War and Peace is a famous historical novel written by Leo Tolstoy. It is considered to be one of the best novels ever written because it mixes fantasy and realism. But many people find it intimidating.
And that is for good reason; after all, this novel is long, with more than 1,400 pages, 500 characters, and 365 chapters. However, most people who have read this novel agree that, while it is long, it is not hard to read.
Read below as we talk about this novel in more detail as well as tips on how to read it.
Is War and Peace Hard to Read?
Reading War and Peace is not a difficult task. It has over 365 chapters and 559 characters, which may sound daunting at first, but once you get into the plot, you won’t be able to put the book down.
Tolstoy’s ability to capture universal truths while also making minute elements of life in 19th-century Russia (the quartets sung after dinner, the tulle of Natasha’s gown) come to life may leave the reader awestruck at some point. You may become so engrossed in the details that you even forget you’re reading a book.
When you get to the end, you’ll wish the story would never end so you can savor every last moment of the peace, the battle, and the intrigue. And in a way, the story also won’t end since you won’t soon forget these multifaceted, emotionally charged characters in all their magnificent humanity, nor will you soon forget the sweeping emotions of an era before our own.
However, there are a few things you must keep in mind about this book:
- At first, you could have problems grasping the names if you’re not familiar with Russian literature. Keep in mind that the name of the character is the first name, and the middle name is the father’s name. So, for instance, Andrei Nikolayevich would literally translate to “Andrei, son of Nikolay.”
- You need to be patient. The first 100 pages or so take some getting used to, but after that, the book almost reads itself.
- It is important to keep in mind that during that historical period in Russia, large-scale novels served as a forum for political and philosophical discussion and debate. Some authors, like Dostoevsky, make this even more apparent, but many of the people and circumstances are actually stand-ins for actual political figures and beliefs. Although the dialogue between the characters reads like a series of dry monologues now, it was cutting edge and relevant when it was written.
- Tolstoy’s wide-ranging life experiences are a major selling point. The fact that he participated in everything, read everything, observed everything, and was acquainted with everyone is reflected in the book, lending it an air of authenticity that is difficult to find in other places. He had first-hand experience with every aspect of life: battles, balls, hunting, farming, fishing, politics, and family.
War and Peace: A Reading Guide
Here are some suggestions for how to navigate War and Peace.
Only Read It if You Enjoy Classics
Those who don’t appreciate classic literature dislike this novel. There is a particular style of writing that is characteristic of classic works:
- Sentences that go on and on
- Extensive amounts of detail
- Long stretches of one character’s thoughts or describing a setting without any forward progress in the plot
If you are new to classical literature, we recommend starting with something shorter before diving into War and Peace.
Slow Down
Before you start reading, you need to make sure that your expectations are realistic. Prepare yourself for a marathon of reading. You should read as much as you can whenever you have the opportunity to, but you shouldn’t expect to finish the book right away.
Immerse Yourself in the Story
War and Peace is a work of art in so many ways. Some people found that the chapters that focused on Napoleon’s war in Russia were the most interesting parts. But there are also other amazing things involving:
- Culture in Russia
- Russian nobility
- The characters
Stay Persistent
Eventually, you need to keep at it, just as with any book. Reading War and Peace is no different from reading any other book, except that it’s much longer and you could become bored.
Why Should One Read War and Peace?
Although the book’s length (almost 1,400 pages) may seem daunting at first, we assure you that once you start reading it, you won’t be able to put it down any faster than you would the latest episode of Breaking Bad or Game of Thrones.
It’s an epic story that takes place against the backdrop of Napoleon’s invasion of Russia and tells the story of five families. From the glittering Moscow ballrooms to the horrific battlefields of Austerlitz and Borodino, Tolstoy transports his readers through an unforgettable journey.
When you read War and Peace, it’s almost like you’re taking a trip through Europe in the 18th century and witnessing history being made.
War and Peace is about individuals, not just politicians or past events. The book features almost 580 unique characters. All of them feel so genuine and well created that you can’t help but associate them with real-life people. Just like us, the individuals in the book are attempting to locate their place in a world that is undergoing tremendous transformation.
Tolstoy also demonstrates an astounding command of the English language. You’ll be able to see breathtaking scenery and action-packed battle sequences in stunning detail. There’s heart-wrenching, suspenseful drama that will make your eyes water. You’ll feel like a fly on the wall at any gathering, whether it’s a formal ball or a casual meeting of the military’s top brass.
Conclusion
So, while Tolstoy’s War and Peace may be long and sometimes hard to read, it is considered to be one of the best novels ever written. And you’ll see why it is considered so once you get hooked on this book.
