094. The Kreutzer Sonata -Ch 22 - end

[Robin P, Moderator]

Feel free to post your comments on the book as a whole. I'll be back later with some questions.

[Rosemarie, Moderator]

This book is not what I expected from Tolstoy. I found it a strident diatribe against marriage, with an entirely unreliable narrator. I gave it two stars.

[Lori, Moderator]

Yeah. I feel sad that this was near the end of his career, after so many brilliant works. It does, however, make me feel better about disagreeing with him on several points in his book What Is Art?

[Linda]

I initially gave this 2.5 stars, rounded up to 3 only because the beginning chapters were a shock and I really was curious how the murder would come to be. In the end, though, it was just a jealous rage where the husband looked for blame elsewhere. Having had a few days to let this sink in, I will likely demote it down to 2 stars.

I found online what is titled Sequel to The Kreutzer Sonata in the back of my library book that I've already turned in. I have not read through this very closely, but I will post the link in case others are interested -

Sequel to The Kreutzer Sonata

[Frances, Moderator]

Yes, a rather bizarre novel in its views of sexuality, marital relationships, responsibilities towards family and children and it's fixation on the murder itself. It was very unsettling, and I'm hoping to read what his wife and children wrote in response to this in The Kreutzer Sonata Variations: Lev Tolstoy's Novella and Counterstories by Sofiya Tolstaya and Lev Lvovich Tolstoy.

[Robin P, Moderator]

Do you think this would have been published if it were by an unknown author rather than the famous Tolstoy? Hard to imagine.

[Rosemarie, Moderator]

I agree with you, Robin. It wouldn't have been published if the author hadn't been famous already.

[Robin P, Moderator]

Here are some discussion questions:

In this section, the "hero" blames music, madness, and trains for what he did. In other works, Tolstoy explored the concept of free will. Does free will even exist in this story?

This story has been seen as both a feminist document and a misogynistic tirade. What is your view on this?

In the followup, Sequel to The Kreutzer Sonata, Tolstoy claims that he understands the true intent of the New Testament, which forbids marriage, church services, priests, property, taxes, armies, courts and government. It sounds a bit like the Shakers or other communities who withdrew from the world and all worldly affairs, including sex. Is this a legitimate view or was Tolstoy a cranky old man regretting how he had used his life?

Personally I found this book both weird and depressing. I don't feel I gained anything by reading it. But I'd love to hear if others have different impressions.

[Gem , Moderator]

I just finished this book last night.

I'm of a split mind after reading the book. I felt like the Pozduishef made the same points over and over again. With the exception of the ending, the book it would have, in my opinion, been better had it been shorter. It almost seemed like the first section we read (Chapters 1 - 7) were entirely unnecessary to the story.

The last couple of chapters, for me, were hard to put down. It was as if all the emotions of Pozduishef came flooding out vs. him recounting the story in a way that was almost academic, which is how I felt about the majority of the story. I got caught up in the emotions, the fury he was experiencing. I wish the whole story captured my attention the way the last couple of chapters did.

I've never read Tolstoy before and I'm not sure if this was a good introduction. I do know that at the time he wrote it, it mirrored his feelings about the topics Pozduishef was struggling with. I can understand how people thought it was a reflection of his relationship with his wife and how he felt about her. I'd be hard press to stay in a marriage that was not only loveless but so incredibly bitter.

I look forward to the reading the sequel that Linda linked above.

[Rosemarie, Moderator]

Gem, this is a very poor introduction to Tolstoy. He creates some wonderful characters in War and Peace. For a shorter book I recommend Childhood, Boyhood and Youth.

I listened to the Kreutzer Sonata by Beethoven the other day by chance. I have no idea why it affected P. so. It is a cheerful energetic piece of music.

[Gem , Moderator]

Rosemarie wrote: "Gem, this is a very poor introduction to Tolstoy. He creates some wonderful characters in War and Peace. For a shorter book I recommend Childhood, Boyhood and Youth.

I listened to the Kreutzer Son..."

Thank you for the recommendation Rosemarie. I have, for the most part, enjoyed the Russian authors I've read. I look forward to reading more.

[Frances, Moderator]

Anna Karenina would be another good choice.

[Gem , Moderator]

Frances wrote: "Anna Karenina would be another good choice."

Thank you Frances.

[Mark]

Having perused most of the comments here I bravely offer my own review.
One of the best stories I have ever read. Written by one of the greatest story-tellers. A bold and authentic discussion of: Lust. Love. Marriage. Children. Jealousy. Madness. Powerful stuff! Six stars! (8.29.18)

[Rosemarie, Moderator]

It certainly is bold, Mark. It is a masterpiece of writing, if Tolstoy's goal was to create a really twisted main character.
And your opinions are certainly welcome. 😺New voices are greatly appreciated here.
I just prefer the younger, less bitter Tolstoy.

[Mark]

Thank you, Rosemarie! - )
I'm glad we both agree about the author's skills as a writer. Though the story is certainly not typical of married life, then or today, I think any married man reading the story will at least admit that there is an air of possibility to the tale. I think that even though married life with children is the most commonplace activity on the planet; it is also a most complex inter-action, potentially fraught with dangers and pitfalls.

[Mark]

Rosemarie wrote: "Gem, this is a very poor introduction to Tolstoy. He creates some wonderful characters in War and Peace. For a shorter book I recommend Childhood, Boyhood and Youth.

I listened to the Kreutzer Son..."

I agree. The Beethoven sonata is cheerful and energetic, even romantic, and the intimacy of the two performers must be intense. I think it is the music's positiveness and his wife's ability to enjoy it with another man that disturb's P. - )

[Rosemarie, Moderator]

He does have an exceedingly jealous nature.