War and Peace

Often called the greatest novel ever written, War and Peace is at once an epic of the Napoleonic wars, a philosophical study, and a celebration of the Russian spirit. Tolstoy's genius is clearly seen in the multitude of characters in this massive chronicle, all of them fully realized and equally memorable. Out of this complex narrative emerges a profound examination of the individual's place in the historical process, one that makes it clear why Thomas Mann praised Tolstoy for his Homeric powers and placed War and Peace in the same category as The Iliad.

War and Peace was translated by Constance Garnett.

Public Domain (P)2009 Blackstone Audio

Yea, it's O,K., but its not all that

I got this book for three reasons. First, I have always admired people who had the fortitude to read one of the longest, most acclaimed novels in history. Second, this book had a good number of five star reviews. Finally, I got this book because sixty-one hours is a lot of bang for my credit.

I wont kid you, I was kicking myself for about the first eight hours. The first eight hours is introducing various characters as they sit around gossiping in parlor rooms in Russia. It was so boring that only my tenacity to get my moneys worth, and a desperate hope that it would get better kept me going.

I was paid off by about forty-five hours of interesting story. The use of language is excellent. The characters are for the most part well developed (Especially Pierre). The story is very engaging. It needs to be because at the beginning of each new section Tolstoy makes you go through between 15 minutes and an hour of his rambling philosophical views. It’s like he wanted to expound philosophy and had to wrap it in a novel so people would read it. (This is because is not good enough to stand on it’s own(It has a lot of holes).) Even I as an ex-philosophy major couldn’t stand the drivel.

I would have given this book four stars, except Tolstoy really ticked me off when toward the end of the book he takes a two hour aside from the story to discuss the questions, “What is power?, and “Is there really any free will?”, and forgets to bring closure to the tale. There is no, “Happily or sadly ever after”. The reader is left hanging with no finality in any degree.

So there you have my opinion. It was O.K. but it was not all that. It was definitely not the best book I have ever read, and I very much disagree with the claim that it is the best book ever written.

This work lives up to its reputation

I was astounded to read some of the negative comments. In my opinion, this novel is very far from being sleep inducing or boring. Having said that, I once knew a grown man who was fanatically devoted to the "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" television show. I don't think he would have had the intellectual fortitude to enjoy this novel. But happily, the vast majority of us can appreciate the brilliance and artistry exhibited by Tolstoy in War and Peace.

I also thought Frederick Davidson's narration was wonderful. However, this is a matter of personal taste and with the "sample" option anyone can get a good idea if this is the version for you or not.

I wish I had taken the time to read (or listen to) this novel years ago. I'm now a true fan of Tolstoy.

exceptional

truly a wonderful look at Russia during the napoleonic era. if you have any intrest in history, this is a must have.

why is this here?

I am sure this is a great book, and the narration may or may not be good, but why is it even in my library and why can't I remove it from my library?

A must read

A must read for an historian whom is looking for a view into the people and society of the time.