Footnotes & Tangents Testimonials

What people are saying about our slow reads

I have been running slow read-alongs since 2023. What began as my own re-reading project has become something much bigger, with thousands of readers joining us from all over the world. Below are some testimonials from those readers. If you would like to add yours, leave a comment or send me a message. Thank you!

2025 slow readers

To my fellow readers in the Footnotes and Tangents community,

As we reach the final chapters of our year-long journey through War and Peace, I want to express my deep gratitude for this space. Reading a “daunting” classic can often feel like a solitary mountain climb, but Simon has transformed it into a shared experience filled with insight, understanding, and connection.

Quick note: the demands of work and graduate school have kept me from posting as much as I’d like in the War and Peace discussions; there simply wasn’t enough time in the day! However, I have thoroughly enjoyed reading all of your thoughtful comments and ideas from the sidelines. 2026 will bring my graduation, and with it, more time to add a few comments to these pages myself.

This slow read has been a true highlight of my year. Because of the quality of the guides and the discussions here, there was no question in my mind about re-upping for 2026. I am all in for our next adventure, and I’ve already purchased my copy of Midnight’s Children! Although I’ll also be rereading some of my favorite parts of W&P. 

Thank you, Simon, for the incredible work you put into making these classics accessible, and thank you to this community for the reflections that have enriched my own reading. I’m looking forward to being more vocal in the 2026 threads.

— Nicholas Payne (War and Peace)

I am just winding up my first reading of War & Peace, something I never would have attempted without the patient guidance and context added by @Simon Haisell. I felt the same wonder and delight that I found as a literature student in college. The additional treat was my fellow readers from around the world with infinite views and thoughts. I live in Northern California, and I am excited to join Simon and fellow readers next month as we dive into “Midnight’s Children” by Salman Rushdie.

— Ligeia Polidora (War and Peace)

I found out about the slow read of War and Peace through the podcast “Happier with Gretchen Rubin.” I read Anna Karenina years ago, which I enjoyed, and always meant to read War and Peace. I appreciate the weekly summaries with deep dives and the community of readers’ postings. It’s been a wonderful experience, and I got more out of it than I would have reading it on my own. Thank you, Simon!

— Donna Hachiya (War and Peace)

I really enjoyed the year-long read with Simon for many reasons. I want to read more, and the weekly podcast & emails helped me maintain a reading habit. As an obliger, I respond well to outer accountability. The emails & chat threads truly enriched the reading experience. I learned a great deal and thoroughly enjoyed it so much that I have signed up for the 2026 Wolf Hall Trilogy read-along. What a unique and fun way to read!

— Heather

As I say good-bye to the powerful, vivid characters I’ve lived with for the past year, I find myself looking forward to Simon Haisell’s 2026 War and Peace slow-read; to once again see Tolstoy’s people and know them better. Thanks to Footnotes and Tangents, I also discovered two more books I completely loved: Penelope Fitzgerald’s The Blue Flower and Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe. The many recommendations listed by readers in the monthly ‘What have you been reading?’ threads have grown my reading interest beyond the limits of my pretty well-stocked bookshelf.

Simon’s posts, consisting of factual and imaginative tangents, frees up the reader to associate books with their own life stories, as well as events belonging to the world. As a ‘visual learner’ with an art school degree, I loved the beautiful works of art that accompanied each post - most by artists I was unfamiliar with. Questions posed within each week’s post, gave a personal connection to the slow reads, that made reading introspective for me again.

Highly recommend joining a Simon Haisell 2026 slow read (or two!). The best thing on the internet. Thanks Substack for providing a space where thought and connection take place.

— Caroline Kasterine

I could say much more ... But the War and Peace slow read got me out of a very serious reading (that is not reading) rut. I’m doing The Blue Flower slow read now and loving it. Reading real books is medicine for brain and soul.

— Jennifer (War and Peace, The Blue Flower)

I’m writing from Italy, where I live, but I’m originally from New Zealand. I don’t know if it’s the Wolf Crawl that has made me a bit sentimental for London and all things British, or if it’s after 6 years living in a non-English speaking country, I am having a desire to delve back into English literature. Anyway, it has really inspired me to read more British novels this year.

I am enjoying the wolf crawl even more than I thought I would (I did have high expectations already from a friend who read War and Peace last year). I read Wolf Hall many years ago and thought it was brilliant, although I knew I didn’t quite understand everything due to the language used by Cromwell. Listening to the audiobook has been delightful, and I think a reading/listening combo has given so much depth to the story, along with the wonderful resources from Simon and the team.

I love the maps, I love looking at where the story is taking place and tracking the characters. The extra resources and commentary about the fabrics and archives are so interesting. There are so many details picked out that deserve to be, but are easy to miss when you read alone. I sew and have a passion for fabric, and there are so many things I didn’t even consider in my first reading, which Bea or Simon have beautifully highlighted.

