War and Peace is one of the greatest books I have ever read. Well, I’m a bit of an insomniac so over a number of months I have listened to a reading of this book three times. It’s a lot easier on the eyes to listen to it! So I know the story quite well.
Stewart, yes the Russian patronymics can be a bit confusing. I have noticed in Russian literature that sometimes characters are referred to by their patronymic other times by their first name and surname.
The Russian patronymic is derived from the Christian name of the bearer's father. For example Fyodor Dostoyevsky's fathers name was Mikhail. Therefore Dostoyevky's patronymic is Mikhailovich which I believe literally means "of Mikhail". Which is a bit like the Scottish "Mac" which means "son of".
The patronymic is usually quoted between the Christian name and surname so Dostoyevsky's full name would be "Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoyevsky"
Hong, I tried reading “Resurrection”. I couldn't bear reading it, it was so sad and depressing more so than any other of Tolstoy's works that I have read. Well that's the effect it had on me. One day I will summon the courage to give it another go! I never picked up on your theory of the three types of love, I think you might be on to something there. I do agree that the ending is rather idealistic.
saliothomas, which betrayal sickened you the most Peters or Andrew's? For me it was Andrew's for many reasons, not least of which is that they both really did love each other but courtship was wrecked by the deranged old prince.
I totally endorse the reviews by Lizzy and humanoyd.
Bromley or should I say Matt
I have left a comment on your blog for Book 9 chapter 8.
I prefer War And Peace to AK.