Reviews

The Death of Ivan Ilych by Leo Tolstoy

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antoniobsalvador's review

dark sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

Lev Tolstoy is widely regarded as one of the greatest authors of all time. "The Death of Ivan Ilych" solidifies his reputation, serving as a poignant exploration of terminal illness. While I appreciated the eloquent portrayal of a person on their deathbed and found the book to be incredibly engaging – easily readable in one sitting – I am inclined to believe that it might not have attained "classic" status if it were more extensive.

Furthermore, I'd like to emphasize that Tolstoy succeeded in illustrating how those surrounding the dying often prioritize their own concerns over genuinely caring for the afflicted, even when they are close relatives. Regrettably, "The Death of Ivan Ilych" somewhat deterred me from delving into Tolstoy's other celebrated classics.

nickysbooks78's review

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dark emotional reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character

4.0

stacey_thebookdragon's review

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5.0

I am a die hard Tolstoy fan. I have read War and Peace 7 times.
I was bound to love The Death of Ivan Ilych and I did.
I always thought the death of Count Andrey Bolkonsky to be the most beautiful death scene in the world literature, but now the episode has a serious competitor.
If you ever saw someone die from a terminal illness - go read it
If you thought about what people might be feeling when they die - go read it
If you are a writer and you want to kill off all your characters - go read it.

Just guys. It's Leo Tolstoy, ok? He is the most honest writer on planet Earth, the way he ruthlessly pictures people's feeling, characters, thoughts - it's just beyond any other writer's ability. Go read it.