Thank you so much for doing this Simon. I read War & Peace when I was a student and had the time. I tried a few years ago but couldn't manage it; the slow read has now enabled me to do so and it's been a wonderful experience. The Epilogue in particular is deeply moving, not least because it only works because of the journey to get there.
Dear Simon- thank you so much for all the work that has gone into this read. I have enjoyed it so much and it has properly enriched my year. My friends and family are tired of hearing about it! I would not have attempted WaP without your help and the support of the wonderful community you have gathered here to muse and think, and I am so glad I did. I m going to do the AK slow read you recommended and join you your A Place of Greater Safety in the Spring. I am eking out the last few pages of TMATL too- thank you for changing my reading life this year. Happy holidays!
Thank you, Simon! I very much enjoyed this third time through W & P. I'll not be repeating this or WolfCrawl next year, but I will join your new slow reads. Looking forward to those!
I feel teary coming to the end of this last W &P round up. I think because it has meant a lot to read it, but also because the daily chapters and chats gave me continuity and familiarity throughout the time we were in hospital with our son. It has also given me another focus when other options were no longer viable. I can't wait to see what my brother-in-law thinks of it next year. I have now finished the second epilogue as I wanted to finish before work and Christmas combine to make it more difficult to appreciate. Not sure I truly appreciated those last chapters though 🤣🤣 Wolf Hall this weekend......
Thank you, Simon. This slow read has been an eye opener. I would never have managed W&P on my own. And thank you to the frequent contributors. You added so much to my understanding of the history, art & society of W&P. I’ll be back for the Wolf Crawl in January. Happy holidays.
This year's reading of W&P has been such a wonderful experience for me, so thank you so very much, Simon. I am looking forward to The Seige of Krishnapor and the other books next year. I wish you and your family a very happy Christmas 🎄 and New Year ❤️ 😊
Thanks Simon for your generosity, insight and encouragement. It feels good to have set a goal in January and seen it achieved in a steady, patient fashion. "Graduated" is how I sum it up, in both senses - measures and achievements. I thoroughly enjoyed the read and have often shared passages and reflections with friends, some of whom have now read it for themselves and others who will hopefully subscribe for your 2025 read. I hope to join you again for another reading journey.
Thank you so much for guiding us through this marvellous slow read. I thought I would never read War and Peace until I retired, but this was the perfect way to read it without being overwhelmed, but rather to savour every moment of it.
Thanks so much, Simon for your expert guidance with this book. I really enjoyed these last chapters seeing how everybody ended up. Have a wonderful Christmas and a lovely New Year with the family. I’ll see you again mid January for The Siege of Krishnapur, about which I know nothing about. 🙏🏼
Gosh, I found myself getting a bit teary at the end of this post. What a year this has been. Navigating it alongside this story, these characters and your warm guidance has been such a highlight. While some sections grabbed me less than the others, I'm surprised by how much I have enjoyed this book and felt myself and others reflected in Tolstoy's genius in capturing the human condition. I imagine I'll come back to this masterpiece again, perhaps in another 10 years when I have lived more of my own life, and even deeper levels of understanding can unfold. I'm looking forward to 2025 Simon. Siege of Krishnapur (A book I have never considered reading) here I come. With War & Peace at my back, I'm unstoppable. Much gratitude and many thanks for you and everyone in this community.
Thank you, Simon. It’s been a wonderful journey, one which has filled my year in time of reading and space for thinking. It’s been human, and we thank Tolstoy’s understanding of human kind for that, coupled with your dedication to getting W&P more widely read.
Thank you so much for doing this Simon. I read War & Peace when I was a student and had the time. I tried a few years ago but couldn't manage it; the slow read has now enabled me to do so and it's been a wonderful experience. The Epilogue in particular is deeply moving, not least because it only works because of the journey to get there.
Thanks Daniel. Every time I revisit the epilogue, it feels even more fitting a conclusion. I am very happy it has been such a rich read for you.
What a year. Thank you, Simon. This slow-read has truly enriched my life and my reading.
I'm so happy about that!
