1000 Books Before You Die discussion

War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy

I absolutely loved War and Peace! I was intimidated by the size for decades, but when I finally get around to it I found it to be an incredibly easy read. Lots of great characters. Adventure. Emotion. And plenty to think about afterwards.

I liked the story of the families as the novel progressed. The sections about the battles and war strategy made the book longer than I felt was necessary. But I can also see that they were an important part of the book, especially for those readers who didn't know the history of the time.

This book is intimidating me with its shear volume haha... I have it and Crime and Punishment waiting... I think I may try and set aside next year for those two and maybe some other really thick books...

It took me eight months to read it, but I also read a lot of other short books at the same time. This is a book you can read slowly because it takes place over a fairly long period of time. There are a lot of likeable characters in this book, mainly from two families.

I'll keep that in mind, Rose! I do like Tolstoy so I should enjoy this.

I'm on page 54. I'm liking Pierre with his well meaning awkwardness, but not so much the drawn out parlor and party schemeing. I do like seeing the characters interact so that is a plus of that.

I did the same as Rosemarie - it took me about six months to read with breaks to read shorter books. I found it easier this way.
It does feel like an achievement when you've finished such a classic!

I agree, Jenny. I liked Pierre right from the start. The great thing about the “war” of the parlors is that it’s interspersed with the action of the country and, later, the battlefield.

You know what I find funny is that everyone can find something in it they like. I remember I wasn't too keen on the battlefield action and preferred the parlor parts. Whereas a male friend of mis the other way round.

Camille, that's very true! It touches on so much there really is something for everyone!
Renee, yes that does make them more palatable! I like Pierre because he seams less petty than the others. Thats what I dislike about the parlor schemes

I also liked Pierre best. I thought I’d never get through the book - even when I thought I’d finished, there was an epilogue that went on for ages, then another epilogue… Parts of the book were wonderful, but the unrelenting length of it made it tedious at times. I think it might be better on a second reading, but for now my reaction is just relief that it’s over at last.

It was long!

Rosemarie wrote: "It was long!"

Definitely! I felt cheated by the page count - the font was tiny compared with most books.