Reviews for War and Peace (Everyman's Library)

The average rating for War and Peace (Everyman's Library) based on 2 reviews is 4 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2011-06-15 00:00:00 Rob Christy [ I think these old translations are basically fine and probably have an advantage over more recent ones in being slightly old-fashioned in their diction and tone, Tolstoy was a 19th century writer (hide spoiler)]

Review # 2 was written on 2011-12-19 00:00:00 Manuel Dietz THE END. Oh, no, I never want it to end. I want it to go on forever! Ok, so here goes. I am going to attempt a review of War and Peace in my simpleton language. But, I am so adamant about the greatness of this book that I want everyone to read it before finishing life. "HURRAH", I finally finished War and Peace (for the second time), but THIS time I really read it and thoroughly enjoyed every word. I think when I read it at 25 it was the "challenge" aspect and didn't really appreciate all the nuances, philosophies of Tolstoy, etc. because I was too young. At my age now, death is more prominent on my mind, and I appreciate his philosophizing much more. Tolstoy's writing is so easy to follow. His words just flow from story to story and bring you in close to each person and each family. I felt such warm feelings for Nicholas, Princess Mary, Natasha, Andrew and of course Pierre. My war hero was General Kutuzov. Kutuzov, depicted by Tolstoy, is a man who "adapts to the flow of events and thinks on his feet". From Tolstoy's descriptions of Kutuzov, I saw this wise, fatherly image in front of me, a thoughtful and intelligent man. Ah, the war scenes - what emotions Tolstoy brings out in you at each battle. You are right there on the ground looking up at the brilliant blue sky (his landscape descriptions are superb) and you feel the emotions and fear from each scene. The blood, the cold, the fog, the hoar frost on the ground is so clear in your mind. He is a genius. Tolstoy brings religion into many aspects of this tome, but in a way to make you think, not to convert. He gives you bits of what everyone feels and ponders about God and it works your mind. Yes, that is exactly what this book did for me. It made my mind work; really contemplate life. I was left with such good feelings that it made an impact on my philosophy of life. Tolstoy used many analogies throughout that were excellent. One analogy towards the end of the book was about a soldier and how this man represented the cog in the wheel. You are left with immense respect for the soldier. Tolstoy's writing is very persuasive. He persuaded me to admire Kutuzov, to understand war in general and to rethink the philosophy of life. The only reason it took me so long to read this book is because of the normal interruptions of life. It is such an easy read most people should finish it within a few months easily. I've heard some say following the families is difficult. The families are listed at the beginning of the book and I referenced them as a new one was introduced, and it wasn't bad at all. And, believe me, after getting to know each and every one of the characters, you will become attached and never forget them. War and Peace is number one on my list as the best book ever written, and will never leave that position. I recommend this to EVERYONE! HURRAH!