War and Peace Book 1

In which I chat about the first 100 pages or so of Leo Tolstoy's War and Peace.
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The schedule I am following:
Finish by:
3/14 Volume 1, Part 1
3/21 Volume 1, Part 2
3/28 Volume 1, Part 3
4/04 Volume 2, Parts 1 and 2
4/11 Volume 2, Part 3
4/18 Volume 2, Parts 4 and 5
4/25 Volume 3, Part 1
5/02 Volume 3, Part 2
5/09 Volume 3, Part 3
5/16 Volume 4, Parts 1 and 2
5/23 Volume 4, Parts 3 and 4
5/30 Epilogue, Part 1 and 2
Popular Translations:
Constance Garnett 1904
Louise and Alymer Maude 1923
Rosemary Edmunds 1957
Ann Dunningham 1968
Anthony Briggs 2005
Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky 2007
Maude updated by Amy Mandelker 2010
Voxer: hannahsbooks
Instagram: / hannahsbooks1
Email: [e-mail]

[@bradykelso8682]

I adore this novel. Have read it three times over 40 years! Nothing like it.

[@HannahsBooks]

I stopped reading it at some point, even though I was enjoying it, because I was so overwhelmed with some personal stuff right then. It is almost time to pick Tolstoy back up, I think!

[@Anna-wh1zn]

I read this last summer and it took me on a journey. Most of it I loved and some of it I struggled through but there was always such a sense of satisfaction to finishing each section. It is a spectacular book and I will read it several more times in my life. There is no way you can absorb it all the first time and now that I am familiar with all the Russian names (and pet names and titles) I think I will get even more out of it the second time around.

[@tomaria100]

Hannah, I like your thoughtful, detailed approach.

[@DebMcDonald]

I thought of Jane Austen too! The balls scenes especially, but I saw a bit of Mr Benet in Count Rostov. It’s natural as Jane lived at that time. I couldn’t help but think of Trollope during the polite tug of war with the will. He could have written that. I’m skipping between the Maude audio and reading the Briggs and am enjoying it very much. I’m not working that hard sorting everyone out because Tolstoy quietly reminds us who everyone is. Thanks so much for guiding us.

[@dkp5176]

I enjoyed this recap and noticed the same foreshadowing as you. Also, the repetitive descriptions of Sonya's kitten-like youthfulness make me wonder if we're being set up for a contrast with her character later in the book. I loved the party scene with Count Ilya Rostov and Marya Dimetryevna dancing so happily, in their respective ways, with the servants even gathering to watch. I have been pleasantly surprised that I'm loving this story so far...bracing for the war section to come. Thanks for sharing this reading journey!

[@HannahsBooks]

Oh yes! What a great scene. Marya D is such a wonderful character!

[@SaraMGreads]

I am absolutely loving this book. I won’t be following the schedule because I can’t put this book down! I like hearing your insights.

[@bighardbooks770]

¡Hola, Hannah! Ive just today finish this great GREAT book: started w Briggs'translation, then went over to the Maude's. loved Loved _LOVED!_ it, shall reread it w a group January 2024 📚😎📖

[@jettj6088]

You should do voice-overs or become a book reader/actor in audio books. I LOVE listening to you.

[@HannahsBooks]

Thank you so much!

[@StriketheSunMD]

Great video! I love this book!

[@al.m765]

I won't be joining because I've already read W&P, and I'm reading Anna Karenina right now. But I'm already enjoying your analysis! Pavlova's party is such a great way to begin the book, it introduces us to the bustling grandeur of the society, along with hints of drama and politics that will become more important to each character. I love the way Tolstoy weaves together all these different characters and locations. There's plenty more of that snarky humor too :) I'll make sure to follow your future videos!

[@FreyaVal]

I started to love Pevear and Volkonsky's translation. I think this translation is more detailed. Here's a list of books from part one (books that Tolstoy had read for W&P):
- Diary of a student by Stephan Petrovich Zhikharev
- Epistolary novel Julie ou La Nouvelle Héloïse by Jean-Jacques Rousseau
- The occult treatise a key to the mysteries of nature by Karl von Eckarthausen
- Sentimental journey through France and Italy (1768) by Laurence Sterne
- The life and opinions of Tristram Shandy, gentleman by Laurence Sterne

[@andeeheartsbooks7447]

Really enjoying it!

[@JoshsBookishVoyage]

Great discussion. I've decided to take it one book per week to follow with you. It's more amusing than I was expected. It is overwhelming though, so I'm thinking I'll use some reading aids along the way so I don't get too lost as we get deeper into the story

[@julianchastain8283]

This analysis was lovely

[@HannahsBooks]

Thank you!

[@manjeetkr.9003]

🖤Pierre Bezukhov🖤

[@rattyrachel2930]

I have a room that I call my wreck room. It is in there I believe I will find my copy of War and Peace. If not, I’ll ask my local library to scour the State libraries to see if they can find me one. I will be far behind the rest of you, but want very much to participate. (Okay, here’s hoping this comment goes through!)

[@subasurf]

1805, note 1905

[@HannahsBooks]

Oh no! I do these sorts of misspeaks far more than I would like…