Content levels
Hero archetypes
Protagonist archetypes
Synopsis
In nineteenth-century Tsarist Russia an orphaned child born of Jewish and Cossack blood grows up in a land of wealthy aristocrats, struggling peasants, and growing discontent. Sent to an elite military academy at the tender age of four, Sergei Ivanov (Socrates) comes of age training to protect a way of life he doesn't understand. When a sudden death forces Sergei to flee, he escapes into the wilderness.With nothing to cling to but a memory of his grandfather and the promise of a gift buried near St. Petersburg, Sergei journeys across a harsh land to seek his place in the world. The adventure that unfolds is not about the revolutions of history, but about the revolution in one man's heart. A stirring story of tragedy and triumph emerges as Sergei encounters mentors and masters who reveal secrets about the arts of war and, ultimately, the path to peace. From the heights of love to the depths of despair, from the threat of a mortal enemy to the search for a child he has never met, Sergei Ivanov's odyssey unlocks hidden wisdom at the heart of life. He could never have imagined that from the moment of his birth he was destined to become the peaceful warrior who would change the lives of millions worldwide.
Is The Journeys of Socrates appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 14 and up.
This philosophical coming-of-age story contains military academy training, wilderness survival, war-related violence, and references to death and social upheaval in 19th-century Russia. The narrative focuses on spiritual growth and life wisdom rather than graphic content.
What to know going in
This book has moderate violence, mild sexual content, and mild language. Content notes include child harm, death, and death of parent (see the full list above).
Publisher ages reflect reading level; our rating reflects content maturity — they can differ.
Who'll love this
Teens will follow an orphaned soldier's epic journey across Russia as he searches for his place in the world and discovers powerful life lessons from mysterious mentors.