Detstvo (Childhood)
by Leo Tolstoy
Russian • Public Domain • Free to stream
Childhood (Detstvo), published in 1852, was Leo Tolstoy's literary debut and an immediate critical success. The short novel is a semi-autobiographical account of the first ten years of life of Nikolenka Irtenev, a Russian nobleman's son. Through the child's eyes, Tolstoy captures the intense emotional world of childhood — the love for his mother, the games with siblings, the complex relationships with servants and tutors, and the first encounter with loss and grief. The writing is remarkable for its psychological depth and sensory vividness. Stream free, no account required.
About the book: Detstvo (Childhood)
Childhood is the first published novel by Leo Tolstoy, released under the initials L. N. in the November 1852 issue of the popular Russian literary journal The Contemporary. Published when Tolstoy was young, the book was an immediate success. It earned Tolstoy notice from other Russian novelists including Ivan Turgenev, who heralded the young Tolstoy as a major up-and-coming figure in Russian literature.
Childhood explores the inner life of a young boy, Nikolenka. It is one of the books in Russian writing to explore an expressionistic style, mixing fact, fiction, and emotions to render the moods and reactions of the narrator.
In autobiographical Childhood Tolstoy described his homosexual attraction. In the novel Tolstoy recalls how he was smitten by Sergey Ivin, whose striking good looks had captivated him from the first, and he felt an irresistible attraction towards him. Only to see him filled me with pleasure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Detstvo (Childhood) free to listen to?
Yes, Detstvo (Childhood) is completely free to stream. No account, no subscription, and no ads required. It is in the public domain.
Who wrote Detstvo (Childhood)?
Detstvo (Childhood) was written by Leo Tolstoy.
Is Detstvo (Childhood) in the public domain?
Yes, Detstvo (Childhood) by Leo Tolstoy is in the public domain and free to read, share, and listen to worldwide.
How long is Detstvo (Childhood) to listen to?
Detstvo (Childhood) takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes to listen to in full.
When was Detstvo (Childhood) written?
Detstvo (Childhood) was first published in 1852. It is now in the public domain and free to stream.
Who narrates Detstvo (Childhood)?
Detstvo (Childhood) uses AI multi-voice narration. Each character has a distinct voice — narrators, heroes, villains and supporting characters all sound different, making it easy to follow the story.
Can I download Detstvo (Childhood)?
No download is needed. Detstvo (Childhood) streams directly in your browser — no app, no account, no signup required. Just press play.
What genre is Detstvo (Childhood)?
Detstvo (Childhood) is classic literature. It is a classic work of literature now in the public domain.