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4.08 AVERAGE
4.08 AVERAGE
My next big project is to reread this one. I read it over my Winter Break over 10 years ago, and I know I've matured as a reader since. I did some serious skimming over some of the battle scenes, so I cheated a little. An amazing epic story, though, but only for the very ambitious reader!
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
An amazing contradiction. Perhaps the most human story I’ve ever read while also containing an intense critique of historical study.
For those interested in reading purely for the story and characters, it is worth it, don’t let the book daunt you. It really only switches to full academic mode in the 2nd epilogue. There are definitely digressions during the novel but it’s mainly saved for the last third of the novel, and once you’re in that far you’ll be so captured by the writing that you’ll enjoy them. That being said the 2nd epilogue is so academically focused that a majority of it is essentially proofs, so the book doesn’t exactly end on a high note of entertainment. Still it’s hard to imagine someone not finding at least some interest in Tolstoy’s arguments.
Yes, it’s loooooong, but if you enjoy character based narratives you’ll enjoy it from start to finish. In summary the story follows several noble Russian families through the Napoleonic wars with around half taking place during the invasion of Russia. It is difficult to describe the plot at a glance because there are many main characters that grow and change deeply over the story.
The story is in many ways an exploration of how humans attempt to find meaning in their lives. When we realize our past efforts are insignificant in the grand scheme, how do we find new meaning? Does there need to be any meaning if you are content? Why do we both love and kill our brothers? Ultimately a very existential work that is truly humbling. Even with all the high level themes and questions, I found the book to contain much hope and meditation on the power of love (in a serious non-Huey Louis way). Tolstoy creates an intimate image of humanity warts and all.
I admit I’m no Napoleon specialist but after reading this book you will be an expert on the intricacies of the Russian campaign. Solely taken as a historical novel it is a massive success as it breathes deep life into the period while offering insightful critique.
If you are interested in giving it a shot my advice is to read part 1 of book 1, and if you are interested in the below characters, keep going as they will become your dear companions.
Main Characters: Nicholas and Natasha Rostov, Prince Andrew, Princess Mary, and Pierre.
The main characters have distinct stories but as their narratives intertwine a rich tapestry is crafted. Every time a specific character was focused on I thought, “ok this one’s definitely my favorite”… and then the next section would come along and I’d change my mind again.
It’s easy to see why academics would pour over the book, but also enjoyable for an average reader looking for moving historical fiction. Makes you think, laugh, cry, and feel.
Is War and Peace really that good? Yes
For those interested in reading purely for the story and characters, it is worth it, don’t let the book daunt you. It really only switches to full academic mode in the 2nd epilogue. There are definitely digressions during the novel but it’s mainly saved for the last third of the novel, and once you’re in that far you’ll be so captured by the writing that you’ll enjoy them. That being said the 2nd epilogue is so academically focused that a majority of it is essentially proofs, so the book doesn’t exactly end on a high note of entertainment. Still it’s hard to imagine someone not finding at least some interest in Tolstoy’s arguments.
Yes, it’s loooooong, but if you enjoy character based narratives you’ll enjoy it from start to finish. In summary the story follows several noble Russian families through the Napoleonic wars with around half taking place during the invasion of Russia. It is difficult to describe the plot at a glance because there are many main characters that grow and change deeply over the story.
The story is in many ways an exploration of how humans attempt to find meaning in their lives. When we realize our past efforts are insignificant in the grand scheme, how do we find new meaning? Does there need to be any meaning if you are content? Why do we both love and kill our brothers? Ultimately a very existential work that is truly humbling. Even with all the high level themes and questions, I found the book to contain much hope and meditation on the power of love (in a serious non-Huey Louis way). Tolstoy creates an intimate image of humanity warts and all.
I admit I’m no Napoleon specialist but after reading this book you will be an expert on the intricacies of the Russian campaign. Solely taken as a historical novel it is a massive success as it breathes deep life into the period while offering insightful critique.
If you are interested in giving it a shot my advice is to read part 1 of book 1, and if you are interested in the below characters, keep going as they will become your dear companions.
Main Characters: Nicholas and Natasha Rostov, Prince Andrew, Princess Mary, and Pierre.
The main characters have distinct stories but as their narratives intertwine a rich tapestry is crafted. Every time a specific character was focused on I thought, “ok this one’s definitely my favorite”… and then the next section would come along and I’d change my mind again.
It’s easy to see why academics would pour over the book, but also enjoyable for an average reader looking for moving historical fiction. Makes you think, laugh, cry, and feel.
Is War and Peace really that good? Yes
Good book, but not the easiest read due to dry spells. The dryness can last for chapters at a time. At times the book can read as historical lesson more than a story, but there is wisdom and charm to the book.
Do I need to explain why I didn’t finish it lol
Se è vero che ogni buon libro dovrebbe lasciarci arricchiti in qualche modo, ecco, Guerra e Pace mi lascia ricca come non mai. Non sarei neanche in grado di dare un parere lucido e logico, semplicemente durante la lettura si rimane abbagliati dall'imponenza dell'opera di Tolstoj: le storia dei protagonisti (incoerenti e volubili, specchio dell'incertezza e dei turbamenti del periodo) non sono che uno strumento che l'autore usa per trasmetterci il suo messaggio e la sua concezione di vita, a cui si intreccia la "vera" storia, quella non fatta da Napoleone o da Alessandro I, ma da tanti protagonisti (non) minori e da una gran dose di casualità. Guerra e Pace è un'opera immensa: racconta la Russia, racconta le persone, racconta la vita. Non tutti i capitoli son stati di facile lettura, e certe parti proprio non scorrevano, ma sarebbe un crimine dar meno di 5 stelle a questo grandioso capolavoro.
slow-paced
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
challenging
dark
informative
reflective
sad
tense
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes