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What's this ? It's a Book Buddy Read ! All are welcome to join in.

When We are reading this book all year long. A chapter a day or 7 chapters a week. We hope to begin chapter one on January 1, 2025.

Book War and Peace

author Leo Tolstoy
Leo Tolstoy, was a Russian writer. He is regarded as one of the greatest and most influential authors of all time. Wikipedia
Born: September 9, 1828, Yasnaya Polyana, Yasnaya Polyana, Russia
Died: November 20, 1910 (age 82 years), Lev Tolstoy

Wiki Bio- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leo_Tol...

Where?
The entire discussion will take place in this thread.
**** Please do not start new threads ! ****

Spoiler Alert

Since we are reading at our own pace, and this is a very long book, it will be helpful if you can put the Chapter # at the top of your post.

If you are posting a spoiler
please note that at the top of your post with the chapter # .
You can also use the spoiler HTML .

Book Details
Publisher- There are many editions and translations. You can get it in eBook, or a paper edition.
Publication date: ‏ 1869
Language ‏ : ‎ Russian- some French - Translated to English
Print length- around 1,400 pages.

synopsis
The book follows the experiences of Russian families during the Napoleonic era, including the lead-up to and aftermath of the 1812 French invasion of Russia.

There are a ton of characters in W&P. These are the main ones.
I found the list on Lit Charts.

You might find it helpful to write down these names and make a character list for yourself. That is what I am doing.

Note: A single character may have 3 names. Formal name, patronym, and their title.

Patronym- For ex. William's son, Erik. Might be referred to as Erik Williamson.

***********Major Characters in W&P *****************

----Prince Andrei Bolkonsky
Prince Andrei is the son of Prince Nikolai Bolkonsky and brother of Princess Marya Bolkonsky. At the beginning of the novel, he is married to Lise, “the little princess,” but he’s discontent with married life.

---Pierre Bezukhov
Pierre is an illegitimate son of Petersburg’s wealthy, dying Count Bezukhov. He was educated in Paris and, when he returns to Petersburg as a young man, he’s socially awkward

----Natasha Rostov
Natasha, daughter of the Count and Countess Rostov, is an irrepressibly lively young girl who charms people even when her impulsive behavior breaches noble social norms.

---Nikolai Rostov
Nikolai is the eldest Rostov son. Throughout the novel, he’s often simply referred to as “Rostov.” He and his younger sister Natasha are close friends.

---Princess Marya Bolkonsky
Princess Marya lives with her father Prince Nikolai Bolkonsky on his Bald Hills estate. She is also very close to her brother Prince Andrei, often worrying about his moral and spiritual state.

----Prince Nikolai Bolkonsky
Prince Nikolai, father of Prince Andrei and Princess Marya, lives on a rural estate called Bald Hills. He spends his time tutoring Princess Marya and improving his property.

----Count Rostov
Count Rostov, husband of Countess Rostov and father of Vera, Nikolai, Natasha, and Petya, is a cheerful, generous man who lovingly indulges his family and enjoys the good things in life

----Countess Rostov
Countess Rostov, wife of Count Rostov and mother of Vera, Nikolai, Natasha, and Petya, is painfully aware of her family’s tenuous financial and social situation

-----Sonya Rostov
Sonya, 15 at the start of the novel, is Count Rostov’s cousin. The Rostovs have taken her in because she’s orphaned and without means. She has strong romantic feelings for her second cousin Nikolai

----Petya Rostov
Petya is the youngest of the Rostov children, idealistic and emotional. In 1812, he’s desperate to join the army

-----Hélène Kuragin Bezukhov
Princess Hélène is Prince Vassily’s famously beautiful daughter. Unseemly rumors swirl around her, as she’s said to have many sexual affairs, even with her brother, Anatole.

-----General Kutuzov
Mikhail Illarionovich Kutuzov was a historical figure whom Tolstoy adapts for the novel. During the war of 1805, he is the commander in chief of the Russians fighting in Austria.

