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A review by nathangavenski
The Death of Ivan Ilyich and Other Stories by Leo Tolstoy
dark
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
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.