Most importantly, I have appreciated the format of the weekly reading schedule with its routine (that you are allowed to break and jump back into as you please) and the accompanying article, which I like to listen to in podcast format on a Sunday, a real comfort. Life for me has been a bit tumultuous lately, and I would really recommend this to anyone who is thinking, “Oh, maybe that’s too much of a commitment”. It isn’t, and you won’t regret it. I’m already looking forward to next year’s slow reads.

— Ella Maxwell, Italy (Wolf Crawl)

I just want to thank you for making me fall in love with the classics. I’ve always been a lover of reading, but growing up in a family of non-readers, I didn’t really read many classics. Earlier this year, I decided to finally pick one up and went big with War and Peace (they say go big or go home, right?). While looking for a guide, I stumbled upon Simon’s slow read of War and Peace, and honestly, I wouldn’t have been able to get through it without his daily notes and wonderful weekly guides.

I also joined him for Wolf Hall and oh my god, I’m so glad I did. I discovered one of my favorite authors! Then came the French Revolution in the form of A Place of Greater Safety, and what can I say – I’m a big fan of Simon’s picks. He makes reading these heavy books feel so approachable and rewarding.

This whole experience has been one of my best accomplishments, and I can’t wait to join him again next year.

— Neeti K (War and Peace, Wolf Crawl, A Place of Greater Safety)

This year, on the “Happier with Gretchen Rubin” podcast, we challenged ourselves—and readers—to read for 25 minutes a day in 2025, and the War and Peace slow read was a highlight of my own reading year. I know so many people joined in—and absolutely loved it. Thank you, Simon, for being our guide.

— Gretchen Rubin (War and Peace)

When I discovered your Wolf Crawl in 2024, I had just arrived at Substack—I am not a social media girly and wasn’t aware of any of the Booksta-this or BookTok-that—I only stumbled across a read-along tackling a trilogy I’d been loosely considering reading. I remember when you began offering audio with each post and how immersive it made the experience. Sometimes, ambient sounds made their way into your recordings, and it was so refreshing to be part of something so organic. You don’t oversell your product. I believe you enjoy these books. I believe you enjoy sharing them with others. And, I also believe you genuinely wish to provide each and every one of us with the best resources and guidance possible. You have been an inspiration. Thank you!

— Jessica Leigh Allen

I’m reading along with the War and Peace slow read from Auckland, New Zealand. It has been remarkable. Simon’s approach is brilliant, and I love the comments from other readers, too. I choose to read the weekly overviews at the same time as I’m listening to Simon’s beautiful voice read them, it really helps as the content is so dense! My degree was in French, and I lived in France for several years. It’s been really interesting having a Russian view of Napoleon and the campaign. Also, my mother’s family were refugees who fled Latvia after WW2, so that’s often in the back of my mind. F&T has opened my mind to so many things, I can’t wait to continue next year, now that the reading list is out! I’m also plotting a return to my favourite European art galleries to see some of the fantastic works Simon has featured along the way. I owe Simon a huge debt and can’t recommend this highly enough!

— Kirsten Taylor, Auckland, New Zealand (War and Peace)

I really love great literature and I’m not a great reader. My brother is and suggests I start small. He hasn’t read War and Peace and soon I can tell him I have. Reading a chapter a day, has been a manageable pace, and given space to capture the nuance and subtle humor of a true classic. I’ve missed a lot but by reading what other readers experienced in the forum, and daily summaries by Simon Haisell, I have kept on track and digested a true literary experience.

— Ian Ghent, New York City, USA (War and Peace)

As the year winds down, I want to thank you, Simon, for your impeccable guidance through a fascinating year-long slow-read of War and Peace! It’s been such a rewarding experience. Each week, I look forward to your poetic chapter summaries, relevant ‘Footnotes’ of historical artwork, and enlightening ‘Tangents’ all of which enhance the weekly readings and bring 19th century Russia to life. Heartfelt thanks for this memorable journey!

— Marissa DeMatteo, Pennsylvania, USA (War and Peace)

I’m so happy to be participating in the slow read of War and Peace from my home in Clearwater, Florida and thankful for the recommendation from the Happier with Gretchen Rubin podcast. This has been a true reading accomplishment for me, and I plan to do slow reads with Simon’s footnotes and tangents group every year.

— Kieran Gabel, Florida, USA (War and Peace)

When I was in grad school, the reading schedule was brutal, usually one MASSIVE book a week, like Melville’s Moby-Dick, or the Whale. I started that book in the summer before the fall course began because I’d always wanted to read it, but was it any wonder that, by the time the course began in September, I was the only one in the seminar who’d finished the book? (That day’s 3-hour seminar consisted of the professor “lecturing” us PhD students for not being committed enough to read the assigned books.) That was the norm. 10-week seminars covering 8-10 HUGE books, with students who had jobs – sometimes more than one – and sometimes spouses and families as well.