----Napoleon Bonaparte
Napoleon is the Emperor of France and Russian Emperor Alexander I’s antagonist in the Napoleonic Wars.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Napoleon

-----Emperor Alexander I
At the beginning of the novel, Russia’s Emperor is viewed by his people as an idealized savior of Russia and Europe. He is a handsome, mild-mannered young man with a gentle voice

-----Princess Lise (Liza) Bolkonsky (“the little princess”)
Lise or Liza Bolkonsky is Prince Andrei’s first wife, a young beauty who charms everyone. She is sensitive and quick to tears, and Prince Andrei can be impatient and downright scornful with her

------Nikolai Andreich (Nikolushka or Nikolenka) Bolkonsky
Nikolushka is Prince Andrei’s son. His mother, Princess Lise, died giving birth to him. When Nikolushka is seven, his father dies.

-----Prince Vassily Kuragin
Prince Vassily is a frequent guest at Anna Pavlovna Scherer’s Peterburg soirées. He is a shameless social climber, always looking to exploit relationships for his and his children’s gain.

----Anatole Kuragin
Anatole is one of Prince Vassily’s sons, known as an amoral good-for-nothing. He looks at life as entertainment, nothing more, and he doesn’t worry about the consequences of his actions for himself

-----Dolokhov
An unscrupulous army officer who’s friends with Anatole Kuragin. He’s a notorious gambler, cold-hearted, and remains clear-headed no matter how much he drinks

------Boris Drubetskoy
Boris is Anna Mikhailovna Drubetskoy’s son. He serves in the Semyonovsky guards.

------Julie Karagin Drubetskoy
Julie Karagin is a wealthy young woman of Moscow. Young Nikolai Rostov flirts with her, provoking Sonya’s jealousy. Julie is friends with Princess Marya Bolkonsky and often exchanges letters with her

---------Princess Anna Mikhailovna Drubetskoy
Anna Mikhailovna, a close friend of the Rostovs as well as a member of Petersburg society, is obsessed with securing a good social position for her son Boris.

-----------Captain Denisov
Denisov is Nikolai Rostov’s squadron commander in the Pavlogradsky hussars. Nikolai looks up to Denisov, and they become friends

-------Prince Bagration
Bagration (a real historical figure) is a Russian general in 1805–6 and a commander during Napoleon’s invasion in 1812.

------Anna Pavlovna Scherer
Anna Pavlovna is a middle-aged Petersburg society lady, a maid of honor to the Emperor’s mother. She hosts cultured soirées where important people mingle and discuss politics.

-----Platon Karataev
Platon is a fellow prisoner whom Pierre meets while in French custody. He is a gentle, wise peasant who reassures Pierre and seems to be “the embodiment of everything Russian.”

-----Osip (Iosif) Alexeevich Bazdeev
Bazdeev is a prominent Mason whom Pierre meets at a crisis point in his life. He is an elderly, squat, wrinkled man with glittering eyes.

------Marya Dmitrievna Akhrosimov
Marya Dmitrievna is a formidable, opinionated widow and Natasha’s godmother. The Rostovs stay with her in Moscow during the winter of 1810–1811.

-----Captain Ramballe
Ramballe is a gregarious French officer who chooses Bazdeev’s house for his quarters upon invading Moscow.

From all i've heard about this massive novel, the character list will be viewed often! I will not be reading the book with you, but will be checking in.

There is a long series from the BBC on Amazon Prime for W&P. I watched a bit. It's very good. It does help to put a face to the names.

Some of Gretchen Rubin and her sister LIz Craft followers are doing W&P over the course of the year with @footnotes.and.tangents. It's a Sub Stack site. I'm not really sure how it all works. There is a small fee.

Deb, just a heads-up. I did set up the thread for you book buddy read. I know you are waiting on the library.

Alias, I've been wanting to read W&P for a long time, but the size of the book discouraged me. Reading a chapter a day seems like the perfect way of reading it! I've been reading Dickens' novels one chapter a day with another group for years, and was fine with keeping up with the reading.

Chapter 1
I just read the first chapter at Project Gutenberg to get a feel for the writing since I don't have a copy of the book. I found Tolstoy's writing to be engaging, although I'll have to go back to make notes about the names.

It's starting off with some matchmaking plans to marry a spendthrift son to a wealthy princess. There is the mention of Napoleon which is foreshadowing the war to come.

It's great to see you here, Connie ! I'm glad you can join in.

