Natalya Rostova

Countess Rostova

Also known as Natasha, Natalia, Nathalie. Not to be confused with her daughter, also Natalya “Natasha” Rostova. Born: Nathalya Shinshina.

BOOK ONE

Book 1, Part 1

Chapter 7

It is St Natalia’s Day, and she and her daughter are celebrating their name day. She is forty-five and “worn out with child-bearing”. Twelve children in all. She is entertaining but thoroughly put out by it all.

Chapter 8

Our tired countess “would not be distressed” if everyone just left. She can’t wait to put her feet up. And the children arrive to give the guests the cue they need to go.

Chapter 9

We learn of her parenting styles: how she was strict with Vera and tried to make something of her. And how she indulges Natasha, spoiling her and trusting that she would never keep anything from her mother. Wouldn’t she? And, of course, the countess is delighted when the guests finally leave.

Chapter 11

We learn some intriguing things about the countess in this chapter. Anna Mikhailovna is a childhood friend, but it is clear she doesn’t tell Countess Rostova the whole truth about things. And it is strongly suggested that the countess and Prince Vasili once had some sort of romance. She also bemoans the “easygoing nature” of her profligate husband.

Chapter 12

Further confirmation that she once was wooed by the charming Prince Vasili, before she married that “stupid fellow” and “unlicked bear”, Ilya Rostov. Prince Vasili’s words, not mine.

Chapter 14

Money and friendship. She resolves to ask her husband for five hundred rubles for Boris’s outfit. Ilya Rostov typically raises this to seven hundred and calls her “a notorious spendthrift”. Her love for her husband and her friend shines through the embarrassing matter of money and the “sorrow it causes in the world.”

Chapter 15

We now begin the banquet for her and her daughter’s name day.