I just borrowed War and Peace (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter babydoll_
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Hottieflossy
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i borrowed it too about a week ago and i havent got around to reading it yet. they had it in 3 volumes at the library so i got them all but i dunno if i wil finish it.
truly-in-bliss
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yeah i have read it twice.... i lyk it heapz... but then i lyk long conceptual stuff.. u finish reading it? 
hipsta_jess
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can someone tell me what its about so i can decide if i want to borrow it please
Bolkonski
Brother Angry Dave
War and Peace is a Historians view of the time around 1800-1815... its disguised as a narrative novel, however, some chapters, like almost every 20th is dedicated to going over theories ranging from maths to philosophy.
The narrative side to the novel is .... at times boring, but at the same time one has to appreciate the intracacies Tolstoy goes into. For example, he illustrates all the dynamics of the Russian aristocratic society and even follows up all the chararacters. There are alot of names to remember, and to make it worse, some characters have more than one variation to their name. However, if you get about half way through, that dosnt become a problem anymore.
The historical analysis and philosophying he does is rather good aswell. Some of it just went straight over my head (especially the bit he does on maths in the 11th book) but its really really interesting, esp. if you did a history subject in hsc (like extension history with all its historiography).
its totally worth it.. however, I would not borrow it, but rather buy it.. otherwise you might get a few fines.. (due to its size)...
anyone read Anna Karanina (I dont know how to spell it).. is it anygood?
The narrative side to the novel is .... at times boring, but at the same time one has to appreciate the intracacies Tolstoy goes into. For example, he illustrates all the dynamics of the Russian aristocratic society and even follows up all the chararacters. There are alot of names to remember, and to make it worse, some characters have more than one variation to their name. However, if you get about half way through, that dosnt become a problem anymore.
The historical analysis and philosophying he does is rather good aswell. Some of it just went straight over my head (especially the bit he does on maths in the 11th book) but its really really interesting, esp. if you did a history subject in hsc (like extension history with all its historiography).
its totally worth it.. however, I would not borrow it, but rather buy it.. otherwise you might get a few fines.. (due to its size)...
anyone read Anna Karanina (I dont know how to spell it).. is it anygood?
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i have read anna karenina
it's one of the best books i've ever read, there is something about russian literature which i really like. the characters are so developed, and the writers really pay attention to the little details...that's what makes it an interesting read. everything is so lavishly and intricately woven together in terms of detail and plot.
babydoll, if you couldn't get your mind around war and peace, try reading "crime and punishment". it's by dostoevsky, and unlike most C19th russian literature it doesn't develop as slowly as tolstoy's stories do. and it's a helluva lot shorter
it's one of the best books i've ever read, there is something about russian literature which i really like. the characters are so developed, and the writers really pay attention to the little details...that's what makes it an interesting read. everything is so lavishly and intricately woven together in terms of detail and plot.
babydoll, if you couldn't get your mind around war and peace, try reading "crime and punishment". it's by dostoevsky, and unlike most C19th russian literature it doesn't develop as slowly as tolstoy's stories do. and it's a helluva lot shorter
B
Bambul
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I assume you got it to fix up a table with one very, very short leg.
picaresque
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I was given this book by my father when I was ten. Reading it in a non-linear fashion, interdispersed with other books a 'little' more suited to my age, I finished it in eight months.
That said, it only took me two days to read Anna Karenina, which I was given at the same time, so I would definitely recommend Anna Karenina over War and Peace. I've read War and Peace several times over since I was ten and although my opinion has (hopefully) matured, I still think it's a little on the dry side - and I still have to fight the inclination to jump through the book, chasing after a singular narrative thread.
BUT it is worth it if you make it through to the end. Or at least, I think so. (but I might also be naturally deranged.)
Reading it in a non-linear fashion, interdispersed with other books a 'little' more suited to my age, I finished it in eight months.That said, it only took me two days to read Anna Karenina, which I was given at the same time, so I would definitely recommend Anna Karenina over War and Peace. I've read War and Peace several times over since I was ten and although my opinion has (hopefully) matured, I still think it's a little on the dry side - and I still have to fight the inclination to jump through the book, chasing after a singular narrative thread.
BUT it is worth it if you make it through to the end. Or at least, I think so. (but I might also be naturally deranged.)
War and Peace is a fantastic story, particularly in the way it details the life of the Russian aristocracy...bolkonski's (and judging by the name, I'm guessing you also liked Andrey's character?) right, it can get confusing, but it's worth it.
The philosophy Tolstoy writes is quite confusing as well, he's quite roundabout in the way he explains things, and very fond of analogy...I found his philosophy of history somewhat questionable, but it's a good book, def. read it.
The philosophy Tolstoy writes is quite confusing as well, he's quite roundabout in the way he explains things, and very fond of analogy...I found his philosophy of history somewhat questionable, but it's a good book, def. read it.
Bolkonski
Brother Angry Dave
yeah hey... he flogs the analogies... he does love them.. the weirdest one was comparing Moscow to a bee hive which has died... it lasts for a page... very sticky.. ahhaha I am so funny.
Um... yeah I did like Prince Andrews character... at first... but im leaning towards Pierre, because although he is alot more confused in life.. he has learned more about himself..
Um... yeah I did like Prince Andrews character... at first... but im leaning towards Pierre, because although he is alot more confused in life.. he has learned more about himself..