Boyhood

The narrative explores the tumultuous transition from childhood to boyhood through the character of Nicholai, who faces life's challenges without his mother. Spanning from ages 14 to 18, it delves into themes of friendship, humanity, and the struggles of the service class in 19th-century Russia. As Nicholai matures, he gains a deeper understanding of himself and recognizes the individuality of those around him, transcending their identities as serfs. Tolstoy captures the universal feelings of loneliness and neglect experienced by young people, despite the specific cultural context.