I read Les Miserables with a group that way and I enjoyed it. It's not so dauting when you do it this way.

If you have Amazon Prime they have the BBC TV series for free right now. I've only watched a few episodes. I mention it because having a face to put to the names does help. Also the clothes are wonderful as well as the scenes of Russia in the snow. Beautiful.

Chapter 1

I'm happy to see the language used is really very contemporary. It's not too difficult to understand at all.

Do you get a Downton Abbey vibe at the party ? People are very into social standings, money etc.

I had to laugh at how Prince Vassily Kuragin talked about his son, Anatole. "My children are the bane of my existence".

Unfortunately, I don't have Amazon Prime. But I remember watching the movie "Anna Karenina" which had the opulent fashions and stage sets. Since it's also a Tolstoy book, I imagine it would be set at a similar time.

Which translation of W&P are you using?

Prince Vassily Kuragin has probably been paying off Anatole's debts. Young noblemen loved to gamble, although it hasn't been mentioned yet what Anatole is spending his money on.

Chapter 1

"Well, Prince, so Genos and Lucca are now just family estates of the Buonapartes."

The opening line of the book has Anna Pavlovna calling Napoleon by his Italian family surname instead of the French Bonaparte. The French language was used in high society so she was emphasizing Napoleon's non-French family background. I need to read more about Napoleon as we continue reading since I hadn't realized that he was born on the island of Corsica to a family of Italian origin.

Chapter 2

"Each visitor performed the ceremony of greeting this old aunt whom not one of them knew, not one of them wanted to know, and not one of them cared about; Anna Pávlovna observed these greetings with mournful and solemn interest and silent approval. The aunt spoke to each of them in the same words, about their health and her own, and the health of Her Majesty, “who, thank God, was better today.” And each visitor, though politeness prevented his showing impatience, left the old woman with a sense of relief at having performed a vexatious duty and did not return to her the whole evening.

I was enjoying Tolstoy's humor when he wrote about Anna Pavlovna introducing her guests to her aging aunt. It seemed to be Anna's way of seeing whether her guests behaved in a socially acceptable manner.

This is the edition I have.

War and Peace (Cambridge World Classics) Critical Edition (Annotated) (Complete Works of Leo Tolstoy / Complete Works of Leo Tolstoi Book 2)
Kindle Edition
Leo Tolstoy, Leo Tolstoi, Cambridge World Classics, Christopher Hong, Louise Maude, Aylmer Maude

I wanted a Critical Edition. It was $1 on Amazon.

This link will give you a info on the 3 of the 7 translations.
https://footnotesandtangents.substack...

Connie wrote: "Chapter 1

The opening line of the book has Anna Pavlovna calling Napoleon by his Italian family surname instead of the French Bonaparte. The French language was used in high society so she was emphasizing Napoleon's non-French family background. I need to read more about Napoleon as we continue reading since I hadn't realized that he was born on the island of Corsica to a family of Italian origin.
..."

I had no idea either. Actually my knowledge of Napoleon is pretty much zero. I have to read more about him.

Alias Reader wrote: "This is the edition I have.

War and Peace (Cambridge World Classics) Critical Edition (Annotated) (Complete Works of Leo Tolstoy / Complete Works of Leo Tolstoi Book 2)
Kindle Edition
Leo Tolstoy,..."


Thanks for the link, Alias.

Alias Reader wrote: "Deb, just a heads-up. I did set up the thread for you book buddy read. I know you are waiting on the library..."

Thank you, Alias. I got it this morning.

Alias Reader wrote: "It's great to see you here, Connie ! I'm glad you can join in.

I read Les Miserables with a group that way and I enjoyed it. It's not so dauting when you do it this way. ..."

Good way to read these long novels. I read 100 pages of Les Mis, years ago, but never resumed, as intended. Now i'd have to reread those first 100 to help recall the cadence, language, characters, story, and more.

Chapter 2

I highlighted this section. It's kind of sad. I guess this is the way a lot of older people are treated. :(

"Each visitor performed the ceremony of greeting this old aunt whom not one of them knew, not one of them wanted to know, and not one of them cared about..."

