To me the relationship between old Prince Bolkonsky and Marya is one of the most heartbreaking strands in the book. He clearly loves her and Andrei more than anything else in the world, but he is utterly unable to express it except through anger, and this anger has shaped Marya’s vision of herself. And Marya, to me, is the most compelling figure in the novel... along with Natasha... and Pierre... and Andrei... and...
I agree so much with this. Nikolai Bolkonsky's story is heartbreaking and his family is the most interesting of the four. Tolstoy was the absolute master of unhappy families.
I am definitely one whose eyes start to glaze over at the first sign of the word battalion, so I’ve struggled with these last couple of chapters and had to read them twice, trying to concentrate on who’s who. But I will take your advice, Simon, and let most of it breeze over me...except Zherkov, who I want to go away as soon as possible. How unlikeable he is!
The highlight of the book so far for me has just been Tolstoy’s understanding and exploration of the nuances of human behavior. I think I was expecting more of a historical epic, and I’m excited that, so far, the book seems to be much more about character.
The other highlight, honestly, has been watching everyone’s responses. I love the creativity the read has inspired - the Dolokhov painting is wonderful. But I’m also thankful for the peripheral research that everyone is doing, and writing about. It's fun to follow you down your rabbit holes - so thank you!
Great! Yes, this is so much more than a historical piece. Honestly, don't fret about the battalions, it's such a small part of what the story is. And Zherkov the Jerkoff, well we all feel the same way about him.
In a way I love their relationship. Obviously it could be better, but the small details of him trying to get to catch himself and do a bit better, be kinder (for him) while he was teaching Marya math- I feel that as a mom. You mess up all the time and you keep trying anyway.
Reflections on month 1: more depth of understanding than I ever would have achieved on my own. Grateful to Simon and fellow readers for insights, links, creativity, party ratings, and opinions.
Your analysis and observations are of great help. You bring some clarity to scenes and people that enrich the experience of reading such a complex work. Thank you.
Brilliant recap of the week, as always Simon! I have to admit, that I am getting through our first chapters of war part very slowly, and the change of scenery was hard for me. So much male buffoonery! 😅 But I'm of course going to keep on.
I thoroughly loved the Bolkonskys and Bald Hills. Such clever characters, loved the scenes and eccentricities.
The highlight for me was definitely Anna Mikhailovna vs. Prince Vasily and Katiche!
A bit like the salon, you're thrown in the deep end with war, with all these commanders and troop movements. But just like the first part, is quickly calms down and you realise it is more of what went before: the stuff of life. I hope you enjoy!
It seems so long ago already that we were in ballrooms, when it's really only been days. I think this slow read helps us grasp the time line a bit better - the soldiers were marching for a few months to get to where we are now and have covered 700 miles, so it makes sense that it would feel like a big jump in the story.
Time plays funny tricks on you with this book and this read-along. There will be a whole fortnight of reading when we cover 24 hours of their time. And then years will go by in a week. But it is amazing how the story grows on you as the year goes on.
Thank you for all these extra cultural tidbits like the song in the Russian film adaptation of W & P. So cool!
I’m not into battle fiction, but you’re right — these chapters are about the characters, and their social relations and posturings, just like the drawing room scenes.
Thanks for this jam-packed recap with so many additional info! A great resource.
Two things: I couldn’t pick a house despite being logged in as a subscriber. And that undeniably beautiful photo of the Inn valley must be just east of Innsbruck in Tirol, nowhere near Braunau, which is on the Bavarian border, at a guess 60 miles downriver in a much more humdrum area of farmland and hills. Other than that, we prefer not to talk about Braunau…
Hey! Thanks for the insider info! Yes, I know, I chose not to mention Braunau's most famous son. I admit to looking for photos while utterly exhausted from caring for my Covid-ridden baby boy, so it was a last minute pick. Could you point me in the direction of a public domain image more representative of the region? That would be a great help.
As for the poll. Yes, I have no idea. People have trouble voting on these polls and I have no idea how they work. Fortunately it's just a bit of fun and we aren't choosing the next leader of the free world.
I hope your little boy is better now -what misery! I’ll have a look around for a more representative photo, but it’s not easy, at least not on the first attempt.
Thank you for another lovely blog post @Simon, and for wrapping up the first book so beautifully. I’m so enjoying the book, and this community you’ve created.