Imagine my surprise at first hearing about Slow Reads here on Substack. What? An entire year to read Tolstoy’s War and Peace? Months to read Hilary Mantel’s Wolf Hall trilogy? With reasonable reading schedules and weekly, well-researched articles by the leader, Simon Haisell?? I was in! For the past 3 years, these Slow Reads have been one of the joys of my life. And Simon isn’t the only person here on Substack conducting Slow Reads. Much gratitude to Simon and others who have created joy and community, and introduced many of us to books we’ve heard of but never read before, or books we’ve read before but never appreciated. Even if you’ve never done a Slow Read before and don’t think you can manage it, I encourage you to try one.

— Dr Alexandria Szeman (War and Peace, Wolf Crawl)

If you are perched on the “should I, shouldn’t I” section of the proverbial fence, jump off and join us in 2026! This is my first year at Footnotes & Tangents, and I have found the experience very rewarding. I doubt I would ever have tackled War and Peace but for this Substack. Simon does a staggering amount of work preparing, presenting and responding.

— Mercedes S Carey, Florida, USA (War and Peace)

The 2025 slow read of War and Peace was worth every penny. Simon’s weekly updates have brought a richness to my reading experience that would have taken more hours to prepare than I have to spend. I look forward to hearing Simon’s voice and thoughts every Tuesday. The art and social references he’s sprinkled into the weekly updates are sometimes historical, sometimes silly, and always delightful! I’m so grateful to Simon for all he’s done to enhance my reading life this year!

— Jennifer Randel, California, USA (War and Peace)

Reading Wolf Crawl is like being able to see another dimension of the books. Wolf Crawl’s analyses, callbacks and references, historical context, character list, maps, and actual physical documents help untangle the threads of meaning woven into the books. They are amazing resources, and I strongly recommend them for anyone reading this trilogy.

It’s also a great space for discussion and bouncing ideas. It’s the perfect book club, and the pace is reasonable enough to keep up with without being stressful.

— jenny (Wolf Crawl)

I joined Footnotes and Tangents for the War and Peace slow read. I already thought it would be good, but I didn’t think it would be THAT good! What an amazing place on the internet, with a great community, thoughtful discussions and information I can actually trust! The experience of slow reading something has been very valuable to teach me how to sit with something and process it with time and patience. This has been a great experience not just for the literary me, but also for anxious me in general. Thank you so much, Simon!

— Tary (War and Peace)

In 2025, I signed up to finally tackle the Wolf crawl, and I was not disappointed. As I had paid my subscription, I also signed up for War and Peace, not expecting to like it much, but I absolutely love it. My daily chapter over breakfast has become a ritual I am looking forward to each day. I also very much enjoyed The Siege of Krishnapur and will be along for The Blue Flower in December. In 2026, I am looking forward to re-visiting Pat Barker’s Regeneration, but I had such a great experience this year that I will be along for the ride and will be committing to the rest of the books as well. I cannot wait to be surprised and delighted again. Such a great idea and so very well done by Simon.

— Barbara Schorr (Wolf Crawl, War and Peace, The Siege of Krishnapur)

I’m wrapping up my second year with the fantastic Footnotes and Tangents big read, and wow—what a ride! In 2024, I immersed myself in War and Peace, and for 2025, I’m swept up in Hilary Mantel’s incredible trilogy. Honestly, reading War and Peace daily last year was a highlight, and I’m tempted to dive in again for 2026! But then Simon posted an amazing lineup—five exciting novels for next year’s big read—and now I can’t decide which path to choose!

What I love most is the steady, satisfying rhythm of a slow read. It anchors my days and blends beautifully with the other books I pick up throughout the year. Staying on track with the big read has become such a fun part of my routine, and being part of a lively group keeps me motivated. Plus, Simon’s weekly updates always add that perfect touch of extra insight.

I’m genuinely thrilled to be part of the Footnotes and Tangents adventure for 2025, and I’m excited for what’s to come in 2026.

— Josh D, Dayton, Ohio, USA (War and Peace, Wolf Crawl)

I absolutely loved Simon’s slow read of War and Peace. I never would have read that book without Simon’s accompaniment. I’m astounded, really, by the amount of time and research he put into the read. The deep dive into the book’s characters, culture, background, and psychology – so fun and fascinating. His analysis and insights into the history of the times were incredibly helpful. And the guy is thorough! If there is a ballroom dance in the book, you can bet Simon will tell you about the music they were listening to, the dance they performed, the clothes they were wearing, the rules they were following--and most likely, he’ll have a video as well, showing you the dance! Incredible, really. Now I’m along for the Things Fall Apart slow-read – another book I hadn’t read before and probably wouldn’t have really understood without Simon’s presence. The best literature paired with the best literature instructor! Worth every penny!

— mary g. (War and Peace, Things Fall Apart)

The insights and background that Simon offers enrich every book. There’s always something I hadn’t noticed or didn’t know about. It’s also a really great community, and I love the feeling of reading along with so many others. Totally recommend!

— Linda Quayle, Malaysia (Wolf Crawl, A Place of Greater Safety, The Siege of Krishnapur)

I am so grateful to you, Simon, for this slow reading adventure and community. I certainly would not have completed War and Peace without you, and although I read a lot of fiction, slow reading has been a revelation. To my surprise and delight, the War and Peace slow read has been a highlight of my year, providing a moment of calm reflection and constancy during more challenging days and weeks. Thank you!

