War and Peace in 100 books to read before you die

Oct 11, 2020 Laura (Reading is a Doing Word) rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: classics-trad-and-modern, books-i-own, 2020-read, russian-lit

I don't really know how to write a review of this book. I've lived with it for almost 3 months - 11 weeks/77 days of daily readings. I made myself a schedule so it wasn't an overwhelming task each day so every evening for the last 11 weeks I've sat and read about Pierre, Natasha, Andrey, Nicolas, Mary etc.
I think I'll miss them!
It's hard to describe this book - it's about life - love, life, family, friendship, philosophy, religion and of course war. Tolstoy takes us by the hand and show us Russi ...more

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Feb 12, 2015 Paola rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: favourites

*NEW REVIEW FROM RE-READ - BRIGGS TRANSLATION**

This was my second read of Tolstoy’s novel - the first time I read the Maude/Oxford translation. It has been a very, very different experience all round.

This time around, over seven years later, I am a different person. My life changed, my parents died, and even if I was already over 40 during Read #1, I look back on that time now and see that I wasn’t mature enough for this novel. I had to come back to it (something I swore I’d never do on my revi ...more

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Sep 24, 2018 Carl rated it really liked it · review of another edition

War and Peace is truly an epic journey, one that not only limits itself to the character and story but the size and undertaking of the novel itself takes the reader on their own journey as the progress.

War and Peace tells the tale of a number of Russian Families as they each go through life during the 1812 invasion of Russia by Napoleon. We follow a number of primary characters each with a range of different life experiences, cultures and opinions allowing us a broad look on daily Russian life, War and Peace is truly an epic journey, one that not only limits itself to the character and story but the size and undertaking of the novel itself takes the reader on their own journey as the progress.

War and Peace tells the tale of a number of Russian Families as they each go through life during the 1812 invasion of Russia by Napoleon. We follow a number of primary characters each with a range of different life experiences, cultures and opinions allowing us a broad look on daily Russian life, Military life and how the war has an impact on the way they each live, think and feel.

Throughout the story Tolstoy delves into a number of philosophical arguments through each of his characters as they are facing experiences that shape their views on Religion, philosophy, War and Marriage this allows us to explore different points of view and opinions that both contrast but fit well for each of the characters unique situations. The story introduces them prior to the War, exploring their views on the world introducing their faults and issues before taking us on a journey with each of them as they undergo significant changes to who they are through what they experience.

Following the characters on this journey is what makes War and Peace a magnificent tale allowing the characters to feel real as they adapt and change over the passage of time. The characters are not perfect and as we follow them through their developing relationships, live experiences and understandings of the world around them you quickly begin to feel for and understand each of their individual perspectives.

Unexpectedly, my favourite aspects of the story are those that simply follow the characters interacting with one another. As enjoyable and exciting as the more action-packed aspects of the War are it is these character interactions that set apart the story from others.

One of the biggest difficulties faced when reading War and Peace is the exhaustive descriptions of Military tactics and positioning which can be confusing for a reader without any prior experience with or knowledge of the Napoleonic war and alongside the often confusing and difficult to remember Russian Naming conventions can make the story seem slower or difficult to follow along (Although this is only momentary and you quickly get back on track!) taking notes helps a lot when reading a story that not only takes place over a long time but takes a long time to read itself.

Overall, War and Peace is a challenging book to consume due to its length alone but an undertaking that will keep you engaged throughout should you take the challenge. The book is not for everyone, but for those who do take the plunge you will find yourself on an epic journey that leaves you exhausted yet fulfilled at the end. ...more

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