maryxdarko 's review for:

The Death of Ivan Ilyich by Leo Tolstoy

4.0

challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

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This is the first book in a long time that I’ve read in one sitting as well as the fact that it’s my first time reading Tolstoy, and I’m so glad that it was this book. Never had I read a book about death, maybe except The Book Thief, that confronted the question of life and death. As humans we are afraid of the unknown so when it’s time to confort the unknown, it’s terrifying and this book truly encompasses that feeling. Also I love some existential literature.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Grief