[Book Review] “War and Peace” by Leo Tolstoy

War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy is undoubtedly one of the most renowned and intimidating books in modern literature. With its daunting length of over a thousand pages, many readers are initially deterred from picking it up. However, despite its challenges, War and Peace has stood the test of time as a literary masterpiece that continues to captivate and resonate with readers today.

The Relevance of War and Peace

At first glance, one might question the relevance of a novel written in the 19th century to the modern reader. However, War and Peace remains a book that expertly portrays the essence of life itself. Through its relatable characters, poignant scenes, and realistic character development, Tolstoy skillfully conveys the beauty of everyday existence. In a world filled with chaos and uncertainty, the themes explored in War and Peace still hold immense value, making it a timeless work of art.

Breaking the Mold of Russian Literature

War and Peace deviates from the traditional Russian literary canon in terms of character portrayal. Unlike writers such as Dostoevsky, Tolstoy presents his readers with ordinary, relatable characters. While Russian literature often features extravagant and eccentric individuals who defy societal norms, War and Peace stands out by depicting protagonists who are more representative of the average person.

This emphasis on the ordinary is one of the novel’s strengths. Tolstoy effectively captures the extraordinariness of everyday life through his characters. The reader can easily identify with individuals like Natasha Rostov and Pierre Bezukhov, allowing them to connect with the profound messages conveyed in the book.

The Extraordinary in the Ordinary

Through the lens of his characters, Tolstoy brings to light the extraordinary aspects of seemingly mundane events. One notable example is the scene in which Nikolai Rostov, facing immense debt and despair, hears his sister Natasha singing. While he had heard her sing countless times before, this particular moment resonates deeply with him. As he listens to the music, Nikolai is momentarily transported, forgetting his troubles and experiencing a profound connection to something higher than the tangible world.

Tolstoy’s ability to highlight the extraordinary within ordinary occurrences is a testament to his skill as a writer. It serves as a powerful reminder to readers that even in the midst of life’s challenges, there is beauty and meaning to be found.

Unparalleled Character Development

One of the notable advantages of War and Peace’s length is the ample room it provides for extensive character development. Tolstoy takes readers on a transformative journey as they witness the trials and tribulations faced by the characters. Some individuals evolve from being favorites to despised, only to regain the reader’s affection later on. This continuous observation and growth alongside the characters create a profound impact on the reader, leaving them forever changed upon completing the novel.

An Invitation to Embrace Life

In his article “7 Reasons You Should Give War and Peace a Chance,” Andrew Kaufman, a professor of Russian literature, aptly states that reading the novel “will make you feel better about being alive.” This sentiment perfectly encapsulates the essence of War and Peace. Similar to the transformative experience Nikolai had while listening to his sister sing, reading this novel touches the reader’s soul and ignites a newfound appreciation for life. It is not merely a book but an immersive experience, one that everyone should embark upon.

Tolstoy’s Intrusive Yet Absent Narrator

Tolstoy’s narrative style in War and Peace is a delicate balance between intrusive and absent. At times, he interjects, conveying his thoughts and guiding readers on what to think. Other times, he allows the world he has created to speak for itself, with minimal authorial intervention. This dual approach adds depth and richness to the storytelling, enabling readers to immerse themselves fully in the narrative.

The Contagion of Vitality

One of Tolstoy’s remarkable achievements in War and Peace is his ability to infuse his characters with vitality, which in turn infects the readers. The vibrant lives of the characters resonate deeply, leaving an indelible impression on anyone who encounters them. Whether it is Count Rostov’s infectious joy at a ball or Pierre Bezukhov’s captivating presence, these characters are irresistible, both to each other and to the reader. Their experiences, emotions, and zest for life draw us in, creating a sense of shared vitality.

Tolstoy’s Masterful Portrayal of Physicality

Tolstoy is widely regarded as a master of portraying physical involuntariness in his writing. He skillfully captures the body’s involuntary expressions of emotion, allowing readers to witness the spillage of raw feelings. From the old patriarch Prince Bolkonsky’s suppressed tenderness to Prince Andrei’s wife’s dead face silently conveying her anguish, Tolstoy’s attention to physical details adds depth and realism to his characters. His ability to reveal the unspoken through physicality is a testament to his prowess as a writer.

The Tension Between Persons and Types

War and Peace brims with a powerful tension between individual characters and archetypal representations. Tolstoy presents highly individualized characters with unique physical attributes and quirks, yet their emotions are universally relatable. This tension between the particular and the general allows minor characters to shine as brightly as the major ones. Tolstoy’s skill in encapsulating the essence of humanity, both in specific individuals and as a collective, is truly remarkable.

Tolstoy’s Unwritten, Unread Genius

There is an enigmatic quality to Tolstoy’s writing, as if it were unwritten and seemingly unread. His ability to breathe life into his characters and allow the world to narrate itself is unparalleled. It is as if Tolstoy effortlessly taps into the universal emotions and experiences that transcend the confines of his own words. Despite being an avid reader himself, drawing inspiration from various literary works, Tolstoy’s unique style and ability to capture life’s complexities set him apart as a master storyteller.

Conclusion

War and Peace, with its timeless themes and masterful storytelling, continues to captivate readers with its portrayal of life’s beauty and challenges. Tolstoy’s ability to depict the extraordinary within the ordinary, coupled with his vivid character development, makes this novel a transformative experience for all who embark upon its pages. As readers immerse themselves in the world of War and Peace, they are reminded of the contagious vitality of existence and the profound impact literature can have on one’s appreciation for life.