Ivan Turgenev (1818–1883)

Fathers and Sons, Smoke, A Desperate Character, A Strange Story, Punin and Baburin, Old Portraits, The Brigadier

High on emotion and with an inevitable fateful ending that stamps it as Nineteenth Century Russian. Turgenev is a graceful and concise writer; he is a fine exponent of the natural world and he is a master of observation when the manners of all strata of Russian society are placed in his orbit.
I remember loving "Torrents of Spring" long ago; this novel did not hold me in the same awe - but then much time and many other books have passed through my hands.

Re-read from my time on the boat, now I am older than the 'fathers'.

Eh, Bazarov is a jerk and the fathers and uncle are simple. They don't read as accomplished gentlemen farmers. Maybe it loses some luster in translation.

An interesting way of viewing the relationship between children and parents. Bazarov is an annoying man and really lacks feeling which is frustrating.