War and Peace
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War and Peace
I was curious to read people's thoughts on the book & the writing style.
Im still not too sure how this book club thing works but hopefully I will figure it out as I go along!
- StephenKingman
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As for War and Peace, its on my To Be Read list so i cant comment yet in afraid but im sure there are a few people here who have read it.
- Fran
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I recently watched on DVD 'The Last Station' which is about the last days of Tolstoy and the cloud over his last days as his wife & his admirers fought over the copyright to his works. Truly remarkable performance by Helen Mirren as his wife.
If you are interested in Tolstoy it would be worth watching as it gives a good insight into the veneration ordinary Russians had & still have for him.
A world is born again that never dies.
- My Home by Clive James
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- Fran
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Not exactly my favorite characters either but it's still on fantastic read ... one of my all time favorite booksAmericanIntelligentsia wrote:I didn't like either Anna or Vronsky. I don't have much to look forward to then. ( ) But as I now remember, I made a *little* progress some time ago. I expect to see it with different eyes now.
A world is born again that never dies.
- My Home by Clive James
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- Fran
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I know it does'nt meet the criteria for a Classic, not yet anyway, but you should have a read of Stieg Larsson's Millenium Trilogy ... Lisbeth Salander now there is one female character you don't want to cross!carole9087 wrote:I am looking for a classic book where the female roles are not such victims or tragic /adulterous heroines like Anna or Natasha. I find Jane Eyre's leading lady still a sucky part where she has to prove herself to the married man. I would like to have seen her drop him for another hot horseman.
A world is born again that never dies.
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- Gnj
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Tolstoy has a gift in creating complex characters. The entire story creates a beautiful arc of human life; from our desires of wealth and status to our internal agonies that we battle everyday.
I always tried to avoid this novel because I assumed it would be far too dense for me. On the contrary, I think it is a story that anyone can read and relate to. Even though many of the characters reside within the aristocratic circle, we can all empathise with their hopes and their dreams, as they are dragged through their turmoils during such a chaotic time in Russian history.
I liked the fact that the story was set in reality, yet was a story of fiction and creativity. Tolstoys essay in his Epilogue, and indeed his writings throughout the chapters left me with a lot of thoughts to dwell on: how much of an impact do our own actions and feelings have upon those around us, and ultimately on our society as a whole? Who is ultimately responsible for history? For all the battles, all the deaths, all the families torn apart and the lives taken so early? We are often quick to land judgement on the politicians of the day, but I think it would be a far more fruitful exercise to look within ourselves.
I would love to hear other peoples thoughts; I think this is the type of book where readers can take away their own meaning based upon their unique life experiences.
Also, I have just watched the recent (2016) BBC Adaptation of this novel, and I would highly recommend it. It is incredibly cinematic, with some beautiful locations shot and an incredible array of dresses and ball-gowns, and ultimately I feel it stays true to the novel.