Literary Fiction· Russia
Fathers and Sons
by Ivan TurgenevAggregate Editorial Score39/100
Times Literary Supplement
Published 1862247 pagesEnglish
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Fathers and Sons by Ivan Turgenev is a landmark work of literary fiction, first published in 1862. The young nihilist Bazarov returns to Russia with his friend Arkady, and the clash between the 'new men' and the old order is played out with devastating elegance. Turgenev's masterpiece coined the term 'nihilist' and remains the most artistically perfect of the great Russian novels. Themes of nihilism, generations, Russia run through the work. The book has received recognition from Times Literary Supplement 1862.
Book Details
About the Category
📖 Literary Fiction
Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.
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🇷🇺 Russia
This book is part of Russia's rich literary tradition.
Explore books from Russia →Editorial Assessment
First published in 1862, Ivan Turgenev's Fathers and Sons is a work of literary fiction that has drawn sustained interest from critics and prize committees alike. Its engagement with nihilism, generations, Russia, love gives the book a depth that extends well beyond its genre.
Among its recognitions: Times Literary Supplement 1862. With an editorial score of 39/100 drawn from 1 independent sources, the book occupies a well-documented position in the critical literature. Its recognition spans international prizes, "best of" lists, and academic surveys.
Readers coming to Fathers and Sons for the first time will find a work that rewards patience. The book's handling of nihilism, generations, Russia, love is layered rather than didactic, and a second reading often reveals dimensions the first pass only hinted at.
Within Russia's literary landscape, Ivan Turgenev occupies a significant position. Fathers and Sons is both a personal artistic statement and a contribution to a tradition shaped by the country's history and cultural concerns.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.
Awards & Recognition
Times Literary Supplement
list · global
186212
Ivan Turgenev is a celebrated author from Russia known for influential works of literary fiction.
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