charlibirb's review against another edition
2.0
UGH. I will NEVER read this book again. The worst part was feeling like there was going to be in interesting plot, and then it wasn't. Also those repetitive essays that lasted for PAGES about how Napolian/Tzar Alexander/generals etc. don't actually affect the course of history. So many long-winded essays about history! And the number of books I could have read in the time it took me to slog through this one... Booooo! Well, now the book bucket list is shorter. MUCH MUCH shorter.
viktoria03's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.25
quinnvollink's review against another edition
5.0
we all belong to history and freedom does not truly exist
jeannettevs's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
vivisms_82's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
vivisms_82's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
slow-paced
4.25
marvellous edition
iker's review against another edition
5.0
This was one of the best books I have read in a long time and quite daunting at first. I never knew I wanted to learn about early 19th century Russia, but the substance in Tolstoy's reasoning proved to be timeless. He seamlessly shifts between historical fiction to fact, while criticizing the Russian and French governments, historians, and general population of the time. However, he does not overlook the merits of each. Even though it was slightly slow moving at times, the stories were never without purpose and always ended with appreciable vigor.
jbriaz's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This Tolstoy fellow sure could write. This book is super effing long and redundant at points but eminently accessible. Tolstoy opined on love, war, religion, cognitive biases, history, etc. Tolstoy was a grumpy man with lots of faults, but he penned a great novel. It is not my favorite literary novel of all-time. But it is objectively the best literary novel I have ever read.
thelazyoxymoron's review against another edition
5.0
Finally! I did it! I can't say anything about this behemoth of a book that hasn't already been said by countless others, so I"ll just say this - it is worth all the hype it gets. No wonder Tolstoy is regarded as one of the greatest authors of all time!