The Tolstoy Estate by Steven Conte

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This is one WWII historical novel that deserves attention. Thoroughly researched, beautifully written, and with a cast of interesting but flawed characters, Conte masters the ‘feel’ of a bitter conflict during the perishing winter of 1941.
The compelling story is told from the perspective of Paul Bauer, a surgeon and an officer of the Wehrmacht, who is sent to serve at the ill-fated eastern front. When his 3rd Panzer Division stumbles across the estate of literary giant, Leo Tolstoy, they claim it for a hospital. ‘Yasnaya Polyana’ is something of a Russian national shrine, which provides them with some protection from Red Army artillery fire. But the comfortable accommodation comes with strings attached, in particular a firebrand custodian and, quite possibly, a ghost.
Highly recommended.



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