A complicated philosophical novel on relations between two different generations:fathers and their children. The generation gap between the fathers and sons symbolized the current political debates between the older reactionaries and the younger radicals. The character of Bazarov, a young radical who declares himself a “nihilist,” somebody who accepts nothingness, particularly inflamed both sides. Although Turgenev claimed at one point that he meant the book to be a favorable depiction of the young radicals, this group viewed Bazarov as a spiteful caricature of them. Even before its publication, the novel ignited controversy.

Despite everything, the book has stood the test of time, and many regard it as Turgenev’s best.