This review was written by Eugene Kernes
Book can be found in:Genre = Novel, History
“’Can one be well while suffering morally? Can one be calm in times like these if one has any feelings? Said Ana Pavlovna.’” – Leo Tolstoy, Page 9
“Here the conversation seemed interesting and he stood waiting for an opportunity to express his own views, as young people are fond of doing.” – Leo Tolstoy, Page 18
“The activity of Alexander or of Napoleon cannot be called useful or harmful, for it is impossible to say for what it was useful or harmful. If that activity displeases somebody, this is only because it does not agree with his limited understanding of what is good.” – Leo Tolstoy, Page 1665
There are different reasons to go to war. For some it is to prove something. For others it is duty. No matter the reason, what is certain is that war changes people. While what happens during peace is vastly different, war seems not to be far behind. During peace the mood is calm and people do what they can to fulfil their obligations and expectations. Following different characters with vastly different backgrounds throughout times of war and peace gives this story depth. Seeing how they change to the times. Seeing the different types of relations between elites and peasants. While presenting philosophical and religious topics.
Although the writing is not that difficult to read, the book has poor flow. Having background knowledge of Russian and French history, particularly Napoleon’s war with Russia, would make the book more understandable.