— Taryn Harding (War and Peace)

We have greatly enjoyed our participation in Simon’s impeccably prepared slow read of War and Peace this year, and it has become a welcome start to our days as we read a chapter, drink our morning coffee and join in on the discussions. Not only has this slow read generated fun and engaging conversation between my partner and me at home, but thanks to Simon, we’ve also gained an international, online community of fellow readers with whom to share the journey. We’re very much looking forward to continuing next year with Wolf Crawl 2026.

— Diana and Matt, San José, Costa Rica (War and Peace & Things Fall Apart)

I can’t recommend Simon Haisell’s Slow Reads enough. I started a slow read for the first time this year, and there’s no going back for me. Simon has brought War and Peace to the top of my list of favourite books. Like everyone else, I have a busy life, and my aspirations to do things like read War and Peace often demand more time than I have. But a slow read is a perfect way to savour a book. When I have too little time, the daily ask is never too much. And when I have more time, I can relax into luxuriating in the text, knowing that with Simon, I don’t have to rush to get to the end – he’ll get me there. Simon‘s weekly podcast is a treat. As well as helping me keep track of a multitude of characters, he invites me to think more deeply about the week’s reading – it’s like turning over a sweet in your mouth.

— Lisa McNulty (War and Peace)

What a complete change to my reading routine! Even if you think you are proficient in big historical volumes, you will not find so much historical context, linked literary sources and just plain reader enthusiasm as you will in Footnotes and Tangents. Whether you have a classic on your shelf you wish you had time and patience to complete or a book with a context you are not familiar with and find impossible to approach, Simon’s book space will give you a sense of discovery, support, skills, tools and framework to evolve into a better reader and a better online version of yourself.

— Vera

Slow reading the Cromwell trilogy with Simon was an extraordinary experience that transformed the simple act of reading into something deeper and more meaningful. His thoughtful insights, steady encouragement, and warm presence created a space where reflection and connection thrived. Simon (and this community) made literature come alive, which only enhanced the amazing reading journey this was.

— gabby (Wolf Crawl)

I joined the Wolf Crawl and War and Peace of 2024 I got so much more joy from reading those books through the posts and comments of others. I decide to carry on this year with the 2025 selection and I don’t think I would have chosen any of these books without the group. They have all led to further reading, challenged my reading plans and encouraged me to tackle other books by using a slow read way of breaking them down. I don’t pay for many subscriptions but this is worth every penny and the odd tip too! Thank you Simon for your energy, time and sharing your joy of reading with us.

— Julie Fulea

I’ve been doing slow reads with Simon for two years now, starting with War and Peace and now this year, A Place of Greater Safety, Wolf Hall and others. I’m reading in Arizona, USA, and it is so wonderful to share this experience with people from all around the world. Simon really nails it with his summaries, analysis and insight, and the chat gives even more food for thought. I found myself anxiously awaiting Simon’s announcement of next year’s reads, like it was Christmas morning! I so highly recommend F&T.

— Noreen G, Arizona, USA (A Place of Greater Safety, Wolf Crawl and others)

I joined Simon’s slow read of War and Peace in January this year. I love it so much, I will probably do the Wolf Hall trilogy slow read next year. I love the structure of a chapter a day. It has helped me stay consistent every morning with my other reading and language study. I find the daily chat threads provide additional insights and food for thought. Finally, Simon’s weekly podcast updates are full of helpful footnotes, interesting tangents, and good questions for reflection. I love listening to his calm voice as he helps me understand this magnificent book! I live in North Carolina in the US and love that I am reading along with people from all over the world. Massive kudos to Simon! His slow reads – highly recommended!

— Beth Pinckney, North Carolina, USA (War and Peace)

This business of ‘slow read’ was completely new to me and has opened up a new perspective to enjoying some hard to read books or what I had thought of as hard. But this past one year with W&P as a constant companion on my travels has been so soothing and comforting and almost makes me want to do a slow read of everything – almost! Your F&T podcasts have added richly to my experience of my first Tolstoy.

I have carried my tome to the following countries this past year and am hoping to get back to London for the final flourish:

UK, India, Malaysia, Philippines, Morocco, Portugal, Norway, USA, Croatia, Bosnia, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Austria, Greece, Uzbekistan

I must add that Rhea Forney’s bookmarks have travelled with me as well and were integral in keeping up with the schedule and I would highly recommend them to future readers.

— Josephine Nirmala (War and Peace)

It was intoxicating to plunge back into an early Mantel piece. Great pace and insights with Simon Haisell at the helm.

— Grant Doyle (A Place of Greater Safety)

Simon has completely changed my approach to reading both classic and modern literature. I’m someone whose natural instinct is to devour a book in a few sittings, but Simon has helped me to slow down and appreciate those books that really need that extra processing time. His guides are brilliantly researched, and the podcast format suits my accessibility needs wonderfully!

