How does one summarize one of the greatest works of all time?

In Russia's masterpiece, author Leo Tolstoy combines the real events of the Napoleonic War and the intrigues of Moscow society, with the fascinating and at times difficult lives of fictional characters.

At the heart of the book, the spirited Natasha Rostova wins the reader's affection with her simple and happy view of life, which fascinates those around her and attracts men of all sorts as she blossoms into a beautiful young woman.

Pierre Bezukhov is the illegitimate son of a wealthy count. On his father's death, Pierre inherits vast estates and riches which he is uncertain what to do with and suddenly finds himself moving in the highest society which previously despised him. The lovable buffoon has a good heart and a simple head, but feels lost and awkward in the current of society. He seeks meaning in life and a way of using his fortune to somehow help mankind.

Prince Andrei Bolkonsky is a strong but cynical, thoughtful and philosophical aide-de-camp.

Princess Maria Bolkonskaya, Prince Andrei's sister, is the plain, pious daughter of the eccentric old Prince Bolkonsky. She is resigned to never marrying, but may find a second chance.

Count Nikolai Rostov, Natasha's brother and best friend, is an hussar in the Russian army and the beloved eldest son of the Rostov family, whose generosity to a fault cause constant financial problems.

The characters each pursue happiness and the happiness of their loved ones in a mesmerizing dance through the gorgeous Russian society and the hard, cold battlefields of Europe, fighting battles of their own in mind and heart and navigating the dangerous minefield of romance.

13+ for full appreciation.

The characters are 3D and each has problems that the reader easily sympathizes with as they try to overcome them. The book may be long, but there are few dull moments as Tolstoy leads us from character to character and event to event, drawing us deeper into the story and world of Russia in the early nineteenth century.

Each character has unique strengths and weaknesses. I became attached to them without knowing it and at the same time saw their flaws, some laughable and some lamentable.

When I put down the book for a little while, I was so desperate to find out what happened that I picked it up and kept reading.

I didn't know much about the Napoleonic Wars or Europe during that time, and even less about Russia. I was certainly educated.

A lot of characters are introduced at the beginning, making it a bit difficult to keep on top of. However, with the help of a character index at the front, one soon figures out who to place the stakes on.

The lengthy battle descriptions can be frustrating, but provide a vital understanding of the overall picture.

A few repetitive irritating traits such as describing people by their smiles and presenting people "like a choice dish".

A wider appreciation for people and

Tolstoy can be very dry and boring at times, as we all know, but I'll credit him this: he knows how to tell a story and he is definitely writing in his "zone" here. Historically accurate and culturally insightful, he provides an interesting read.

This classic reaches through time and relates to people today, appreciating society as a whole for what it is. It is realistic, cheerful and balanced.

It's a very long read and gets a bit depressing in the middle.

Don't be scared away by the 1,225 pages. The book is divided into fifteen shorter parts and is easy to put down occasionally and pick up again after a break, having lost none of its liveliness.

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Created May 29, 2013 at 10:41pm • Submit your own review...