A reader recently got in touch on to enquire what communication I'd give for readingWar and Peacethe outset time. I've written before about the reasons why I loveWar and Peace, only with any 1300-page book, it takes some motivation to get started and, possibly more than then, to keep going.

If y'all've been looking to read the almighty Russian tome, perhaps this article may help you out. The following tips are based on my own experience, only I hope some readers discover information technology useful.

A backdrop to envisage State of war and Peace.Scene in Red Square, Moscow, 1801. Oil on sheet past Fedor Yakovlevich Alekseev.

Recall about what's motivating you to read it

I'g motivated to read War and Peace because I know information technology has a positive effect on me. It helps me to confront my feet in a mindful way, and I know I accept a lot more to larn from the characters and Tolstoy'south life lessons.

You may have been recommended the book past a friend, or you lot may want to say you lot've read it. Perchance yous've seen it on screen, or you're eagerly anticipating the BBC accommodation and would like to know a bit more near information technology. You might take read a few quotes and enjoyed them or wanted to hear more.

Expect for the character (or characters) you can relate to

For me it's Pierre Bezukov with his lack of social graces just also his desire to do good and human action in a moral way. But there's also Natasha Rostov's vibrant sense of life, Andrei'southward disillusionment, and Sonya's humility, as just a few examples. We can learn from their successes and failures, and understand a bit more about ourselves in the procedure.

"Pierre was correct when he said that one must believe in the possibility of happiness in lodge to exist happy, and I now believe in information technology. Let the dead coffin the expressionless, but while I'one thousand alive, I must alive and be happy."

While in that location are hundreds of characters in War and Peace, I think Tolstoy wants us to find the ones who really matter. I'd say it's like differentiating betwixt friends and one-time acquaintances in our own lives.

Reading War and Peace tin can accept a while – that'southward fine

Whether you lot choose to read a chapter a week, a affiliate a 24-hour interval, or to do away with all targets whatsoever, read it in your own way. You could besides try listening to an audiobook, perhaps while you travel, walk or get about chores. This is something I'grand planning to do for my reading of War and Peace next August.

Don't hesitate to kickoff again with a different translation

My favourite translation is the Anthony Briggs, although the Maude translation is defined past many as the definitive War and Peace. The Pevear and Volokhonsky is probably the most commercially available of all, and I know lots of people who accept loved it, merely I couldn't become into it.

I'd say it'due south worth sitting down in a bookshop and reading the first page of each translation bachelor. Alternatively, if y'all discover ane translation difficult to read or get into, don't hesitate to outset a different ane (no matter how far you lot are through the book).

Read more: What'southward the best translation of War and Peace?

Go along notes, read summaries or stock-up on Post-its (whatever works for you)

On my offset reading of State of war and Peace I only read information technology through. I didn't make notes, just I did refer to the affiliate summaries at the dorsum of my edition when I got dislocated.

On the side by side reading, I underlined favourite passages and made some notes in the book.

This twelvemonth I've been sticking Postal service-it notes all over my books to assist me categorise quotes I love, topics I'd like to write virtually, and connections to other books. I'1000 not far through the book yet, but there'due south already a vast quantity of Mail service-its in my copy ofState of war and Peace.

Treat it like whatsoever other book

War and Peace is just a book. How would you go nearly reading any other volume? Do the same with Tolstoy (ok, and mayhap persevere a picayune more).

"If we admit that human life can be ruled by reason, then all possibility of life is destroyed."

The Battle of Borodino (1812) is vividly depicted in War and Peace. Painting by Louis-François, Baron Lejeune, 1822.

In my opinion, hither's why I think you should read it

  • Tolstoy knew all well-nigh failure in love, work, friendships and ambition (and much more than). He wasn't perfect – certainly not towards his wife – and neither are his characters. I think this all amounts to a great bargain of authenticity.
  • To say thatWar and Peace is about everything isn't actually exaggerating. While I would say it is likewise long in places (ahem, the essays at the end), at that place's so much to mull over and compare to our own lives. For me, it'southward like a handbook for life, both in helping me realise what to exercise and what definitely not to practice.
  • (If you need more convincing, here are twelve more reasons why I'm such a supporter of War and Peace)

If you've read State of war and Peace, what would be your tip for some other reader who's keen to get started on it?

Further reading
I'd also encourage you lot to seek out some of the great work by Russian literature scholars.Tolstoy: A Russian Life(2011) by Rosamund Bartlett is my favourite biography, while Andrew D. Kaufman'southGive War and Peace a Chance: Tolstoyan Wisdom for Troubled Times(2014) makes a neat case to give the book a get.

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