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3.97 AVERAGE
3.97 AVERAGE
Such a depressing view of humanity. I kept reading thinking it would get better. Nope.
reflective
slow-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
i tried so hard to like this but i refuse to continue reading beyond 450 pages of a book that doesn't speak to me, where i am compelled to skip over whole paragraphs. if a book takes over 400 pages to grip me, it might just not be for me.
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Fantastic, but....
There is no denying Tolsoy’s gift and the brilliance of his writing. I enjoyed this book immensely, although truth be told I was past ready for it to be over before reaching the end.
For me, it really came down to three points. One is the style and mastery of narrative, which I mentioned already. This kept me engaged and provided more than enough to keep me entertained. There is a reason some writers attain immortality.
Two, I found it quite difficult to be sympathetic to any of the characters in whatever their “plight” might have been. I remember having the same reaction to the movie Dead Poets Society. All right, I know, perhaps a stretch to compare the two. But like the spoiled, privileged kids in that movie, I found it difficult to feel true sympathy for the woes of the aristocracy of the day as described by the author. Don’t get me wrong, the emotions and inner turmoil of each character was described with aplomb to be sure. In the end, though, all the characters seemed like spoiled children.
Lastly, I don’t agree that this is a sweeping narrative of Russian life of the times. I agree that it is a brilliant depiction of the “one percenters” of the day and age. One must remember that as romantic and fascinating as that lifestyle may have been, or was at least portrayed, that the vast majority of the populous was living practically a medieval existence. I’m not saying that the reader is misled on that regard. Rather, it seems the life and times of 99% of Russians was omitted from the tale.
Don’t get me wrong, if one is considering reading this book, one should not hesitate. It’s brilliant. In the end it’s like everything else: expectations are key.
There is no denying Tolsoy’s gift and the brilliance of his writing. I enjoyed this book immensely, although truth be told I was past ready for it to be over before reaching the end.
For me, it really came down to three points. One is the style and mastery of narrative, which I mentioned already. This kept me engaged and provided more than enough to keep me entertained. There is a reason some writers attain immortality.
Two, I found it quite difficult to be sympathetic to any of the characters in whatever their “plight” might have been. I remember having the same reaction to the movie Dead Poets Society. All right, I know, perhaps a stretch to compare the two. But like the spoiled, privileged kids in that movie, I found it difficult to feel true sympathy for the woes of the aristocracy of the day as described by the author. Don’t get me wrong, the emotions and inner turmoil of each character was described with aplomb to be sure. In the end, though, all the characters seemed like spoiled children.
Lastly, I don’t agree that this is a sweeping narrative of Russian life of the times. I agree that it is a brilliant depiction of the “one percenters” of the day and age. One must remember that as romantic and fascinating as that lifestyle may have been, or was at least portrayed, that the vast majority of the populous was living practically a medieval existence. I’m not saying that the reader is misled on that regard. Rather, it seems the life and times of 99% of Russians was omitted from the tale.
Don’t get me wrong, if one is considering reading this book, one should not hesitate. It’s brilliant. In the end it’s like everything else: expectations are key.
emotional
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Another book that makes me feel stabby. I just really, really hate books with entire chapters, or even dozens of chapters, that do nothing to advance the plot. A chapter on mowing lawns? Oy.
The Best Novel I've Ever Read. Why? Because Tolstoy can get into characters' heads like no other author I've read. The smallest nuance of thought was handled so skillfully. These people were real to me, breathing and living. I loved living in their world for the past two months. (Yes, I'm a slow reader, but I treasured every word.)