The novel is located in rural Russia on the 19th century, and is centered on the theme of intergenerational conflicts. Two scholars return from the university at Saint Petersburg to the countryside to visit their parents. They are fascinated by the latest theories and doctrines (nihilism, anarchy), and they clash with the peacefull habits of their parents. But besides this, love softens their differences, and brings them toghether. Moreover, the book describes where anarchy leads to: the denial of human nature, and self-destruction. Although it was written many years agoit reads well and remains valuable tho a modern audience.