When Arcady Kirsanov returns from college to the country manor of his father, he brings along his radical friend Bazarov, a nihilist who believes in nothing and respects no one. But behind the intellect of this caustic, impatient man is a heart full of compassion and kindness that will change the Kirsanov's lives forever.When Ivan Turgenev first published this novel in 1862, the populace of his native Russia was so enraged by the character of Bazarov that Turgenev was forced to flee the country for France. However, critics have praised the novel for its subtle irony and richly crafted characters.