Childhood

Focusing on the journey from innocence to experience, the novel follows young Nikolenka as he navigates the complexities of love, grief, and family life in a prosperous Russian setting. Through his deep connection to his mother and poignant reflections on his childhood, the story evokes nostalgia and universal themes of life and loss. Celebrated for its expressive style, this semi-autobiographical work marks Tolstoy's emergence as a significant literary figure, laying the groundwork for his later masterpieces.