Book at Bedtime - Fathers and Sons - Episode 4

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. Arkady and Bazarov abandon the older generation for the delights of town, the governor's ball and independent women. Translated by Peter Carson and abridged by Sally Marmion.