An Ordinary Story

Dal titolo "Una storia comune" potrebbe sembrare l'ennesimo discreto mattoncino serioso russo :-) invece fa tanto sorridere, il protagonista è un "bamba" romantico con la testa piena di fesserie e lo zio ha il suo bel da fare a instillargli un po' di senso pratico! Noi assistiamo e sorridiamo, possiamo prendercela comoda. E imparare a non essere né troppo aridi né "bamba" :-) Buon divertimento! ( )

Extreme youthful idealism clashes with middle-aged realistic cynicism, Goncharov explores the causes and consequences of possessing an excess of one particular trait, and all in his trademark style, casual but insightful, a bit silly and funny all at the same time. The plot is indeed the as described eponymously - we have all lived and read it time and time again -, but the real delight lies in the characterisations.

The author captured the exuberance and inexperience of youth with its full potentials by detailing the protagonist's excessive sensitivities, which were at times painfully naive to read. However, it was only a necessary evil as it made it a joy to read his eventual slow disillusionment with love and life. I cannot help but relate to the growing cynicism, already present in the uncle and siphoning to the nephew, that is such an accurate psychological side effect of growth. The uncle is presented as the nephew's foil, albeit one who is the experienced knowledgeable authority on the fickleness human natures. However, to prevent this as just a silly-young-people story, the uncle's practicality is dialed to severe, just for some interesting contrast of the two extremes.

In the end, as is the case with Olga in Oblomov, the best character is the less explored female protagonist, the aunt. Her first physical, or at least vocal, appearance immediately showcases her shrewdness in handling the pride of the uncle and her tactful empathy to the protagonist's growing pains. Recommended for anybody who has ever been disillusioned with the world, so... everybody. ( )