We meet, Pierre in this chapter. A major character. In the film I saw he looked like Harry Potter ! LOL ( though I've never read or seen the HP movies)

I looked at the trailer for the movie, and was wondering who the guy in glasses was. I'm glad you identified him as Pierre, Alias.

Chapter 3

Abbe Morio is based on the real life priest and writer Scipione Piattoli. (Piattoli is known for co-drafting the Constitution of 3 May 1791 in Poland.) The Abbe talks to Pierre about the balance of power in Europe as a means for keeping peace:

Pierre had managed to start a conversation with the abbé about the balance of power, and the latter, evidently interested by the young man’s simple-minded eagerness, was explaining his pet theory. Both were talking and listening too eagerly and too naturally, which was why Anna Pávlovna disapproved.

“The means are ... the balance of power in Europe and the rights of the people,” the abbé was saying. “It is only necessary for one powerful nation like Russia—barbaric as she is said to be—to place herself disinterestedly at the head of an alliance having for its object the maintenance of the balance of power of Europe, and it would save the world!”

Portrait of Piattoli by Marcello Bacciarelli:

Tolstoy wrote a serialized book called "The Year 1805" which was published in The Russian Messenger from 1865-1867. It was revised and "War and Peace" was published in 1869. Serial publications often had short chapters.



Photograph of Leo Tolstoy in 1908 (age 79) by Sergey Prokudin Gorsky

Chapters 1-6

About the movie:
The scenes in the Saint Petersburg salon of society hostess Anna Pavlovna were shot in the Golden Room of the Rundale Palace in Bauska, Latvia. The palace was the work of the same architect, Bartolomeo Rastrelli, who designed Saint Petersburg's Winter Palace and Catherine Palace.

Most of the filming was done in Latvia and Lithuania since it could be done with less expense.

Website of the Rundale Palace with lovely photographs:
https://rundale.net/en/

I am out of town right now but will catch up on chapters 1-4 when I get home and post my thoughts.

Connie wrote: "Chapter 3

Abbe Morio is based on the real life priest and writer Scipione Piattoli. (Piattoli is known for co-drafting the Constitution of 3 May 1791 in Poland.) The Abbe talks to Pierre about the..."


Thank you for this post. At the end of Chapter 2, when he said, "At last he came up to Morio." I was confused as to who that was. I'll make a note now to my character list.

It's interesting how Tolstoy had some real life people mixed in with fictional characters.

Since, I believe, the plot is fictional, would including read life characters make the book historical fiction ?

Connie wrote: "Chapters 1-6

About the movie:
The scenes in the Saint Petersburg salon of society hostess Anna Pavlovna were shot in the Golden Room of the Rundale Palace in Bauska, Latvia. The palace was the wor..."

The salon and especially the winter outdoor scenes in the movie version that I watch are gorgeous.

I don't want to get too far ahead of my reading with the BBC movie, so I'm trying to keep pace with the book as I read.

Connie wrote: "Chapters 1-6

Website of the Rundale Palace with lovely photographs"

I was wondering what the actual building was in the movie. I assumed it was a government building. I didn't know it was a palace. Beautiful !

I'm finding it a bit hard to keep all the various relationships in my mind.

I thought a flow chart would help. There are many online. However, I thought this simple one would help me keep a few main characters clear in my mind.

Chapter 3

"Napoleon happened to fall into one of the fainting fits to which he was subject..."

I googled this and it noted:

Napoleon Bonaparte's fainting spell during the 1799 coup of Brumaire appears to have contributed to subsequent rumors that he suffered fits of epilepsy or insanity.

Napoleon Bonaparte was a general in the French army at 24 years of age, later conquering most of Europe. He was one of the greatest military geniuses the world has ever known, but also an extremely intelligent individual. Did he have seizures? The evidence shows that he had both psychogenic and epileptic attacks. The psychogenic attacks were likely related to the tremendous stress in his life, and the epileptic seizures were the result of chronic uremia from a severe urethral stricture caused by gonorrhea that was transmitted from his wife, Empress Josephine.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14698....

That's interesting medical information about Napoleon, Alias. I looked up the symptoms of uremia, and it's remarkable that he functioned as well as he did in the time before antibiotics and dialysis.

https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/pa...

