Guys!! We’re over halfway through War & Peace, AKA the mega book! I’m still so surprised at how smoothly this one is reading. I think the dedicated 10-20 minutes of reading in the morning routine doesn’t hurt either. But, still so much better than I ever expected. Parts 7 to 9 are the middle of the book, where a few major developments occur for our central characters.
Plot summary: Parts 7 to 9
How do I explain this without giving you spoilers? A lot has happened that is spinning characters into new directions. One character has gotten engaged, despite his parent’s opposition. Another character has broken off her engagement after being carried away with infatuation with a terrible man. The Rostov family is shaken by financial difficulties, broken hearts and illness. War has started again with France and the wealthy Pierre is fighting new feelings and old vices. This section of the book is far from sunny. Everything is terrible. For now. Will things get better as the book comes to an end?
What I liked: War & Peace continues to grip me
One of the potential downsides to such a long book is the potential for boredom. When you’re slogging through the same story over nigh on 800 pages, it’s easy to get bored. But not so with War & Peace. As I’ve written in my reviews on Parts 1 to 3 and Parts 4 to 6, this is compelling stuff.
It’s interesting, because I can’t really say that much happens. The bits about the war are dry. Mostly we follow the daily lives of these Russian nobles. How can that be interesting enough to keep you going for 800 pages? I think the answer can be found in the appeal of Jane Austen’s books. She, too, writes of the daily struggles of families and individuals. We like reading about other people. How else do you explain the popularity of gossip columns? When those people are from a romanticised age and are wealthy, it’s almost irresistible.
What I struggled with: it’s dark in here
The plot arch is developing. Darkness gathers and struggle intensifies as we near the end of the book. I’m enjoying it, but must admit that it’s all a bit depressing at the moment. So many broken hearts, lazy people and silly decisions! But, hey, I’m still reading. Well played, Leo, well played.
[…] I’m a little disappointed by this last section of the book, I have to admit. We’ve had an awful lot of Tolstoy telling us how he doesn’t think historians know anything about military battles. According to old mate Leo, everything happens by fate and no amount of planning or military strength/genius will make a difference. That’s fine for a paragraph or two. But there are several chapters of this as we near the end of War & Peace. […]