and Chekhov, as well as scholars and translators such as Chen Xiaoming, Wang Benhua, Guo Changbao and Zhu Xiansheng. Its publishing character lies in balancing the popularisation of classics with academic depth, with attention to textual quality and the transmission of knowledge.
Contents
- 版权信息
- 总序
- 出版说明
- “俄苏文学经典译著·长篇小说”书目
- 叙言
- 第一章
- 第二章
- 第三章
- 第四章
- 第五章
- 第六章
- 第七章
- 第八章
- 第九章
- 第十章
- 第十一章
- 第十二章
- 第十三章
- 第十四章
- 第十五章
- 第十六章
- 第十七章
- 第十八章
- 第十九章
- 第二十章
- 第二十一章
- 第二十二章
- 第二十三章
- 第二十四章
- 第二十五章
- 第二十六章
- 第二十七章
- 第二十八章
- 屠格涅夫传
FAQ
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About the author
Ivan Sergeyevich Turgenev (1818–1883) was a nineteenth-century Russian critical realist writer born into a noble family in Oryol Province. He lived for long periods in Western Europe and died in Paris in 1883. He excelled in fiction and sketches, and his major works include A Sportsman's Sketches, Rudin, A Nest of the Gentry, On the Eve, and Fathers and Sons. A Sportsman's Sketches depicts Russian rural life and the condition of serfs with delicate, poetic strokes while combining realism with a critical spirit; his novels often center on the spiritual quest of noble intellectuals, generational conflict, and social change, with meticulous psychological portrayal and clear, concise language. His work holds an important place in Russian literature's transition from Romanticism to Realism and has been widely translated, offering lasting insight into nineteenth-century Russian society and thought.
