War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy BOOK REVIEW

📚✨ Discover the world of Leo Tolstoy's masterpiece, War and Peace, in this spoiler-free review! Set in Russia during the Napoleonic era, this unforgettable novel is a must-read for literature lovers.
🔗 Get the books mentioned in this video here:
War and Peace (the edition I show in this video): tidd.ly/3lVvMxN
War and Peace (cloth-bound hardback trans. Anthony Briggs): tidd.ly/3HZqPO4
War and Peace (Penguin Classics paperback trans. Anthony Briggs): tidd.ly/3Fq9gr5
War and Peace (UK paperback trans. Volokhonsky and Pevear): tidd.ly/3WfYaf6
War and Peace (US paperback trans. Volokhonsky and Pevear) tidd.ly/3FM2mxw
War And Peace in 3 vols (Everyman's Library hardback trans. Louise and Aylmer Maude): tidd.ly/3VQGmHs
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[@JuanReads]

You can get the books on this video here: - War and Peace (the edition I should in this video): tidd.ly/3lVvMxN - War and Peace (cloth-bound hardback trans. Anthony Briggs): tidd.ly/3HZqPO4 - War and Peace (Penguin Classics paperback trans. Anthony Briggs): tidd.ly/3Fq9gr5 - War and Peace (UK paperback trans. Volokhonsky and Pevear): tidd.ly/3WfYaf6 - War and Peace (US paperback trans. Volokhonsky and Pevear) tidd.ly/3FM2mxw - War And Peace in 3 vols (Everyman's Library hardback trans. Louise and Aylmer Maude): tidd.ly/3VQGmHs

[@eduardson4880]

The best book review so far, but for you what's the best translation?

[@frankmorlock9134]

A very nice review of my favorite novel of all time. I read it when I was sixteen years old during the summer between graduating from high school and entering college. It took me about 6 days to read it at about 200 pages per day. I'm not a particularly fast reader but i was so engrossed that I couldn't put it down. The style was easy and the plot was not difficult to follow. Many people have trouble with the names of the Russian characters, but that didn't interfere with my enjoyment. For me it is the gold standard against which all other novels are measured, and none has ever equaled it. I agree with all the praise you lavish on it. Notwithstanding, certain aspects of it bothered me. Pierre, for example. He is a stand in, for Tolstoi himself. He seems to be capable of great things, and I kept waiting for him to take charge in some explosive way, but he never does. He is more a witness than a protagonist, and has great trouble making up his mind what to do. But that seems to be a characteristic of leading male characters ion Russian novels. They are always asking What is to be done ? but never seem to figure out the answer to that question. Pierre does, eventually, decide to assassinate Napoleon, but his attempt is clumsily executed and fails pathetically. It's more like a novel without any heroes, but lots of fascinating characters,. It reads like life. And 66 years after reading it, this book is still vivid in my mind. It might be better to say I lived it than read it. Around that time I watched the American film version with Audrey Hepburn as Natasha, and many years later the Russian version both of which were very effective. Later still, I translated from French the first stage version of War and Peace which was dramatized by a Russian emigre who had translated the novel into French in the 1920's. Again, congratulations on a very fine review.

[@JuanReads]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on War and Peace with me. It sounds like you have a deep appreciation for the novel and have engaged with it in a variety of ways over the years. I can understand why you might have been disappointed by Pierre's role in the story. It's true that he doesn't always seem to know what to do and can be indecisive at times, but I think that is part of what makes him a believable and relatable character. I also agree that War and Peace is a novel that explores the lives of many fascinating characters and portrays their struggles, triumphs, and failures in a way that feels very true to life. It's a testament to Tolstoy's writing that the book has remained so vivid in your memory all these years later. It's great that you have had the opportunity to experience the novel in different formats, including through film adaptations and a stage version. I hope you continue to enjoy War and Peace and find new insights and perspectives in it each time you revisit it.