— Emma Jane Grey, Melbourne, Australia (War and Peace; Wolf Crawl)

After years of reading what next caught my eye, Footnotes & Tangents brought me back to classic literature. The “slow” part of the read is brilliant, in that it dovetails seamlessly with Simon’s “Footnotes and Tangents” – short, well-written articles about key themes, historical context, or just odd (and fascinating) “rabbit holes” which Simon decides to pursue. These have become the highlights of each week’s reading.

— Rick Hunter

As someone who usually reads books as quickly as possible, this year’s amble through the Wolf Hall trilogy has been a real change of habit for me and ultimately very rewarding. The extra information and highlights of phrases I may have missed, themes and imagery throughout really add to the books. I’ve really enjoyed this reread of this excellent trilogy and feel more knowledgeable about the whole as a result.

— Susan E Barsby (Wolf Crawl)

I joined the Footnotes and Tangent community this year (2025), to give War and Peace another try. I abandoned my first attempt a few years ago after about 150 pages, and knew I needed a different approach. The slow-read with you and the community you built was exactly that. The character list helped me stay oriented amid the many Russian names and titles in the first weeks. The weekly posts are much more than just plot summaries - it’s called ‘Footnotes and Tangents’ for a good reason. And the chats with fellow readers are a thoughtful and refreshingly positive experience I didn’t think existed anywhere on the internet.

— Simon Flesch. “A German living in Colorado” (War and Peace; read Simon’s longer review here!)

My first Slow Read ever and it’s got me hooked. I joined Footnotes and Tangents in 2025 to reread War and Peace, a tome I last read as a student 40 years ago. It is completely different now that I’ve lived more life, and Simon’s expert, eloquent accompaniment has made the story even richer. F&T is the ultimate low-stress book club: it’s about enjoyment, discovery, and sinking deeper into a read whenever you have time for it. I’ve been enjoying the experience of reading in good company far more than I ever expected! I’ll be signing on for Wolf Hall in 2026 (so I can finally finish Mantel’s trilogy).

— Caroline Smrstik, Switzerland (War and Peace)

Simon’s Footnotes and Tangents Slow Read has been a wonderfully rich reading experience. I am nearing 80% on my War and Peace read and am half way through the Things fall Apart Slow Read and have been enjoying both immensely. Simon does a wonderful job putting different resources, some very surprising, some entertaining, all deeply insightful. It makes the reading or re-reading (in my case with Things Fall Apart) truly wonderful. The audio recordings/podcasts are a wonderful added touch. I’ve love being part of this Slow read and hope to join more in the future.

— Liza Debevec (War and Peace, Things Fall Apart)

2024 slow readers

I know I would have given up on War and Peace if I’d tried reading it on my own. I would have tried to read it too fast, I would have gotten confused, and then I would have drifted away without even intending to do so. But Simon Haisell’s insights about each chapter helped me when my focus wasn’t quite there, or when I needed historical context or reminders about characters, and the responses from the group made each day’s thread a must-read. Even when life has gotten busy, I’ve been motivated to catch up within a couple of days of falling behind. I have fallen in love with this method of reading with a group, and I’m looking forward to joining the Cromwell club next year!

— Erica (War and Peace)

There is no better way to tackle this classic. War and Peace is the perfect year-long read. This community enriches the whole experience and gives a deeper understanding of history, languages, customs, and overarching themes.

— Maxine (War and Peace)

I joined the read-along on a whim, knowing very little of War and Peace but understanding it as a classic (and having read Anna K.) I think I saw a testimonial about Simon’s read-along, and it was really encouraging. I go by energy, and I just felt attracted to this community, and I am glad I said yes. It has been quite a journey - laughter, philosophical thoughts, the moon, comets, tears, dread, hope... and it isn’t over yet. It truly surprised me.

— Helen Still (War and Peace)

I was given a copy of War and Peace at 16, so it’s been looking down at me from my bookshelves for quite a while. 😅 I’ve dipped my toes in a few times, but was daunted by time constraints and the sheer size of this tome. So it was with a certain sense of obligation that I decided to enlist in this slow read.

I am so happy that I did. Simon’s slow read has transformed the experience of reading War and Peace from an obligation to total absorption and enjoyment. The daily chats are a joy; informative and really amusing at times...such an engaging, bright and sharing community.

Simon leads with such insightful guidance. I have learnt so much. So happy to have taken the plunge!

— Lyndall Strong (War and Peace)

I’ve talked about this read-along to anyone who’d listen to me go on about it! 😂 In all seriousness, it’s been a highlight of 2024 for me— I look forward to my end-of-day reading. It’s a rare quiet moment in my day, when I can finally transport myself into a different world, albeit one with such similar and familiar human travails. It’s comforting in a weird way. I’ve so enjoyed reading Simon’s thoughtful summaries and replies to posts. And I’ve loved the insights and thoughts in the chat from seemingly all over the world. I am going to do the re-read in 2025, and likely one of the other reads as well! 5/5 stars, can’t recommend enough.

— Larisa (War and Peace)

This slow read of War and Peace with Simon Haisell and all the readers was a wonderful experience in my reading journey.

