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4.08 AVERAGE
4.08 AVERAGE
Tolstoy makes us rethink history by showing that it is not a simple story of great leaders and brilliant strategies. Instead, it is a complex web of individual actions, coincidences, and larger social forces. War and Peace teaches us to question traditional historical narratives and recognize the messiness and unpredictability of real life.
I was more invested than I expected. Tolstoy creates incredibly interesting and complex characters. I especially liked how he deconstructs the idea that history is made only by great leaders. Napoleon, for example, is portrayed not as an absolute genius but as someone limited by circumstances. Instead of glorifying war, Tolstoy depicts the chaos, fear, and lack of real control over events. Additionally, characters like Pierre and Andrey offer deep reflections on the meaning of life and the search for purpose.
I was more invested than I expected. Tolstoy creates incredibly interesting and complex characters. I especially liked how he deconstructs the idea that history is made only by great leaders. Napoleon, for example, is portrayed not as an absolute genius but as someone limited by circumstances. Instead of glorifying war, Tolstoy depicts the chaos, fear, and lack of real control over events. Additionally, characters like Pierre and Andrey offer deep reflections on the meaning of life and the search for purpose.
There's something enormously satisfying in an epic novel that encompasses everything from war strategy, philosophy, love stories, and parties. This one forces you to read carefully, think, and bring something to the party. Not easy, but rewarding.
There's nothing I can say that hasn't already been said about this book. It really is a masterpiece. I never had desire to read it - it always seemed so untouchable and impossible to understand because of how long it is, but it reads easily and powerfully. It is worth the effort.
How do you give stars to such a book? I feel like I need the stars for finishing it... what a feat!
Completed this as a slow read from Jan 1 to today... one chapter at a time with a skim scan through the second epilogue.
I really enjoyed this reading experience and would encourage readers to take it one chapter at a time so as not to be overwhelmed by the characters (fictional or not), settings, battles....
Completed this as a slow read from Jan 1 to today... one chapter at a time with a skim scan through the second epilogue.
I really enjoyed this reading experience and would encourage readers to take it one chapter at a time so as not to be overwhelmed by the characters (fictional or not), settings, battles....
Okay so first off Nikolai is the main character and I know! ☝🏻 There is a secret deleted chapter of him having a midnight rendezvous with Alexander. He's so cute and silly ; _ ; he just wants to be with his boys, do some hunting! a little farming! Read his books!!
That seeing Sonya in boy's clothes is the only time his heart starts racing around a girl. Sir
Sonya feeling more herself while dressed as a man 😭 I like to read her as not romantically inclined herself but I'm sure that's not the intent. In fact the author doesn't seem to think much of woman at all 😒
Nikolai should marry Sonya, but have Denisov come live with them. This is true in my heart--
Anyway my rambling aside, I did enjoy the book! I'm like is this Gossip Girl Neapoleonic War crossover au rn? I preferred the start of the book, where they were having more fun and being silly. Just society things and parties.
Also Petya my dear!!! 😭 such a cute fellow. Alas.
Basically I don't know what my thoughts are. I don't like Pierre and he unfortunately is The Main Character.
What is the book? I don't even know. I feel like I can't recommend it to anyone because it's just idk rambling and no one really has any goals outside of vaguely getting married someday. Nothing interesting really happens. But I had so much fun all the same.
The second epilogue is garbage though, that's just an essay what is it doing here!!
Final thoughts. I think Nikolai should have kissed more boys.
That seeing Sonya in boy's clothes is the only time his heart starts racing around a girl. Sir
Sonya feeling more herself while dressed as a man 😭 I like to read her as not romantically inclined herself but I'm sure that's not the intent. In fact the author doesn't seem to think much of woman at all 😒
Nikolai should marry Sonya, but have Denisov come live with them. This is true in my heart--
Anyway my rambling aside, I did enjoy the book! I'm like is this Gossip Girl Neapoleonic War crossover au rn? I preferred the start of the book, where they were having more fun and being silly. Just society things and parties.
Also Petya my dear!!! 😭 such a cute fellow. Alas.
Basically I don't know what my thoughts are. I don't like Pierre and he unfortunately is The Main Character.
What is the book? I don't even know. I feel like I can't recommend it to anyone because it's just idk rambling and no one really has any goals outside of vaguely getting married someday. Nothing interesting really happens. But I had so much fun all the same.
The second epilogue is garbage though, that's just an essay what is it doing here!!
Final thoughts. I think Nikolai should have kissed more boys.
well it was too long. not too boring but it could have been much shorter. i think from the whole book the only thing i enjoyed was the second epilogue. i wouldnt recommend it though
I did it. I read War and Peace. It took about a year and a half. Tolstoy (like Victor Hugo) could have benefitted greatly from an editor. (We get it, you don't like Napoleon. Just tell the story.) The story itself was enjoyable. If I ever read this again I will skip all the essays.
Very long, very philosophical, but a wonderful read.