Boyhood

In "Boyhood," the second volume of Leo Tolstoy's autobiographical trilogy, the narrative follows fourteen-year-old Nikolai Irtenev as he navigates the complexities of adolescence in Moscow. This novella captures the emotional upheaval and psychological challenges of teenage life, including self-doubt, moral dilemmas, and the nuances of social distinctions. Through Nikolai's school experiences and interactions with family and peers, Tolstoy examines themes of identity, moral growth, and the tension between idealism and reality, making "Boyhood" a profound exploration of youth within the context of 19th-century Russian society.