I enjoyed the visit to Bald Hills. What a remarkable woman Marya is! The Bolkonsky family fascinate me, and I think are my favourite group so far. I felt that in a few short pages, Tolstoy gave us so much, and really laid out the emotional complexity of a family. This section made me really *feel* for the characters. Poor Lise, and Andrei! And the old man, not what he once was. Such a weight, real emotional heft.
As we moved to the war, I was astounded by the distances covered on foot, and the size of the armies. I’ve not studied or really thought much about this era of history, so right now I’m just awed by the scale of it.
I still have a soft spot for the unforgettable Anna Mikhialovna though!
Thanks Jo! I have huge soft spot for the Bolkonskys. There is so much going on there and I think you'll find their story quite something. And we haven't seen the last of Anna Mikhailovna!
Thank you so much for all this, Simon! When I started this slow read I just thought it would be a way of “ticking off” another classic - it’s so much more! Your weekly summaries, with paintings, music and reflections are giving me such a deep appreciation for Tolstoy’s writing.
And the daily chats are highlights of my day. I love seeing how we are all reacting to the different characters, the diversity in the fictional characters reflected in the diversity of our responses.
That's so lovely to hear, Anna! Yes, this book is so much more than another classic, but also I think this approach really brings out something special too. Looking forward to the rest of the year, and hopefully more readalongs in the future.
I’m actually quite looking forward to the transition to the “war” sections of the book. Not because I like war or enjoy books on the topic, but it’s been looming over the characters for all of the novel thus far, so it’s almost a relief (for lack of better words) to face it. We’ve known it’s inevitable and that it won’t end well for many. How it will unfold is up to Tolstoy and I’m very curious what he has in store for us.
My highlight so far is how much the book transports me. Every time I read it I find myself lost in another place and time, away from my own worries and yet still able to draw parallels into my life that help me make more sense of the world around me. That’s been a huge and very delightful surprise. I can see why some people started to read it again immediately after finishing. It’s always one of the best parts of my day.
I’m so glad you have said not to take the war sections seriously and let them breeze over us. That’s exactly what I’ve been doing and then wondered whether I might have missed something important. Also the people! The names! I can’t believe it’s a month we’ve been reading. It feels like a cast of thousands. Thank god for your posts to refer back to. Thanks for all the background information. It’s Saturday morning and I’m reading yesterdays chapter (Pt 2 Ch 8) came on here to refer back to who Zherkov (the Jerkov - I’ll always remember him now lol. was and have just spent a pleasant hour and a half going back through all your posts. I think I may have missed a few or probably skimmed them to read more thoroughly later. So now that I’ve renewed myself with the jerkov, I can make another coffee and get back to reading the chapter. 🙏❤️
Another brilliant round up, thank you @SimonHaisell - it’s such a skill to be able to weave in all the additional layers of context and cultural connections each week, and you do it beautifully. And a fantastic, expressive painting too - thank you for sharing Jay Hamm!
I’ve fallen a little behind on the reading and suspect this would be the point where I’d have drifted away if it weren’t for this group. Loved re-immersing myself in the story and comments this morning.
Also, I’ve forgotten what the pineapple reference is all about. But I did come across this interesting list of food & music in W&P when Googling. First time readers, there may be spoilers towards the end of the post in the quote section - I stopped reading in case - so might be best to tread carefully.
Simon, many thanks again for the reflective summary of where we are and how we got here. I haven't seen mention of Bolkonsky father and son discussing what would happen if Lise gives birth to a son and Andrei is killed. '"Not let the wife have him?" said the old man and laughed.' A foreshadowing, I imagine.
And on sons - horrible to hear your wee lad has covid. My best wishes for a speedy and full recovery and I trust all of us on here are being a suitable distraction from the worst of it.
To me the relationship between old Prince Bolkonsky and Marya is one of the most heartbreaking strands in the book. He clearly loves her and Andrei more than anything else in the world, but he is utterly unable to express it except through anger, and this anger has shaped Marya’s vision of herself. And Marya, to me, is the most compelling figure in the novel... along with Natasha... and Pierre... and Andrei... and...
I agree so much with this. Nikolai Bolkonsky's story is heartbreaking and his family is the most interesting of the four. Tolstoy was the absolute master of unhappy families.
