Krissy
05-24-2005, 06:07 PM
Highly entertaining, moderately intellectual, and only slightly accurate, this book is an excellent read for anyone willing to brave the rather disheartening 365 chapters which constitutes this work. In several places, such as the mentions of the Masons and the workings of the Russian government and army, Tolstoy is something less than punctilious in his adherence to the facts of the times (for instance, Pierre- realistically speaking- would encounter untold opposition in joining the Brotherhood of Masons after fighting a duel, and the politics of war are at times rather off as well), but all in all, this book is a masterpiece. Tolstoy is not only a writer, but a genius; whether the reader enjoys or detests his work is quite immaterial- the main thing is that the novel is over 1400 pages long, and that in itself is more than enough to go on for awhile. I have heard many of its readers brag about the length alone, rambling on for twenty minutes at a stretch without once giving an opinion on the actual plot, and so I consider the reading of this book a good investment. The only dilemma lies in the fact that so many people have already been required to read this work in school- nowadays the advantage lies in having read it more than once, so for those who are trying to get ahead I would recommend at least two or three perusals, and a copy of "Moby Dick".<br><br>Ponder this, peace out.<br>