Reviews

Childhood by Leo Tolstoy

manorclassics's review against another edition

emotional funny sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

An episodic novella chronicling events in the life of the young Nikolai Irtenev, this is the first in a trilogy and my third work by Tolstoy. Nikolai is endearing, his experiences varied and his development interesting. I liked it a lot, it was a very enjoyable read and I look forward to the next two books.

nelroden's review against another edition

lighthearted reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

First novella of Tolstoy’s Childhood-Boyhood-Youth trilogy, an endearing and characteristically Russian text. Tolstoy’s ability to write a narrative from the perspective of a child was convincing and well done (to no one’s surprise). The novella’s insight into childhood grief, family dynamics and childhood reverence was very nostalgic.

3.75 rating because it didn’t stand out - but as a Russian lit lover I thoroughly enjoyed nonetheless.

colorfulleo92's review against another edition

3.0

3.5 stars. Been meaning to get to Leo Tolstoy's shorter works for sometime now and glad I finally got around to it. Not many (I think) can do a great in both shorter format and door stoppers but he definitely could. Intruiged to continue with the series

anniis96's review against another edition

3.0

3.5
Briefly explained; this is a novel about a Russian boy growing up in a wealthy family where Tolstoy describes Nikolenkas emotions and thoughts revolving around new ideas and people. The story itself was kind of flat in my opinion, but it's only the first part in the trilogy and overall the novel made me want to continue reading.

naiapard's review against another edition

5.0

O carte simpatică, într-o traducere reușită care poate reda destul de satisfăcător, atmosfera întregului. Relatarea este făcută la persoana întâi și în mare parte constituie un arc peste un segment dintr-o etapă ce a fost cu mult mai vastă și mai tulburătoare decât ni se spune. Un frumos joc al subânțelesului, se deduce o finețe între ale aluziilor care joacă doar înspre deliciul lecturii.
Spor!

dear_old_world's review against another edition

reflective relaxing sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

A relaxing, enjoyable read, and a bit sad

m1m1m1m1's review against another edition

emotional lighthearted relaxing slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

sweet thoughts of a young boy

when Natalia Savishna died I almost started crying because of how moved I was by her character

---

Content Warnings

Minor: Death of parent

ellingtonfeint's review against another edition

4.0

Written from the perspective of a child, the narrative can be hazy at times.

And from all I know of Leo Tolstoy, this book was a lot shorter than I expected

kostula's review against another edition

dark emotional fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

ninipanini's review against another edition

emotional hopeful reflective sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0