I am definitely one whose eyes start to glaze over at the first sign of the word battalion, so I’ve struggled with these last couple of chapters and had to read them twice, trying to concentrate on who’s who. But I will take your advice, Simon, and let most of it breeze over me...except Zherkov, who I want to go away as soon as possible. How unlikeable he is!
The highlight of the book so far for me has just been Tolstoy’s understanding and exploration of the nuances of human behavior. I think I was expecting more of a historical epic, and I’m excited that, so far, the book seems to be much more about character.
The other highlight, honestly, has been watching everyone’s responses. I love the creativity the read has inspired - the Dolokhov painting is wonderful. But I’m also thankful for the peripheral research that everyone is doing, and writing about. It's fun to follow you down your rabbit holes - so thank you!
Great! Yes, this is so much more than a historical piece. Honestly, don't fret about the battalions, it's such a small part of what the story is. And Zherkov the Jerkoff, well we all feel the same way about him.
Until we recall Marya's words: "We should enter into everyone’s situation. To understand everything is to forgive everything."
Well, indeed!
In a way I love their relationship. Obviously it could be better, but the small details of him trying to get to catch himself and do a bit better, be kinder (for him) while he was teaching Marya math- I feel that as a mom. You mess up all the time and you keep trying anyway.
Reflections on month 1: more depth of understanding than I ever would have achieved on my own. Grateful to Simon and fellow readers for insights, links, creativity, party ratings, and opinions.
Your analysis and observations are of great help. You bring some clarity to scenes and people that enrich the experience of reading such a complex work. Thank you.
Thank you Phil!
Brilliant recap of the week, as always Simon! I have to admit, that I am getting through our first chapters of war part very slowly, and the change of scenery was hard for me. So much male buffoonery! 😅 But I'm of course going to keep on.
I thoroughly loved the Bolkonskys and Bald Hills. Such clever characters, loved the scenes and eccentricities.
The highlight for me was definitely Anna Mikhailovna vs. Prince Vasily and Katiche!
A bit like the salon, you're thrown in the deep end with war, with all these commanders and troop movements. But just like the first part, is quickly calms down and you realise it is more of what went before: the stuff of life. I hope you enjoy!
It seems so long ago already that we were in ballrooms, when it's really only been days. I think this slow read helps us grasp the time line a bit better - the soldiers were marching for a few months to get to where we are now and have covered 700 miles, so it makes sense that it would feel like a big jump in the story.
Time plays funny tricks on you with this book and this read-along. There will be a whole fortnight of reading when we cover 24 hours of their time. And then years will go by in a week. But it is amazing how the story grows on you as the year goes on.
Speaking of, I know we are in October 1805 now, but when did we start again?
Anna Pavlovna's soirée was in July.
Ahh thank you!
I'm already so fond of it!
Thank you for all these extra cultural tidbits like the song in the Russian film adaptation of W & P. So cool!
I’m not into battle fiction, but you’re right — these chapters are about the characters, and their social relations and posturings, just like the drawing room scenes.
Yes, I'm not sure whether I've read actual "war book", but War and Peace is always about so much more than battles.
Thanks for this jam-packed recap with so many additional info! A great resource.
Two things: I couldn’t pick a house despite being logged in as a subscriber. And that undeniably beautiful photo of the Inn valley must be just east of Innsbruck in Tirol, nowhere near Braunau, which is on the Bavarian border, at a guess 60 miles downriver in a much more humdrum area of farmland and hills. Other than that, we prefer not to talk about Braunau…
Hey! Thanks for the insider info! Yes, I know, I chose not to mention Braunau's most famous son. I admit to looking for photos while utterly exhausted from caring for my Covid-ridden baby boy, so it was a last minute pick. Could you point me in the direction of a public domain image more representative of the region? That would be a great help.
As for the poll. Yes, I have no idea. People have trouble voting on these polls and I have no idea how they work. Fortunately it's just a bit of fun and we aren't choosing the next leader of the free world.
I hope your little boy is better now -what misery! I’ll have a look around for a more representative photo, but it’s not easy, at least not on the first attempt.
I was annoyed to vote on the app after all...
able, not annoyed, of course…
Thank you for another lovely blog post @Simon, and for wrapping up the first book so beautifully. I’m so enjoying the book, and this community you’ve created.
I enjoyed the visit to Bald Hills. What a remarkable woman Marya is! The Bolkonsky family fascinate me, and I think are my favourite group so far. I felt that in a few short pages, Tolstoy gave us so much, and really laid out the emotional complexity of a family. This section made me really *feel* for the characters. Poor Lise, and Andrei! And the old man, not what he once was. Such a weight, real emotional heft.