[@frankmorlock9134]

@@JuanReads Yes, I agree that Pierre's indecisiveness does make him a more human character, but in fiction it is not, for an American raised on Westerns, a satisfying one. Thinking about it for the first time, I've noticed it seems to be a trait found in most Russian novels I can recall. The Hero (for example Zhivago) is more a center of attention than a protagonist. Russian heroes witness what's going on, are affected by it, but don't really take effective action. I remember expecting something great will happen when this potentially great man (Pierre) comes to grips with the problem he is facing--and the eventual disappointment when you realize it hasn't and will not happen. In contrast consider the ending of GWTW. How would you feel in Gone With The Wind, if Rhett Butler, instead of walking out on Scarlett, saying, " Frankly, I don't give a damn!", had simply shrugged and had a drink of Southern Comfort and gone to dinner ? Is Doestoevski any different ? Take The Idiot, for example. Prince Myshkin is deeply involved in the narrative, but, when the crisis comes he essentially has a nervous breakdown. Even in Crime and Punishment, Raskolnikov who started the story going by committing a double murder, and only confesses the crime when he is cornered by the Police inspector (whose tactics Raskolnikov finds very unfair and impolite) doesn't exactly repent, though we are assured by his girlfriend that eventually he will. So we have an inconclusive conclusion. It is sort of being in a high powered motor boat and you cannot get the engine to work, and the speed boat bobs in the water.

[@JuanReads]

@@frankmorlock9134 Thank you for your thoughts on the theme of indecisiveness in Russian literature. It is certainly true that many Russian novels feature characters who are more observers than active participants in the events of the story, and who may struggle with indecision or passivity in the face of crises. This tendency may reflect the Russian cultural and historical context in which these novels were written, as well as the individual authors' thematic and artistic intentions. It's interesting to consider how the portrayal of indecisive characters in Russian literature compares to the portrayal of more decisive characters in Western literature, such as in the example you provided of Rhett Butler in Gone With the Wind. While indecisiveness can make a character feel more human and relatable, it can also be frustrating for readers who are seeking more resolution or action in the story. Ultimately, the effectiveness of a character's portrayal as indecisive will depend on how it serves the overall narrative and themes of the work.

[@frankmorlock9134]

@@JuanReads No argument there. It worked very well in Oblomov, the aristocrat who can't make up his mind to get out of bed. Culturally, Russia has faced a lot of very difficult choices ever since Peter the Great dragged it kicking and screaming into the modern world. Peter was anything but indecisive. So hesitation and indecisiveness is not psychologically difficult to understand, but it sort of leaves the tough choices to those of cruder sensibilities who have no trouble making up their mind.

[@jeffreykaufmann2867]

1200 pages? The font must have been tiny

[@rebeccabsomanybooks3558]

This is a wonderful timely review. I plan in January to begin the read. You have allayed some of my fears concerning my lack of knowledge about Russian history. I have a biography of Napolean but decided that War and Peace might increase that interest. I love this time period. Thank you.

[@JuanReads]

Thank you! From what you say in your comment, I think you're going to love War and Peace. And I sincerely hope you will!

[@JMBell-H]

I've read WAR &PEACE at least 6 times in various translations. I've read the second epilogue only once. Once was enough.

[@JMBell-H]

I've read WAR &PEACE at least 6 times in various translations. I've read the second epilogue only once. Once was enough.

[@yeyonge]

My only regret about this book is that I bought the cheap $8 paperback Wordsworth Classic edition. Should've get myself the expensive hardcover or classic leather cover edition (if there is one) because this book is that biblical to me...

[@JuanReads]

It's always a good idea to invest in a good edition of a book that you really enjoy and that has a special meaning to you. I have linked to different editions of War and Peace, both hardback and paperback in this video's description.

[@miguelangelthomas5154]

Hooray! Juan's back!

[@parrujul2633]

Que alegría tenerte otra vez. !!!!Se te echaba de menos

[@JuanReads]

¡Muchas gracias!

[@Hojing908]

I finished war and peace part 4 today. I felt in this book most people are not perfectly and we are growing now Thank you for your video😍

[@Stirlitz1945]

Already finished it with the age of 18, it was just beautiful! Want to read it again!

[@brendandollar7987]

*PromoSM*

[@TheWatertigress]

I like your review thank you❤. I just started. I am fly on wall, but the various characters is challenging at beginning.

[@QuiltinRI]

Reading War and Peace has been on my bucket list since high school. Finally, over 50 years later, I bought a hard cover copy at a library book sale and dove in. I'm now about 80% through the book. Everything you say in your review is spot on! It is not a difficult book, and I encourage everyone who loves good books to read it!

[@TheVimarys1]

Great review, thanks. Many great books 📖 behind you.

[@vichetthim5223]

Love the way you speaks very convincing.

[@CalvinSpurgeonLewis]

Wonderful review! So glad I found your insightful, clear, engaging, knowledgeable comments. I read 60+ books last year. This year, I committed to read some longer classics, so I thought no better place to start than W&P.

