“War and Peace” is a historical novel by Leo Tolstoy, first published serially from

1865 to 18691. The novel opens in the Russian city of St. Petersburg in 1805, as
Napoleon’s conquest of western Europe is just beginning to stir fears in Russia2.

The novel depicts relationships between the Rostov, Bolkonsky, Bezukhov, and
Kuragin families and follows their members as they fight in a war against Napoleon,
marry, make and lose fortunes, and die over the course of about a decade1. The
story is centered on Napoleon’s war with Russia and expresses Tolstoy’s view that
history is an inexorable process that man cannot influence3.

Key characters include Pierre Bezukhov, the socially awkward but likeable
illegitimate son of a rich count, and Andrew Bolkonski, the intelligent and
ambitious son of a retired military commander2. We also meet the Rostovs, a noble
Moscow family, including the lively daughter Natasha, the quiet cousin Sonya, and
the impetuous son Nicholas2.

The novel explores the lives, loves, and destinies of a diverse cast of characters
against the backdrop of Napoleon’s invasion of Russia4. This monumental work offers
an intricate portrayal of Russian society, philosophy, and the impact of historical
events on individual lives4.

“War and Peace” is a vast epic with a cast of over five hundred characters3. It’s a
sprawling exploration of the effects of war on society and individuals, and a
philosophical inquiry into history and destiny4. It’s considered one of the
greatest works of world literature1.