4.25

The last chapter completely ruins the vibe I’m devastated because otherwise this was a 5 star experience

Böyle mi olacaktı sonun Bazarov?

This is a sensitive and perceptive rendering of what has come to be known as the generation gap set in mid-nineteenth century Russia. I felt that the fathers came off rather badly as the emphasis was definitely on the sons and particularly the nihilist Bazarov. Yet Bazarov himself is portrayed as a thoroughly unpleasant character, dismissive of his friend Arkady's family and positively cruel to his own adoring parents. Despite the awe in which he is held by all, it is his own nihilism which destroys any chance of happiness he could have found in his love for Odintsova. By means of the story of the fates of the different characters, Turgenev invites reflection on what was really the way forward for society at that time, modern ways didn't necessarily bring happiness or even something that could be accepted as progress.

I read the English translation by Richard Freeborn and, while I am in no position to judge faithfulness to the original Russian, I found the interjection of anachronistic expressions, such as "mate" , "sloppy thinking", "good chap" and numerous others in Bazarov's dialogues, awkward. I realize that Bazarov was rude and did not conform to the gentlemanly standards of the family of Arkady, yet I would have been more comfortable with a less disruptive translation.

I have been reading Russian literature since high school. I truly enjoy the beautiful descriptions of the characters and their interactions with each other. A good read to get away from it all.

“ …. a Russian masterpiece, one written so beautifully and with such economy, that when you finish reading it you feel a little shaken and a little stirred. A vodka martini on the front porch might be in order” writes Gary Shteyngart, and he is exactly right!

The biggest draw for me to Russian literature is just the feeling of 'wow, people 200 years ago in a foreign country were feeling and thinking the same things I am today.' This book accomplishes that. I didn't feel invested in the characters though, which is why I don't rate it higher.

"Şimdi lütfen şu çıngırağı çalıver kardeşim Nikolay Petroviç, kakao saatim geldi."
Pavel Petroviç 10/10