WAR AND PEACE by Leo Tolstoy

Welcome to Page 16 of I Read That Book! On each Page, I’ll tell you a little about a book I read, often in a fun and informal manner, with the hope that you also may become interested enough to read it – or perhaps read it again if you’ve already enjoyed it once. The books I’ll be featuring come from a variety of genres at differing stages of my life, so whether you prefer history, literature, science fiction, or horror, there’s a good chance you’ll get some interesting ideas for your personal “To Be Read” list. Thank you for joining me on this journey as we flip through the pages of some of my favorite books. But before you start reading below, I invite you to grab a cup of your favorite beverage (coffee for me!) and find a comfortable place to sit, then turn to Page 16.

WAR AND PEACE by Leo Tolstoy

Publication Date: 1869

I’m not sure if there is another book out there that gets its title bandied about more than WAR AND PEACE. I’ve heard it discussed in movies and on television, both in a serious and joking context; not to mention its reputation of being such a long novel (and it is, but there are books with higher page counts). And up until 2019, I never even considered reading it because I didn’t think Tolstoy’s masterpiece would interest me. Then I watched the 2016 mini-series.

There have been other movies and mini-series based on this literary tour de force that follows several Russian families from 1805 through 1820 (during the time of Napoléon Bonaparte’s reign), but I haven’t seen them, so I can’t really give an opinion. But the BBC One version I watched entranced me so much that I was more than happy to finally pull my dusty copy off the shelf and tackle it during the first part of 2020.

I don’t feel that having watched it first spoiled the book for me whatsoever. In fact, my mini-series viewing enhanced the experience. With the haunting soundtrack playing in the background of my memories and seeing the faces of the actors in my mind as I came across them on the pages, the book came to life for me in ways it never would have had I picked it up first.

There is a rather large cast of characters, but as always, we readers quickly decide on our favorites, sometimes against the intentions of the author! My copy (weighing in at 1,146 pages), which is from around 1930, was translated by Constance Garnett. There may be other, preferred translations, but I was happy enough with this version. Sometimes translators have variations in the spelling of names, but that’s nothing to quibble over. Some of my favorite characters from the novel (and mini-series) include Pierre, Andrey, and Marya. And yes, there are others, but those are probably my top three. Not surprisingly, I’m not a fan of Napoleon; however, he appears inside the front cover of my copy of the book.

WAR AND PEACE isn’t a typical novel, as it’s also infused with history and philosophy. At times, you may wonder why you are reading it, but don’t give up! My belief is that if you watch the 2016 mini-series, you’ll want to get through it, and you’ll be glad you did once you finish.

Earlier I mentioned that WAR AND PEACE has been used in a joking context, and perhaps one of the best examples is from the TV series Seinfeld, when Jerry convinced Elaine that Tolstoy originally had a different title he wanted to use for his novel, and she ends up putting her foot in her mouth.

WAR AND PEACE is about families and relationships, the search for self and meaning, the trials and tribulations of war, selfishness via vices like gambling and adultery, the shame of children not living up to the expectations of their parents, choices both right and wrong, bravery and cowardice, and faith in God. But most of all, it showed me the power of friendship.

Prince Andrey scowled and turned away. Pierre, who had kept his eyes joyfully and affectionately fixed on him ever since he came in, went up to him and took hold of his arm. Prince Andrey, without looking round, twisted his face into a grimace of annoyance at any one’s touching him, but seeing Pierre’s smiling face, he gave him a smile that was unexpectedly sweet and pleasant.

And don’t forget to join us here again when I flip to the next Page!

Note: The first 32 pages of I Read This Book! originally appeared on Substack.

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