Chapter 4 or 5, depending on which translation is being read

The assassination of Louis Antoine, Duke of Enghien, by Napoleon was very controversial. Wikipedia has information about this real historical figure that the people at Anna's gathering are discussing. Pierre is supporting the actions of Napoleon.

Louis Antoine, Duke of Enghien
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louis_A...

Connie wrote: "Chapter 4 or 5, depending on which translation is being read

Pierre is supporting the actions of Napoleon.."

This was something I didn't know. Many of the Russian elite also were Francophiles. They even spoke French. Even the main character in W&P has a French name and defended Napoleons actions.

I don't speak French, so I am glad the edition I chose did not have the French in the main text and the translation in the footnotes as some editions have it.

I really don't know much about Russian history, so I'm finding myself going off on tangents. It's fun as I've only started and feel like am learning a lot.

Though I'm not clear on why if so many Russian elites spoke French and even were schooled there, like Pierre, why is Napoleon attacking Russia ? So I had to Google that.
Here is what it said.

Napoleon invaded Russia in 1812 for a number of reasons, including:

Punish Tsar Alexander
Napoleon wanted to punish Tsar Alexander I of Russia for breaking the Continental System by trading with England.

Pressure the United Kingdom
Napoleon wanted to force the United Kingdom to sue for peace by pressuring Russia to stop trading with British merchants.

Liberate Poland
The official political goal of the campaign was to free Poland from Russia's threat.

Establish European dominance
Napoleon wanted to establish a French-dominated empire in Europe and make Paris the capital of the world.

Spread French Revolution
Napoleon wanted to spread a French Revolution-inspired system across Europe, including a single currency, system of weights and measures, and philosophy of administration.

Napoleon's Invasion of Russia - World History Encyclopedia
The invasion, also known as the Russian Campaign, is considered one of the most devastating military endeavors in history.

Napoleon invaded Russia in 1812

The 1812 Overture by Russian composer Tchaikovsky is
a piece that commemorates Russia's successful defense against the French invasion of the nation in 1812.

It is not about the War of 1812 which was a conflict between the United States and Great Britain

1812 overture live at red square Moscow, with cannons!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ximps...

1812 Overture - Tchaikovsky (War and Peace 1967)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTaJ1...

The New York Philharmonic Plays the 1812 Overture in Vail, 072112
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BI2Wh...

Alias, that was great information about the reasons that Napoleon invaded Russia. I don't know much about the Napoleonic Wars and this period of history so I'm going down a lot of rabbit holes when I start googling. It adds to the interest in reading W&P.

I learned some basic French in high school, but that was a long time ago. I probably remember enough to figure it out in context.

I love the 1812 Overture! I never gave it much thought about which war it was celebrating.

I started reading the Maude version of W&P at Project Gutenberg. Then I got the Constance Garnett version from the library which divides the chapters in a slightly different manner. I might continue with the Maude version since I can print out the day's reading and make notes about what I want to google later.

I would love to hear the 1812 performed live. Maybe one day.

Just a tip that is working well for me. When I come across a person I don't know, I just use my iPhone and google who is........ in W&P. This way I don't have to interrupt the page I'm on my Kindle. This would work really well for a paper book edition. I get a short answer as well as the family connection. Which is helpful to who is in which of the 5 major families.

I just finished chapter 4 and I think the people and names are mostly coming together.

I'm enjoying the book quite a bit. I hope you are too.

Chapter 4

A lot of sarcastic back biting lines going on at the soiree.

Loved these.

Vicomte- "...in a matter which he is better acquainted then anyone else, does not listen to others but follows the current of his own thoughts..."

about Pierre "...betraying his extreme youth and his wish to express all that was in his mind."

A few things I had to look up:

Duc d'Enghien- Louis Antoine de Bourbon, Duke of Enghien was a member of the House of Bourbon of France. More famous for his death than his life, he was executed by order of Napoleon Bonaparte, who brought charges against him of aiding Britain and plotting against Napoleon. He was 31 years old
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louis_A...

Rousseau's Contrat Social- The Social Contract, originally published as On the Social Contract; or, Principles of Political Right, is a 1762 French-language book by the Genevan philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau. Wikipedia
Originally published: 1762
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Soc...