I’ve learned so much from the chat and Simon’s posts for Tolstoy’s novel and Wolf Hall.

I’ve already bought nearly all the books Simon proposed for next year.

— Christine (War and Peace, Wolf Crawl)

I came to the War and Peace read-along from the Wolf Crawl one. I had never even considered reading War and Peace until I seen the conversations that were going on about it and although I joined a bit later I caught up quick and have never regretted it.

War and Peace is part of my morning routine now and I love sitting down to read the chapter of the day with my coffee before the chaos commences. I then wait expectantly for the chat to start.

I honestly did not think I would form such a bond with the characters, or enjoy the book so much. I also didn’t envisage joining in with the chat as much as I do.

This last month has had a few ups and downs, and I am not lying when I say both read-alongs, but particularly War and Peace, due to its daily chapters, kept me grounded.

Simon’s is the only paid subscription I have on Substack and it is a wee treat to myself. You can absolutely do the read along and get a lot from War and Peace without being a paid subscriber but I like knowing as well by doing this others will benefit from it next year.

— Reflections-Claire Milne (War and Peace, Wolf Crawl)

I’ve enjoyed this slow read so much. It’s genuinely changed the way I read and has been the absolute highlight of my year. But it’s so much more than “reading”. The daily chat has been so enriching - my fellow readers have been wonderful. I’ve found the discussion around the text and the translations fascinating, but we’ve been on bike rides through Germany, walked round the English Club in Moscow, dodged ninjas, seen Freemasons’ halls in middle America, and marched around battlefields with old goats. It’s like a joyous kaleidoscope. Much like War and Peace, but heavier on the Peace, and only a few minor skirmishes.

— Alison Macaulay (War and Peace)

I had no idea how readable War and Peace would be, how funny and insightful Tolstoy is, and how different world history looks like from the other side of the world. I had no intention or desire to ever read this book, but the story of this slow read hit my algorithm, and I thought I’d try with no expectations whatsoever. It has been a sheer delight, and now I’m recommending other Russian books to my book club and seeking out more for myself. I don’t think I’d have gotten as much out of it without the daily summary, momentary, and dives down rich and deep rabbit holes.

— jbmonco (War and Peace)

So much of what I am thinking has been said already, so I’ll just second all the wonderful comments by my fellow War and Peace readers. I feel so fortunate to have stumbled across Simon’s Substack and this slow read. I’ve already got my stack of books for Footnotes & Tangents 2025!

— Noreen G (War and Peace)

I had attempted War and Peace once, years ago, and abandoned it after 300 pages, deciding it wasn’t for me.

Then this amazing opportunity came along. An online reading group! A place I could go each day and hear from people who were reading it too, and so were confused when I was confused, excited when I was excited, and devastated when I was devastated.

Even better, I asked my mom to read it with me, and for the last year we’ve shared what has become my favorite reading experience ever. Each time we see each other, we have a handful of chapters to discuss, theories to flesh out, and (sometimes) complaints to make.

I can’t recommend this reading group enough. I can’t say enough about how much deeper a story feels, how much more real each character seems, when you spend month after month with them, each day.

— Jared Langford (War and Peace)

I read War and Peace 50 years ago as a teenager just so I could say I had. But I had no idea what it was really about until, somehow, I found out about this slow read and decided to read it again. Reading this book day by day and having a community of people reading and talking about it at the same time has made it come alive for me. I already have a copy of Anna Karenina ready for next year and am looking forward to continuing with slow reads. Thank you, Simon, for leading the group and kindly shepherding us along even when we don’t agree. It has been an amazing year so far, and I can’t wait to finish the book!

— Holly Goldman (War and Peace)

I’ve so loved reading War and Peace this year with Simon Haisell and the crew. I had tried it a couple of times before, but the story was like dessicated spaghetti on the page, so the tome sat on my shelf, clearly waiting for this slow read. In 2024, with Simon’s summaries and the interesting, insightful comments and responses from everyone, it has come alive.

— ruthd (War and Peace)

A few years ago, I had to pack up my deceased aunt’s house. She died a week before her 101st birthday. Among the many books in her house was a copy of War and Peace. I took it home, but I only thought about it again when I saw a post on FB about this slow read. I’ve loved every moment of this journey - the slow reading and, of course, the gentle way Simon points out important things I otherwise would’ve missed. The chats opened my eyes to all the different ways we interpret what we read because of our backgrounds, experiences, culture and language. Reading War and Peace has been the highlight of my year, thanks, Simon!

— Elsa Winckler (War and Peace)

I thought I would never read War and Peace until I retired - it seemed so intimidating. But this format has been perfect - the chapters are mostly short, and it’s usually possible to read one each day, and if not, it’s not hard to catch up. What I didn’t expect when starting is a) how reading just a chapter at a time would make me appreciate each chapter so much more - especially since Tolstoy so often changes perspective and even tone, and b) how the discussion from other readers (and Simon) would give me so much additional insight into each chapter, and also satiate some of the desire I had for more War and Peace once the chapter had ended.

