'Fathers and Sons' Summary

**Fathers and Sons** opens with Arkady Kirsanov, a young liberal, returning home from university to visit his parents. He is accompanied by his friend, Yevgeny Bazarov, a young nihilist who rejects the traditional values of his parents and the older generation. Bazarov's nihilism is challenged by his friendship with Arkady, and his love for Madame Odintsova, a wealthy widow. The novel follows the three characters as they navigate the complex social and political landscape of mid-19th century Russia. They grapple with issues of generational conflict, social change, and the search for meaning. Through their struggles, Turgenev offers a complex and nuanced portrait of Russian society, and a profound insight into the human condition.