I enjoyed readibng 'Fathers and Sons'. Written in the style of Russian Realism, it made for an easy read, painting a vivid picture of life in 19th century Russia.  I think this is a good introduction to Russian literature, paving the way for weightier authors like Tolstoy and Dostoyevsky. Contrasting the Nihlist and the Traditionalist, the gentry and the emancipated serf, one can appreciate the development of subsequent Russian history.