Dear Simon- thank you so much for all the work that has gone into this read. I have enjoyed it so much and it has properly enriched my year. My friends and family are tired of hearing about it! I would not have attempted WaP without your help and the support of the wonderful community you have gathered here to muse and think, and I am so glad I did. I m going to do the AK slow read you recommended and join you your A Place of Greater Safety in the Spring. I am eking out the last few pages of TMATL too- thank you for changing my reading life this year. Happy holidays!
Don't make me cry, Claire, this early in the day! Happy holidays!
Thank you so much Simon. You’ve enriched 2024 for me. Now I’m looking forward to 2025 and the other read-a-longs.
Thank you Merle. Happy holidays!
Thank you, Simon! I very much enjoyed this third time through W & P. I'll not be repeating this or WolfCrawl next year, but I will join your new slow reads. Looking forward to those!
See you there Kathleen.
I feel teary coming to the end of this last W &P round up. I think because it has meant a lot to read it, but also because the daily chapters and chats gave me continuity and familiarity throughout the time we were in hospital with our son. It has also given me another focus when other options were no longer viable. I can't wait to see what my brother-in-law thinks of it next year. I have now finished the second epilogue as I wanted to finish before work and Christmas combine to make it more difficult to appreciate. Not sure I truly appreciated those last chapters though 🤣🤣 Wolf Hall this weekend......
I hope your son is recovering, Claire. Happy holidays and happy Wolf Crawling too!
Thank you, Simon. This slow read has been an eye opener. I would never have managed W&P on my own. And thank you to the frequent contributors. You added so much to my understanding of the history, art & society of W&P. I’ll be back for the Wolf Crawl in January. Happy holidays.
Thanks Pam! Happy holidays!
Thank you. It has been a great experience - a thread of seriousness and worth through the year.
Wonderful! Thank you, Emma!
Oh, I see now!
This year's reading of W&P has been such a wonderful experience for me, so thank you so very much, Simon. I am looking forward to The Seige of Krishnapor and the other books next year. I wish you and your family a very happy Christmas 🎄 and New Year ❤️ 😊
Thank you, Glenys! Merry Christmas and a happy new year to you and your family!
Thanks Simon for your generosity, insight and encouragement. It feels good to have set a goal in January and seen it achieved in a steady, patient fashion. "Graduated" is how I sum it up, in both senses - measures and achievements. I thoroughly enjoyed the read and have often shared passages and reflections with friends, some of whom have now read it for themselves and others who will hopefully subscribe for your 2025 read. I hope to join you again for another reading journey.
Beautiful, Rod. Happy graduation!
Thank you so much for guiding us through this marvellous slow read. I thought I would never read War and Peace until I retired, but this was the perfect way to read it without being overwhelmed, but rather to savour every moment of it.
Such a magnificent achievement, Dylan. Thank you for joining us.
Thanks so much, Simon for your expert guidance with this book. I really enjoyed these last chapters seeing how everybody ended up. Have a wonderful Christmas and a lovely New Year with the family. I’ll see you again mid January for The Siege of Krishnapur, about which I know nothing about. 🙏🏼
And to you too! Happy holidays.
Gosh, I found myself getting a bit teary at the end of this post. What a year this has been. Navigating it alongside this story, these characters and your warm guidance has been such a highlight. While some sections grabbed me less than the others, I'm surprised by how much I have enjoyed this book and felt myself and others reflected in Tolstoy's genius in capturing the human condition. I imagine I'll come back to this masterpiece again, perhaps in another 10 years when I have lived more of my own life, and even deeper levels of understanding can unfold. I'm looking forward to 2025 Simon. Siege of Krishnapur (A book I have never considered reading) here I come. With War & Peace at my back, I'm unstoppable. Much gratitude and many thanks for you and everyone in this community.
Love it, Kelsey!
Thank you, Simon. It’s been a wonderful journey, one which has filled my year in time of reading and space for thinking. It’s been human, and we thank Tolstoy’s understanding of human kind for that, coupled with your dedication to getting W&P more widely read.
Thank you so much, Ang!
Thank you for everything Simon. A year in Russia with you and Tolstoy has had a profound impact on my reading. Best wishes, Helen
So glad. Thanks for joining me, Helen!