— Dylan Reid (War and Peace)

I came across this War and Peace read-along at the end of 2023, a time when anxiety and doomscrolling in anticipation of the coming year were my default modes. Seeking a thoughtful and wholesome diversion, I decided to join and honestly thought I *might* make it to February. Here we are in September, in Book 4, and shocked and happy to report that I’ve kept up all year. And I am blown away by how much I’ve enjoyed exploring this classic with Simon and my fellow readers. Simon’s daily summaries bring into focus key ideas or things I missed (or if I just glazed over a chapter), and I’m immensely impressed with everyone’s insightful commentary in the chat thread. I don’t think I could or would have read this book on my own, let alone enjoyed or understood it, but Simon’s stewardship makes the characters and situations relatable and sympathetic. It’s the best thing I’ve done for my mental health all year.

— Robyn G (War and Peace)

I heard about the slow read in 2023 and thought it was a great way to read this very large book. So when I chanced on the 2024 read, I jumped on it. This is the best way to read this book, reading a chapter a day lets you absorb what was written. I had no idea what this book actually was about. Much to my surprise, I love the book!! I wait until the end of the week when you post the week's analysis and the chat rooms, and I then catch up on what everyone has to say. This works for me. I am looking forward to 2025 and what you have to offer us. Take care and stay safe!!!!

— Margo (War and Peace)

Although I have read War and Peace before, I got so much more out of it this time. The pace of the reading, the comments, and the added historical and linguistic information from other slow readers added so much to this experience. It was a great way to spend part of my reading this year.

I will look forward to signing up for 2025. Maybe not to War and Peace again, but one of the other slow reads on offer.

Thanks, Simon, for your skilful leadership through this masterpiece.

— Andrea P (War and Peace)

At the start, I felt a bit daunted by the size and scope of the books, and my very scanty knowledge of Tudor history. However, Simon’s weekly emails have really opened these books to me. His commentary is thorough, interesting and accessible. The slow read has greatly enriched my reading, and I have found that the weekly rhythm works very well, as it enables me to concentrate on both what is going on (which is not always simple in Tudor history) and the richness of Hilary Mantel’s language and style. Simon opens these wonderful books up expertly, and his enthusiasm for the subject shines through.

— Tony (Wolf Crawl)

This year-long read has been the best reading experience I can ever recall. Simon’s weekly essays are always the dessert to the meal of the week’s section. The combination of the brilliance of the trilogy, Simon’s terrific and substantive essays, and the chance to comment back and forth with Simon and other readers makes this an experience I can not recommend more highly. It is truly a bargain.

— David Roberts (Wolf Crawl)

I find it hard to allow myself time for reading, so the slow read format is fantastic. I’d not have tackled this book, having mostly abandoned long, immersive reads for years now, by myself, or without the ever-so-doable few pages a day afforded by War and Peace’s short chapters. Additionally, I listen to the Jonathan Keeble audiobook (having sampled a few, I liked his narration best), which helps tremendously, though I read best on paper, so I keep the book on my kitchen table, and try to read each chapter in tandem with the audio. Falling behind, it becomes a somewhat disjointed experience, but much better than not reading at all, and as Simon will repeat the book in 2025, I’m ahead :)

— Rebecca Gibb (War and Peace)

I had always wanted to read War and Peace, but always felt intimidated by not just the size of the book, but also my lack of adequate knowledge of the historical background I thought was absolutely necessary to understanding the book. You may not remember me saying so, Simon, but when I voiced my doubts, you put me at ease to help out with difficult parts and said you’ll barely need 10-15 minutes a day.

How glad I am to have believed you and taken the plunge! This is now one of my absolute favourites. I read during my lunch break, as it happens to coincide with the time u put up the day’s post, so it is easier to take part in the discussions, which is the highlight of my day!

I love that you always give us the historical background concisely, with links for those interested to know more. Always willing to listen to our perspective, to our explanation of things, never once taking a superior attitude.

Now, before my message turns out to be longer than the book itself, let me conclude by saying, joining this slow readalong has been my best and wisest decision last year! Forever grateful.

— diary.ofa.reader (War and Peace)

War and Peace was not on any sort of reading list for me. My sister told me about this, so I thought I’d give it a try. I fully expected to drop out early because I wouldn’t keep up or because it might be boring to me. I did make it a point to read every morning with my coffee, before work, which was a feat for me as I’m not a morning person. Because it’s so manageable and engaging, I look forward to it every day. I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve missed, and always caught up quickly because I only missed 1 or 2 days max. I am definitely planning on joining another read when this is over because I have now carved out this incredibly enjoyable habit. Your summaries and the discussions add so much extra, along with the fact that I have time during the day to absorb what I’ve read. Aside from being surprised that I have stuck with it, I am surprised at how easy it is to read (thanks to the character cheat sheets and the daily discussions). I’m also surprised how relatable it is to life in 2024. I describe it as a really good soap opera – great characters, interesting story lines, and cliff hangers, of course, people coming back from the dead. All we need now is the identical twin or the split personality.