Chapter 4 or 5 - Some thoughts about the political situation

Anna's party was set in 1805. It is certainly understandable that the Vicomte Mortemart is upset about the execution of the Duc d'Enghien. The Vicomte had to flee France and is a Royalist emigrant in Russia. He would not support Rousseau's "Contrat Social" which calls for individual freedom.

Anna Pavlovna is the maid of honor for the Russian Empress Marya Fedorovna. So she would be supportive of people of royal blood. Napoleon was a commoner, and the Duc d'Enghien was from the House of Bourbon with close family ties to the Bourbon French kings.

Going back to Chapter 1, Anna has mentioned several things that help us understand the European conflicts. Britain refused to evacuate Malta according to the terms of the 1802 Treaty of Amiens which ended the French Revolutionary War. Napoleon violated the Treaty of Lundville of 1801 (between France and the Austrian Empire), failed to guarantee Dutch independence, continued to build ships, and garrisoned the Channel coast. So war restarted between Britain and France on May 18, 1803.

Anna also mentioned Hardenberg and Haugwitz in Chapter 1. They were both Foreign Ministers of Prussia, and Hardenberg was a political reformer. Napoleon tore up the previous treaty when he was negotiating with Haugwitz, and Prussia ceded a large amount of territory to France and was forced to close the Hanoverian ports to British commerce in 1806.

I've noticed that Tolstoy likes to include a humorous story after a discussion about politics so the chapters end on a light note. I wonder if that will continue.

Excellent and helpful post, Connie. I have a feeling W&P is the type of book with many layers. Philosophy plays a big part.

I am almost caught up and will post thoughts on chapter 1-6 tomorrow. After that I will be on the one chapter a day schedule. I got bogged down on the intro and foreword to the book

I'm glad you're joining us, Denise! I'm enjoying Tolstoy's writing especially since I explored the historical period a bit. Tolstoy seems to be giving us a balance of serious concerns, and gossip/humor that makes for engaging reading.

Chapter 6

Prince Andrew and Pierre are discussing occupation choices for Pierre, including a military career. Pierre responds:

There is a war now against Napoleon. If it were a war for freedom I could understand it and should be the first to enter the army; but to help England and Austria against the greatest man in the world is not right.”

Prince Andrew only shrugged his shoulders at Pierre’s childish words. He put on the air of one who finds it impossible to reply to such nonsense, but it would in fact have been difficult to give any other answer than the one Prince Andrew gave to this naïve question.

“If no one fought except on his own conviction, there would be no wars,” he said.

“And that would be splendid,” said Pierre.

Prince Andrew smiled ironically.

“Very likely it would be splendid, but it will never come about....”

“Well, why are you going to the war?” asked Pierre.

“What for? I don’t know. I must. Besides that I am going....” He paused. “I am going because the life I am leading here does not suit me!”

Andrew seems unhappy in his life. His wife is pregnant, and he seems to be ignoring her. I'm curious if this was a marriage for political or economic reasons.

Denise wrote: "I am almost caught up and will post thoughts on chapter 1-6 tomorrow. After that I will be on the one chapter a day schedule. I got bogged down on the intro and foreword to the book"

No rush, Denise. I'll probably be on and off with the daily read. Sometimes reading more or less.

Connie wrote: "Chapter 6

Prince Andrew and Pierre are discussing occupation choices for Pierre, including a military career. Pierre responds:

There is a war now against Napoleon. If it were a war for freedom I..."

Though they are good friends, Pierre and Andrew, they seem very different and have a different philosophy on life.

Andrew is unhappy and looking for the meaning of life. It does not seem to be with his wife and child to be. He thinks maybe he will find it on the battlefield. He is fighting against Napoleon. He tells Pierre that the Free Masons are "nonsense".

Pierre is naive and at this point a bit directionless. He doesn't know what he wants to do with his life. He also lacks the breeding to fit in well with high society. Though "good natured" He is pro Napoleon. He was sent away at ten and returned at twenty. I don't know if this was customary for that time.

Here is what I found about the Free Masons.

Freemasonry is a men's fraternal organization that's known for its emphasis on fellowship, moral discipline, and mutual assistance.

