Today, just as a hundred years ago, readers derive an inimitable delight from Turgenev’s novels, and this delight is mingled with amazement at the sensibility and trenchancy with which the author responds to the most vital problems of his day. Another amazing thing is Turgenev’s ability to raise his readers to a higher moral plane, so to speak, an ability remarked upon by another great Russian writer Mikhail Saltykov-Shchedrin: “What can I say about Turgenev’s novels as a writer? That after reading them one breathes more easily, believes more readily, and feels more warmly. That one distinctly feels one’s moral standards rising, that one blesses and loves the author.’’
The heroes of the. novels — progressive-minded noblemen and intellectuals— live in a complex atmosphere of tense ideological seekings which prevailed in Russia in the 1850s- 1860s. The system of serfdom had reached a crisis and the quest for new ways of social development* for a true hero of
the times, and, last but not least, for an opportunity to personally fur the r the
common cause of the nation, engaged the minds.
Taking his heroes from real life, Turgenev charged them with an extraordinary explosive force, involving his contemporaries in heated debate and collision of ideas.
Fathers and Sons
“Fathers and Sons” by Ivan Turgenev is a novel that explores the generational divide between traditionalists and the new wave of nihilists in 19th-century Russia. The story centers on the young, nihilistic Bazarov and his friend Arkady, who return home from university to their respective families. Bazarov’s radical ideas clash with the older generation’s values, leading to conflicts that highlight the broader societal changes and tensions of the time.
A Nest of the Gentry
“A Nest of the Gentry” (also known as “Home of the Gentry”) by Ivan Turgenev is a novel about the personal and social struggles of Lavretsky, a disillusioned nobleman who returns to his family estate after a failed marriage. Seeking solace and a sense of belonging, he becomes entangled in a poignant love affair with Liza, a virtuous young woman. The novel examines themes of love, duty, and the changing Russian aristocracy.
Translated from the Russian by Bernard Isaacs
Illustrated by Konstantin Rudakov
Contents
Preface. Ivan Turgenev.7
Farthers and Sons 17
A Nest of the Gentry 219
Note: I have also included illustrations from the 1977 edition as well. These illustrations, also by Rudakov, from 1977 are slightly more refined that the ones from 1974 edition. – DM
Mir Books 