Turgenev wins over Nizhny Novgorod residents: "Fathers and Sons" leads in digital reading

      21 November 2025 10:56 Society

      The MTS digital platform, together with the book service "Stroki", conducted a study of the reading preferences of residents of Nizhny Novgorod Oblast to find out which works by Ivan Sergeyevich Turgenev are in greatest demand.

      In first place, as expected, was the novel "Fathers and Sons" — it was the book most often chosen by users from the region. Second place was taken by the novella "Asya", and rounding out the top three was the classic short story "Mumu".

      Also among the five most-read works were the novels "A Nest of the Gentry" and "Nov". These books continue to attract a wide audience despite the centuries since they were written.

      Analysts also noted differences in reading tastes depending on age and gender. Women aged 35 to 44 more often chose "Nov" and "On the Eve", while women over 45 preferred "Fathers and Sons", "Asya" and "A Nest of the Gentry".

      Among men aged 35–44, "Fathers and Sons" and "Asya" were the most popular. Among men over 45, the most often read were "Fathers and Sons" and "First Love". Older people over 65, regardless of gender, often turned to the short story "Mumu".

      A comparison with other regions of the Volga area showed both common trends and some differences. For example, in Samara Oblast readers more often read "Spring Torrents", in Bashkortostan — the novel "Smoke", and in Mari El the short story "Bezhin Meadow" was popular.

      "Turgenev's work remains relevant: his style and themes — from philosophical reflections to social contradictions — continue to resonate with readers. Today, to open a book you don't need to go to a library or hunt for old editions — a smartphone is enough. Electronic libraries allow you to instantly immerse yourself in the world of Russian literature and enjoy the works of great writers without leaving home," noted Andrey Belov, director of MTS in Nizhny Novgorod Oblast.

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