[@JuanReads]

Thank you so much for the kind words! I'm glad to hear that you found my review insightful and engaging. It's great that you were able to read 60+ books last year, that's quite an accomplishment! And I totally agree with you on picking a classic to start, War and Peace is a great choice, it's a epic novel that truly immerses you in a different world. It's definitely a long book but I assure you the story, characters and the themes are worth the time and the effort. Let me know if you have any questions about it or if you need any recommendations for future classics to read, I'll be happy to help.

[@ameliareads589]

We did it! It definitely has been a ride. Thank you so much for being my companion in reading it. Totally agree with how you summarised it. It is such a telenovela in parts. With a questionable view on women of course. But I have read worse in classics. And it is only a bit confusing with regard to the side characters, but really easy accessible overall. Loved the experience of reading it.

[@JuanReads]

It was a pleasure to read War and Peace with you! It's definitely a long and complex novel, but also one that offers a lot of rewards for those who make the effort to read it. It's interesting that you mentioned how it can feel like a telenovela in parts - I think that's a great way to describe the way that Tolstoy weaves together so many different storylines and characters. And while it's true that the novel does have a somewhat questionable view of women, I think it's important to remember that it was written over 150 years ago and reflects the values and attitudes of its time. And, as you say, there are many novels where that is a lot worse!

[@shawkitty2524]

Great, very thorough, and honest review! I have had to make cheat sheets for books that were much shorter than "War & Peace", so I could definitely anticipate doing it for this one! Americans do not typically study European history in school, and I am woefully ignorant like many others, so I can anticipate at the very minimum looking up battles and people in Wikipedia to have some reference even if I don't do a deep study of them. Thanks so much!

[@JuanReads]

Thank you! Im so glad you liked my video. And I hope you enjoy reading War and Pleace, and learning about one of the most fascinating historical periods in European history.

[@senthil7130]

After seeing many review for W&P, this review is quiet honest, because for myself also the war parts are not interesting. The way Tolstoy write and connection between the aristocratic families life is💯

[@JuanReads]

Thank you! It's always interesting to hear different perspectives on works of literature, and it sounds like you, too, found the non-war elements of "War and Peace" to be particularly engaging. I was drawn in by Tolstoy's portrayal of the complex relationships and daily lives of the aristocratic families in the novel. However, I'd say, that while the war scenes may not have been as interesting to me (or you), they do play a significant role in the story and help to contextualize the events and characters within the historical context of the Napoleonic Wars.

[@johntorri9172]

Just finished the book! Really enjoyed your review! I also felt some war scenes a bit long but like you said some great moments and writing is in these scenes! Thank you for the review!

[@JuanReads]

Thank you, John! I'm glad you enjoyed my review of War and Peace :)

[@TheGerbita]

It’s good to see you back, Juan! I read W&P years ago, should reread at some point. Anna Karenina is in my lineup for January.

[@JuanReads]

Thanks! I think I prefer Anna Karenina to War and Peace, but both are great.

[@user09832]

Great channel! Subscribed.

[@JuanReads]

Welcome aboard!

[@pattyjohnson9092]

Very helpful. Thank you so much.

[@JuanReads]

You're very welcome!

[@TH3F4LC0Nx]

Hey, you're back! 😄 But oh no, you came back with one of my least favorite books! 😭😂 JK; this was a very good review! Enjoyed your commentary, even if I didn't really enjoy the book so much. 😅

[@JuanReads]

Thanks! It's nice to be back. I'd love to hear your thoughts on War and Peace and why it is one of your least favorite books.

[@TH3F4LC0Nx]

@@JuanReads Check my video "5 Classics You Should NOT Read". W&P was #1! 😅 I go pretty in-depth with it there. :)

[@JuanReads]

@@TH3F4LC0Nx I didn't realize you had your own channel. I've just subscribed to it and will check out that and your other videos soon :)

[@TH3F4LC0Nx]

@@JuanReads Hey thnx! Really appreciate it! :D

[@gabrielleindecker]

I’ve missed your videos! Great review!

[@JuanReads]

Thank you for your message! I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed the review. More to come!

[@souzanir]

Excellent. Enjoyable review.

[@JuanReads]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@robynfindley7623]

Good video and I like the cover of the book

[@JuanReads]

Thanks!

[@DimitrisLian]

Great review. I missed your videos.

[@JuanReads]

Thank you! It's great to be back!