Novel 2: "War and Peace"

If one has not read it, Leo Tolstoy's War and Peace is on most people's 'must read' list.  Not because it is such a great read, but because it truly is an epic!  War and Peace must be the quintessential historic novel (though apparently Tolstoy didn't like this term).  I was excited to read this book, but, I have to admit, it did drag in many parts for me.  I think I subconsciously purchased the 'original, authorized edition', which is shorter, and somewhat different, than the traditionally studied text.  Oh well, lucky me, a few less pages to read!  The 'original, authorized edition' is the copy Tolstoy wanted published.  But, the novel (as it is generally studied) was later changed by Tolstoy and his editors before being published, with Tolstoy's reluctant blessing.

This book was long, and at times difficult to plow through.  It was clear, early on, however, that it deserves it's place in the literary classics.  It is a sweeping epic that connects world history with the particularities of people, families, and human experience.  It almost felt like a television mini-series, but no one can accuse Tolstoy of having that in mind when he wrote it!  Tolstoy's ability to weave together a grand historic narrative with an intensely human story-line, more likely, speaks to his visionary writing style. 

Part of the allure of War and Peace is that it was pushing the boundaries of the genre at the time.  Tolstoy didn't want to be pigeon-holed, hence my hesitation to call War and Peace 'historic fiction', but, to me, that is what it is.  I did find some of the families and story-lines difficult to follow, and I am not that familiar with Russian history.  What I did find enjoyable and rewarding were the small stories, the dialogues and mini-vignettes, the emotions and actions of and between characters.  It was almost like reading a series of short stories, all published within a single volume sharing points of connection.  This is where I stole a glimpse of what is referred to as Tolstoy's 'genius', and where he can be seen, I think, as a master of his craft.  

I also found it interesting to explore more about Tolstoy himself.  I watched the movie "The Last Station", and I recommend it.  In the end, I found Tolstoy's personal life and writing process more intriguing then the novel itself, and I want to continue learning more about him and his Russian literary counterparts.

The Restless Questometer: 87.5 (out of 100)

Epic'ness'= 25 (perfect marks, who hasn't heard of this book, or write in its shadow?)
Enjoyment = 18 (generally slogged through it, but parts were brilliant, and worth the effort!)
Eloquence = 22.5 (Grand narrative flow, great descriptions, a bit 'jumpy')
Exploration of the human condition = 23 (Some amazing glimpses into the human experience, especially of the soldiers, and some of the female characters)