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First Love (Ivan Turgenev Novel)First Love was written in 1860. It is one of Ivan Turgenev's best loved stories, whose youthful protagonist, Voldemar, experiences his first love, predictably enough. Although easy comparisons can be made between this story and 'Asya' and 'Spring Torrents' (other less favoured works of the same author along similar plot lines) this short novel, or novella, is set apart from Turgenev's other work due to the somewhat intelligent, measured, but nevertheless unusual plot developments towards the end of the story. Views of the meaning and representational value of the work differ but common critical opinion remains in agreement that the story is certainly one of Turgenev's best, if not the best. Voldemar, a 16 year old, is staying in the country with his family and meets Zinaida, a beautiful young woman, staying with her family in the wing of the nearby manor house. He falls irretrievably in love with Zinaida, who has a set of several other (seemingly more eligible) suitors whom he joins in their difficult and often fruitless search for the young lady's favour. Zinaida fails to reciprocate his love in a sensible and honest manner, often misleading him, mocking his comparative youth in contrast to her early adulthood. But eventually her true feelings, the real object(s) of her affections and a somewhat tragic conclusion to the story are revealed. The three stories, 'Spring Torrents', 'Asia', and 'First Love' work well when read in combination.
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