Childhood, Boyhood, Youth Series

This sweeping trilogy chronicles a young man's profound journey from childhood through adolescence into the complexities of adulthood. It delves into the intricate formation of identity, exploring the moral and philosophical questions that shape a developing mind. The series offers a rich tapestry of personal growth, societal pressures, and the universal quest for meaning. Readers will find a compelling and timeless exploration of what it means to come of age.

Recommended Reading Order

1
Childhood, Boyhood, Youth
Lew Nikolajewitsch Tolstoi
320 pages
12 hours of reading
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This trilogy of short novels, taken as a whole, recounts the young narrator's early life up to his university days, each episode told through the perceptions, points of view and emotions felt by the protagonist at the time. Based on Tolstoy's own life and experiences, this fictionalized account of a young man growing into the world combines anecdote with frank personal assessment and philosophical extrapolation, as the author's Stendhalian take on the confessional genre confronts and blurs the notions of reality and imagination. Tolstoy's first published work, which launched him on a successful writing career, Childhood, Boyhood, Youth - besides offering an early display of his storytelling and stylistic abilities - provides the reader with invaluable insight into the personal and literary development of one of the greatest writers of all time. Assessment and philosophical extrapolation. An early display of Tolstoy's storytelling genius, written in his classically simple yet colourful language, these chronicles provide the reader with invaluable insight into the personal and literary development of one of the greatest writers of all time.
2
Boyhood
Lew Nikolajewitsch Tolstoi
96 pages
4 hours of reading
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The biography details the life of Lev Nikolayevich Tolstoy, a prominent Russian author born in 1828 and renowned for his mastery of realistic fiction. It highlights his significant contributions to literature, establishing him as one of the greatest novelists in history. The narrative encompasses his early life in Yasnaya Polyana, his literary achievements, and his passing in 1910, providing insight into the enduring impact of his works on global literature.
3
Youth
Lew Nikolajewitsch Tolstoi
182 pages
7 hours of reading
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Focusing on the transition from adolescence to adulthood, the novel explores Nikolenka's experiences as he navigates friendship, love, and personal growth while preparing for university. Through his relationship with Dmitri and the emotional challenges he faces, readers witness his awakening to complex feelings and moral revelations. This semi-autobiographical work captures the essence of youth, nostalgia, and the bittersweet nature of memories, showcasing Tolstoy's emerging literary prowess and philosophical depth that would characterize his later masterpieces.