First Love by Ivan Turgenev

A really satisfying read, this novella tracks the infatuation and disillusionment, yet also the endurance, of youthful first love.

In a comic yet sincere way, Turgenev explores how a young man encountering a young attractive girl living in impoverished circumstances with a comically impecunious mother falls head over heels and burns with passion for his distant ideal. He circles his love and admires her, being pulled into her more “sophisticated “ social circle.

Love the slightly naive innocent narrator juxtaposed with the heady high jinks of men circling an attractive girl. His embarrassment and confusion pour off the page.

There’s a bit of trauma here too, it’s definitely not just sweet or saccharine. The ending is pretty interesting, not necessarily expected.

Also how cool are these Penguin Great Loves books!

One word: poignant.