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3.95 AVERAGE
3.95 AVERAGE
this isn’t the exact book, but i can’t seem to find it on here. this took forever to read, though that doesn’t mean it lacked intrigue. tolstoy has a magical way of turning the mundanity of life (or death) and the ways we experience it into something universally relatable yet still strangely unique. his way of doing so may be depressing as hell, but the common thread he weaves through his stories is a reminder of the simple fact that we are all human.
challenging
informative
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
my first tolstoy and i must say that his style of writing is something i've never seen before and so let me assume that it is a style that is entirely him and no other's. this book is a collection of stories which make you ponder on how you've lived and viewed your life so far and scrunch your face because of how accurately it depicts humans and society as such complex characters and institutions which are sinful, corrupt, animalistic, and irrational, and yet somehow also highlight the extent in which humanity can be if it desires to be or the state in which humanity is currently in if only we look past the dirty surface - selfless, full of love, interesting, spiritual, and dignified. looking forward to reading more of him (although i am quite intimidated with the length of his other popular novels)
dark
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Family Happiness: 4.25/5
The Death of Ivan Ilyich: 4.5/5
The Kreutzer Sonata: 4/5
The Devil: 4.25/5
The Death of Ivan Ilyich: 4.5/5
The Kreutzer Sonata: 4/5
The Devil: 4.25/5
dark
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book was my first experience with Russian literature. After hearing some reviews of the story "The Death of Ivan Ilyich", I got curious and decided to try Tolstoy. I was a little bit worried because Tolstoy is known for not being an easy read, but I decided to try nonetheless. Now, after reading the book, I can say that I'm glad I did.
Although very descriptive, Tolstoy has a unique writing style that is atemporal and incredibly good. This book is made of different stories, some about Russian army life during the 19th century and some about death, society, and personal growth. However, the topics of religion and religious institutions, death, and the purpose of life are common in all stories. For me, it is clear that Tolstoy was trying to differentiate what constitutes an honest life from one lived only for appearances. Albeit very Christian, given the time it was written and the Russian context, I think the topics brought by Tolstoy still hold to this day.
The book surprised me for its depiction of army life. In most stories, men cry, and Tolstoy treats it with a mature and common tone, quite different from today's sexist topics. Even more surprising, given when the stories were written. It also highlights topics, such as living for appearances, that are becoming more popular with the recent trend of stoic topics.
I recommend this book to everyone trying to get into classics. It is not a challenging read and one of the most accessible works I've read in quite a while. I would only say that the book is quite existentialist, and some stories will be depressing, so perhaps not a great companion for those rainy days.
Although very descriptive, Tolstoy has a unique writing style that is atemporal and incredibly good. This book is made of different stories, some about Russian army life during the 19th century and some about death, society, and personal growth. However, the topics of religion and religious institutions, death, and the purpose of life are common in all stories. For me, it is clear that Tolstoy was trying to differentiate what constitutes an honest life from one lived only for appearances. Albeit very Christian, given the time it was written and the Russian context, I think the topics brought by Tolstoy still hold to this day.
The book surprised me for its depiction of army life. In most stories, men cry, and Tolstoy treats it with a mature and common tone, quite different from today's sexist topics. Even more surprising, given when the stories were written. It also highlights topics, such as living for appearances, that are becoming more popular with the recent trend of stoic topics.
I recommend this book to everyone trying to get into classics. It is not a challenging read and one of the most accessible works I've read in quite a while. I would only say that the book is quite existentialist, and some stories will be depressing, so perhaps not a great companion for those rainy days.
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
My first Tolstoy! And definitely not my last. These stories are so modern in so many ways, yet also very much products of there time (mostly thinking about the normalised marriage between a seventeen and thirty-something year old...) Death, marriage, family, work, all of life's components come under scrutiny and Tolstoy's often subversive opinions on such matters make for a fascinating study into the human condition.
dark
emotional
slow-paced