083 - Vol 2 Part 5 Ch 7

In this captivating exploration of Count Tolstoys genius, we find him not confined to the realms of realism or naturalism, but rather soaring as an impressionist. His storytelling, while occasionally lacking in precise detail, paints vivid scenes that transcend historical accuracy. Imagine an artist crafting a battle with colors and emotions rather than exact lines; this is Tolstoys gift. One is drawn into a mesmerizing flow of life, where the court and camp, towns and countrysides, nobles and peasants are all brought to life with striking clarity. As we journey through the pages, we encounter a rich tapestry of characters as memorable as those of Scott or Shakespeare, while Tolstoy masterfully weaves in his recurring themes of human vulnerability and the power of circumstance. Experience the dynamic shift from elegant soirées to fierce battlefields, from humble abodes to grand palaces, all while being engrossed in the depth of his narrative. (from the Preface by N.H. Dole) Volume 1 Volume 2 Volume 3 (to be recorded) Volume 4 (to be recorded)