Freemasonry is religious in nature, but it doesn't subscribe to a specific orthodoxy. Freemasons believe in a supreme being and the immortality of the soul. They also teach morality, charity, and obedience to the law.

The intro to my version points out that it is difficult to say what the book is about (Its not about War and Peace) because it covers so many topics and issues. I am interested in seeing if i can determine "What it's about". He also discussed the plot already being "in progress" when we begin, and so far he is right about this and i like it.

I did notice that we open in the middle of a conversation at a party, but I don't feel I missed anything.

Looking forward to updating more later when I am done working

I started to just write the names of the characters on paper. Then I realized that the families plays a big part. So I took 5 index cards and put the 5 families on them. (sounds like The Godfather) LOL

Here is what I have. I tried to not put spoilers. You can fill in more detail as you read. There might be slight spelling difference in the names depending on your edition. I thought I would share with you.

1- Bolkonskys

-Father- Nikolai

-Son- Prince Andrei (marries Lise)

- Daughter- Marya - Plain looking -
Friend of Julie Karagin Drubetskoy


2- Bezukhov
Old father who dies at start of story- Count Kirill Vladimirovich Bezukhov

-- His estate goes to
Pierre (his illegitimate son)

---

3- Drubetskoy

-- Anna- (asks for a position for her son Boris

-- Boris - Son

-- Julie Karragin Drubetskoy


4 Kuragin

-- Prince Vassily -- Married to -- Aline

Children:

1- Anatole

2- Helene

3- Hippolyte (Ippolit)


5 Rostovs

Father- Count Ilyat Married to Natalya

Children::

1- Vera - Eldest daughter- rigid formal

2- Natasha- pretty vivacious.

3- Nikolay - Older son-

4- Sofia / Sonia - Orphan

5- Petya- Youngest son

The list of characters should be very helpful, Alias.

You're welcome. I decided I had to figure out something when I became confused and thought Hippolyte and Ippolit were two different people ! LOl

Anyway, I've finished chapter 9.

It seem like Dolokhov is a bad influence on Pierre.

The poor bear !

Chapters 9-10

After reading about the drunken party and the incident with the bear and the policeman, I googled to see if I could find a book illustration of the poor bear cub. This is from a 1960s era Soviet movie--the drunken young men are turning the bear into a party animal!



The bear incident will change plans for these men, and Pierre will be sent back to Moscow.

While Tolstoy has written a funny scene, I remember seeing a bear doing tricks at an animal show for children at a big fair years ago. The poor bear was so drugged that he could hardly stand up. My young daughters enjoyed the dog shows, but they were rightly very upset to see a bear being treated that way.

Alias Reader wrote: "You're welcome. I decided I had to figure out something when I became confused and thought Hippolyte and Ippolit were two different people ! LOl

Anyway, I've finished chapter 9.

It seem like Dol..."
It's getting frustrating how many different names characters are referred to. My copy has a character list/family tree, fortunately

This is a good article about Russian names. Janet Finch, who is writing a novel set in Russia, explains the names and nicknames in "Oh, Those Names! or How to Read a Russian Novel":

https://www.janetfitchwrites.com/jane...

Connie wrote: "Chapters 9-10

While Tolstoy has written a funny scene, I remember seeing a bear doing tricks at an animal show for children at a big fair years ago. The poor bear was so drugged that he could hardly stand up. My young daughters enjoyed the dog shows, but they were rightly very upset to see a bear being treated that way.
"

As a child I remember going to the Barney & Bailey circus at Madison Sq. Garden in NYC. I did love the trapeze artists. I recall my dad purchased a large magazine souvenir for me. I must have studied those photos for hours ! LOL. I also recall that everyone purchased these small flashlights. They would shut the lights and everyone would wave the flashlights around.

As an adult I'm saddened by zoos and the circus. I was so happy when B&B announced in 2022 that going forward there would be no animals. Progress.

Connie wrote: "This is a good article about Russian names. Janet Finch, who is writing a novel set in Russia, explains the names and nicknames in "Oh, Those Names! or How to Read a Russian Novel":

https://www.ja..."

It is confusing. For me, seeing the BBC series helped, somewhat, when it came to who was who. I'm going to focus on the 7 main characters I shared in post #25.