— Laurie Stewart (War and Peace)

This experience has far surpassed my expectations. War and Peace is a book I’ve tried to read multiple times, always to get bogged down around page 200. Now I can’t imagine my life without it. The footnotes and tangents have encouraged and enlivened my reading. I paid the annual subscription fee because I thought the small investment would make me accountable – maybe it did! – but I am also thrilled to be supporting this project and this community. I feel like I’ve invested in something truly remarkable.

— Boykin Bell (War and Peace)

I normally tear through books in a couple of days. I wasn’t sure if I’d enjoy a slow read, but I’m so glad I gave it a try! Spending time with each chapter, contemplating the different translation decisions (I’m reading in French first and then in English each day), reading Simon’s wise words and diving into the discussions have really made this a deep and fascinating experience. Romance! Battles! Unexpected Freemasons! An isolated burst of calculus! I never know what genre today’s chapter is going to be, and it’s such fun.

— Robyn (War and Peace)

For me, I think that reading a really long book is often quite an impressionistic experience, especially when thinking about it afterwards. The slow read has allowed me to see more of the moments of such subtlety and humanity that penetrate the book, as well as helping me appreciate the complex narrative of the war. I’ve enjoyed the opportunity in the weekly emails to see the art and music that illuminate the text. I’ll definitely be slow reading again next year.

— Emma Barraclough (War and Peace)

One of the deepest joys of this year is to read War and Peace slowly and with a great guide and a wise group of people. Simon does an extraordinary job of helping us see and feel the deeper layers of the story, and remember the various characters and story threads so that the fully tapestry of the novel comes alive. I’ve read War and Peace twice before but this time the experience has changed me on a soul level.

— Jennifer Louden (War and Peace)

I have little to add, other than to say that reading War and Peace in this way, with all of the insightful (and funny!) comments of fellow readers has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life. I am a better reader of all media, and, thanks to Simon’s gentle guidance, a better person. Simon has patiently reminded us over and over that it is our task to practice empathy and understanding when it comes to both the characters in the novel and with each other, rather than rushing to snap judgments. This is a good model for all of us to follow in our daily interactions, now more than ever. I didn’t expect this outcome when we started this read, but I will be eternally grateful for it. I am definitely continuing on with Simon’s slow reads next year.

— Cynthia Amidon (War and Peace)

A slow read of a great book is a wonderful process. It allows you to savor the author’s writing style and think more deeply about the subject matter of the book. For me, it enhances the enjoyment of the book. What makes it even better is a genial and knowledgable host to provide background and context. Simon is that host. Doing his group slow reads of both War and Peace, and of the Wolf hall books, has been an enjoyable and enriching experience.

— Paúl Delaustro (War and Peace, Wolf Crawl)

What’s not to love? A (surprisingly!) readable classic book, a leader whose enthusiasm for reading and writing comes through on a daily basis, thoughtful conversations from knowledgable and respectful people around the world…all this adds up to make this slow read one of my favorite experiences of the year! Also, silly as it may seem, I feel pretty proud of myself for sticking with it for the whole year. Life is about discovering new things and 2024 will be remembered as the year I happily discovered War and Peace.

— Jennifer S (War and Peace)

This slow read of War and Peace with Simon has become one of the most fulfilling things I’ve done this year. I didn’t expect to be so delightfully absorbed by the observations and conversations – immensely knowledgeable, thoughtful and sometimes simply hilarious. I’ve learned so much and have an appreciation of Tolstoy that I couldn’t have otherwise. What a fantastic way to immerse yourself in a book! I look forward to joining Simon’s slow reads of other books next year and plan on doing as long as I can.

— Gulkesh (War and Peace)

To anyone who is considering joining the slow read of War and Peace, but is intimidated by the idea you’ll be in over your head because you’re not highly educated or well-read; fear not! As a former reader of only short stories and newspapers, I can say with sincerity that this book and especially this group has been a complete joy. If, on the rare occasion I feel I don’t understand what I’ve read, by the time I read Simon’s daily summary and the opinions of the rest of the people in the chat, I feel confident I know what’s happening! I’m proof you don’t need to be a scholar to enjoy reading War and Peace; especially with guidance from this group.

— Ken Regier (War and Peace)

Like so many people, I tried reading War & Peace... once. It was 40+ years ago, and I think I got about 60 pages in before abandoning ship. But I always thought I should give it another try... someday. When I first heard about the F&T slow read in late 2023, I was deep in other book club/readalong obligations and figured I needed another one like a hole in the head... but it was an irresistible opportunity, and I took the plunge. As 2024 draws to a close, I am so glad I did. One chapter per day is entirely do-able, and the character wiki, daily chat threads with other readers and Simon’s weekly context posts have all contributed to an enormously enjoyable (and -- dare I say? -- fun!) experience. I’ll very likely be back for another round in 2025! Thanks, Simon, and thanks to the other W&P-ers for what’s turned out to be one of the highlights of my year. ❤

— Lori (War and Peace)