As we moved to the war, I was astounded by the distances covered on foot, and the size of the armies. I’ve not studied or really thought much about this era of history, so right now I’m just awed by the scale of it.
I still have a soft spot for the unforgettable Anna Mikhialovna though!
Thanks Jo! I have huge soft spot for the Bolkonskys. There is so much going on there and I think you'll find their story quite something. And we haven't seen the last of Anna Mikhailovna!
Thank you so much for all this, Simon! When I started this slow read I just thought it would be a way of “ticking off” another classic - it’s so much more! Your weekly summaries, with paintings, music and reflections are giving me such a deep appreciation for Tolstoy’s writing.
And the daily chats are highlights of my day. I love seeing how we are all reacting to the different characters, the diversity in the fictional characters reflected in the diversity of our responses.
That's so lovely to hear, Anna! Yes, this book is so much more than another classic, but also I think this approach really brings out something special too. Looking forward to the rest of the year, and hopefully more readalongs in the future.
I’m actually quite looking forward to the transition to the “war” sections of the book. Not because I like war or enjoy books on the topic, but it’s been looming over the characters for all of the novel thus far, so it’s almost a relief (for lack of better words) to face it. We’ve known it’s inevitable and that it won’t end well for many. How it will unfold is up to Tolstoy and I’m very curious what he has in store for us.
My highlight so far is how much the book transports me. Every time I read it I find myself lost in another place and time, away from my own worries and yet still able to draw parallels into my life that help me make more sense of the world around me. That’s been a huge and very delightful surprise. I can see why some people started to read it again immediately after finishing. It’s always one of the best parts of my day.
Catching up after upended plans. This is all splendid. The book, the chats, these wonderful summaries. Thank you so much!
All our plans melt in the face of reality. Or so Tolstoy tells me.
Yes, he reminds of this repeatedly. It's why I like to read him. :-)
The Bolonkskys are serious people.
Hard armour hiding soft hearts!
I’m so glad you have said not to take the war sections seriously and let them breeze over us. That’s exactly what I’ve been doing and then wondered whether I might have missed something important. Also the people! The names! I can’t believe it’s a month we’ve been reading. It feels like a cast of thousands. Thank god for your posts to refer back to. Thanks for all the background information. It’s Saturday morning and I’m reading yesterdays chapter (Pt 2 Ch 8) came on here to refer back to who Zherkov (the Jerkov - I’ll always remember him now lol. was and have just spent a pleasant hour and a half going back through all your posts. I think I may have missed a few or probably skimmed them to read more thoroughly later. So now that I’ve renewed myself with the jerkov, I can make another coffee and get back to reading the chapter. 🙏❤️
Fabulous. There are a lot of name and details in there. But also some great moments, I'll try and pull out the best bits on Sunday.
Another brilliant round up, thank you @SimonHaisell - it’s such a skill to be able to weave in all the additional layers of context and cultural connections each week, and you do it beautifully. And a fantastic, expressive painting too - thank you for sharing Jay Hamm!
I’ve fallen a little behind on the reading and suspect this would be the point where I’d have drifted away if it weren’t for this group. Loved re-immersing myself in the story and comments this morning.
Also, I’ve forgotten what the pineapple reference is all about. But I did come across this interesting list of food & music in W&P when Googling. First time readers, there may be spoilers towards the end of the post in the quote section - I stopped reading in case - so might be best to tread carefully.
http://www.bookmenus.co/2016/12/war-and-peace.html?m=1
Hope your baby boy is back to full health and that you are having a less exhausting week. 🧡
Oh thanks for sharing that list! Very interesting!
Simon, many thanks again for the reflective summary of where we are and how we got here. I haven't seen mention of Bolkonsky father and son discussing what would happen if Lise gives birth to a son and Andrei is killed. '"Not let the wife have him?" said the old man and laughed.' A foreshadowing, I imagine.
And on sons - horrible to hear your wee lad has covid. My best wishes for a speedy and full recovery and I trust all of us on here are being a suitable distraction from the worst of it.
Oh, yes it all is very ominous!
Zack is feeling a lot better, but was washing out all week. You guys provide a world away from being a 24hr dad, so it is much appreciated!