sadiqmuhammad's review
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
randomgirlmia's review
4.0
"Indeed, all men live not by what they may intend for their own well-being, but by the love that dwells in others."
sullyisreading's review
adventurous
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A good story, an ironic parable on the nature of greed versus need. The story this book features after, What Men Live By, is a wonderful story befitting a Christmas movie adaptation. Reminded me in tone of It's a Wonderful Life, albeit with a different premise. I think I preferred it as a story, however the book as a whole was lovely. Would encourage me to read more of Tolstoy's works.
mahi's review
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
samyisreading's review against another edition
I think people who strive for power should read this, ha
lizardkidd's review
4.0
Tolstoy’s laconic style and thought provoking messages inside his writing is what makes me love books so much.
He doesn’t overindulge in the nuance of words, but the nuance of meaningful storytelling.
The first story takes you through the life of a peasant, who proclaims to be happier than his rich counterpart, yet after attaining some extra land, the slippery slope of greed only seems to get steeper the further you succumb to it.
I particularly liked the second short story. The proclivities and nature of man; the power of good deeds, living in the present, and being grateful - sometimes pays off in experiences you could never have before fathomed.
He doesn’t overindulge in the nuance of words, but the nuance of meaningful storytelling.
The first story takes you through the life of a peasant, who proclaims to be happier than his rich counterpart, yet after attaining some extra land, the slippery slope of greed only seems to get steeper the further you succumb to it.
I particularly liked the second short story. The proclivities and nature of man; the power of good deeds, living in the present, and being grateful - sometimes pays off in experiences you could never have before fathomed.
signfornerd's review
fast-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? Yes
2.0
I know this isn't even a speck into Tolstoy's works but it put me off and bored me to no end... While I get the sentiments and ideas conveyed it just wasn't for me
2 stars because I only really liked the ending of What Men Live By, but How Much Land Does A Man Need? was a disappointment
I don't know what it is with these Little Black Classics editions but every one I've read has read so devoid of anything; I can't tell if it's the translations or the times these were written but I'm almost regretting buying the boxset
2 stars because I only really liked the ending of What Men Live By, but How Much Land Does A Man Need? was a disappointment
I don't know what it is with these Little Black Classics editions but every one I've read has read so devoid of anything; I can't tell if it's the translations or the times these were written but I'm almost regretting buying the boxset