Childhood is the first novel in Leo Tolstoy's autobiographical trilogy, which also includes Boyhood and Youth. It tells the story of the young Tolstoy, from his birth in 1828 to his departure for university in 1844. The novel follows the young Tolstoy as he grows up in the Russian countryside, surrounded by his family and the people of his village. He experiences the joys and sorrows of childhood, including his first love, his first loss, and his first taste of independence. He also learns about the world around him, from the customs and beliefs of his people to the politics of the day. Throughout the novel, Tolstoy reflects on his own life and the lives of those around him, exploring themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning in life. He also examines the nature of childhood, and the ways in which it shapes our lives. In the end, Childhood is a powerful and moving portrait of a young man's journey to adulthood.
By Leo Tolstoy · First published 1852 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Realism, Historical Fiction · 28 chapters