Childhood is the first in a trilogy of semi-autobiographical novels tracing Nikolenka’s journey from innocence to experience. As a record of the past, a nostalgic reminder of a lost world, Childhood is one of Tolstoy’s most personal works
Childhood (Russian: Детство, Detstvo) is the first novel in Leo Tolstoy’s semi-autobiographical trilogy, which also includes Boyhood and Youth. First published in 1852, Childhood reflects Tolstoy's own experiences growing up in the Russian aristocracy and offers a poignant, introspective look at the development of a young boy's consciousness and emotions.
The novel is narrated from the perspective of a young boy named Nicholas (or Kolya), who is growing up on his family's estate in Russia. The story follows his experiences from early childhood through to the age of about 12, offering an intimate glimpse into his thoughts, feelings, and relationships with the people around him.
Nicholas's childhood is portrayed as a mixture of innocence, curiosity, and emotional growth. He experiences the warmth and safety of a privileged family life, but also the emotional turbulence of a child learning to navigate family dynamics, social expectations, and personal loss. The novel explores his bond with his parents, especially his distant father, his loving but often strict mother, and his complicated relationship with his caretakers and siblings.
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Categories: Fiction Literature Classics