Book at Bedtime - Fathers and Sons - Episode 2

Douglas Hodge reads from the novel by Ivan Turgenev. First published in 1862, this story of a young man's return from university, accompanied by his radical friend Bazarov, shocked its early readers. Turgenev's characterisation of the outspoken young nihilist who criticises the older generation of 'romantics' and rejects 'everything' was both an alarmingly realistic depiction of the changing times he saw around him and an uncomfortable reflection of the eternal difficulties between generations. The powerful influence that Arkady's new friend Bazarov exerts on the young graduate, and the radical views he holds, begin to become clear to both Arkady's doting father, Nikolay, and his fastidious uncle, Pavel. Translated by Peter Carson and abridged by Sally Marmion.