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the_booker's review
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
theultracheesey's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.75
kingbob's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
sranders21's review
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
3.25
morganp22's review
4.0
It’s hard to rate a collection of short stories but ultimately I really enjoyed most of the stories in this collection! I thought Tolstoy’s writing and messages was so impactful. I loved getting to read more from him!
kendallsuckss's review
adventurous
informative
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
emkathh's review
2.0
Meh. A lot of forgettable stories. The ones I enjoyed the most were:
The story of Ivan the Fool ★★★★
The Death of Ivan Ilych ★★★★ and a 1/2 stars
Esarhaddon, King of Assyria ★★★
I think The Death of Ivan Ilych is definitely worth a read. The descriptons of his agony and mental torment were so well written that I found myself deeply uncomfortable and sad while reading. It really makes one think.
The story of Ivan the Fool ★★★★
The Death of Ivan Ilych ★★★★ and a 1/2 stars
Esarhaddon, King of Assyria ★★★
I think The Death of Ivan Ilych is definitely worth a read. The descriptons of his agony and mental torment were so well written that I found myself deeply uncomfortable and sad while reading. It really makes one think.
athirah_idrus's review
3.0
It's been a pleasure to revisit Tolstoy's works again. This compilation of short stories is a refreshing change from his longer works like Anna Karenina and War and Peace, which I've read more than 7 years ago.
True to his style though, the stories had social commentary but these stories seemed more didactic and a call to return to religion, perhaps written at a time when Tolstoy turned to his religious side/had religious fervor.
Repentance, kindness and good behaviour are recurring themes across the stories. While they may not be his best works, if you enjoy his writing, you'd probably not wanna miss out on these stories.
True to his style though, the stories had social commentary but these stories seemed more didactic and a call to return to religion, perhaps written at a time when Tolstoy turned to his religious side/had religious fervor.
Repentance, kindness and good behaviour are recurring themes across the stories. While they may not be his best works, if you enjoy his writing, you'd probably not wanna miss out on these stories.
zakshep's review
2.0
Reads like a children's picture book without the pictures. I can definitely see why people like it, but it greatly wasn't to my taste. I prefer religious undertones rather than overtones, as with the latter story structure and message are redundant and ham-fisted. I'll likely still pick up more Tolstoy in the future.