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3.7 AVERAGE
3.7 AVERAGE
This was technically good writing while being simultaneously completely uninteresting. Essentially nothing at all happens in this book, but it isn't like Pride and Prejudice where at least the wit and social commentary are good. The narrator is just kind of annoying. Also it was supposed to be 4 parts and only 3 were published, so even though nothing happens it still manages to feel incomplete. Not a good introduction to Tolstoy at all, and I hope the rest of his books are better.
emotional
funny
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-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
3 stars
“Will the freshness, unconcern, need for love and strength of faith you possess as a child ever return?”
Tolstoy’s novel tracks the growth of Nikolay, spanning from childhood naivety to youthful independence. He illustrates the development of an individual’s sense of self and their understanding of their role within society.
My favourite stage of the novel was childhood because I admired how Tolstoy depicted the nostalgic outlook of Nikolay. He blended the sadness of memory with its comforting presence, and I related to these emotions.
Nikolay as a character was unlikeable. He was both self-important and self-deprecating; I enjoyed Tolstoy’s exploration of this to start with, but became more irritated by the protagonist as the novel progressed. He had an impulsive desire to prove himself to be superior to everyone around him. Despite understanding the intention behind this - Tolstoy shows how privilege breeds this arrogant sense of self - it made the protagonist annoying.
It will be interesting to see how and whether Tolstoy’s exploration of class changes with his later works. Tolstoy did illustrate the impact of social class and privilege on the protagonist, although personally I thought his depiction of servants and lower class characters had space to be developed more.
I’m glad that I’ve finally read a Tolstoy novel and I’m excited to read other works by him.
“Will the freshness, unconcern, need for love and strength of faith you possess as a child ever return?”
Tolstoy’s novel tracks the growth of Nikolay, spanning from childhood naivety to youthful independence. He illustrates the development of an individual’s sense of self and their understanding of their role within society.
My favourite stage of the novel was childhood because I admired how Tolstoy depicted the nostalgic outlook of Nikolay. He blended the sadness of memory with its comforting presence, and I related to these emotions.
Nikolay as a character was unlikeable. He was both self-important and self-deprecating; I enjoyed Tolstoy’s exploration of this to start with, but became more irritated by the protagonist as the novel progressed. He had an impulsive desire to prove himself to be superior to everyone around him. Despite understanding the intention behind this - Tolstoy shows how privilege breeds this arrogant sense of self - it made the protagonist annoying.
It will be interesting to see how and whether Tolstoy’s exploration of class changes with his later works. Tolstoy did illustrate the impact of social class and privilege on the protagonist, although personally I thought his depiction of servants and lower class characters had space to be developed more.
I’m glad that I’ve finally read a Tolstoy novel and I’m excited to read other works by him.
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Didn't really care about any of the characters but the writing was amazing. Loved the vivid descriptions of places and feelings. Can't wait to read more Tolstoy.
adventurous
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes