8 Comments

Love this insight: “War and Peace is as much about how we lose sight of meaning as it is about finding it in the first place.” Thank you, Simon.

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I can certainly identify with Andrei's loss of meaning at times in my life. Tolstoy certainly new plenty and dark as well as the light.

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Jun 23Liked by Simon Haisell

As an American, the idea of Napoleon takes on ominous meanings in 2024.

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As Yiyun Li, Tolstoy has anticipated the future and our present, the rise of dictators and the dangers attraction of charismatic leadership.

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“paint me having fun” you crack me up Simon!

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Jun 23Liked by Simon Haisell

If the opening chapters are any indication I'm definitely with Flaubert, and grateful for insights from this slow read.

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You and Flau can hang out together! Me, I relish how this book continues to grow and perplex and become something even more enigmatic!

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I wonder if Tolstoy feels his description of Russian self assuredness is a strong trait or a weakness or just neutral and part of Russian culture and approach to things?

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