Review of

My Favourite Book
Abraham Jobby
Reg No: 225012301009
Business Communication
MMBA22LL02
 War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy
• Leo Tolstoy was a prolific writer who wrote many books throughout his career
• This is his most popular book.
• Other Notable among his books are:
 "Anna Karenina" - A tragic love story set in nineteenth-century Russia, "Anna Karenina"
is considered one of the greatest novels of all time.
 "The Death of Ivan Ilyich" - A novella that explores the meaning of life and death
through the story of a man's illness and death.
 "Resurrection" - A novel that follows the journey of a nobleman who tries to redeem
himself after causing the downfall of a woman.
 War and Peace
• Originally published in 1869, this epic work of literature is widely considered to be one of the
greatest novels ever written.
• Spanning over a decade of Napoleon's invasion of Russia in 1812, "War and Peace" tells the story
of five aristocratic families and their lives during this tumultuous time in Russian history.
• The novel is divided into four parts, each focusing on different aspects of life during the war.
• The first part of the novel introduces the main characters and their relationships. We meet the
Bezukhov family, which includes Pierre, the illegitimate son of a wealthy count; the Rostovs, a
large and close-knit family that includes the spirited Natasha; and the Bolkonskys, an aristocratic
family that includes the intelligent but aloof Prince Andrei.
 War and Peace
• As the novel progresses, Tolstoy weaves together the lives of these characters with the historical
events of the time.
• He explores themes of love, war, politics, and morality, and portrays the human condition with
incredible depth and nuance.
• One of the most striking aspects of "War and Peace" is Tolstoy's use of realism.
• He describes the horrors of war in great detail, showing the violence and brutality of the battle
and its impact on both soldiers and civilians.
• He also portrays the social and political structures of the time with great accuracy, providing a
vivid picture of life in nineteenth-century Russia.
 War and Peace
• Despite its length and complexity, "War and Peace" is a highly engaging novel.
• Tolstoy's characters are richly drawn and highly memorable, and the reader becomes invested in
their lives and struggles.
• The novel is also highly philosophical, with Tolstoy exploring the nature of free will, the role of
history, and the meaning of life.
• One of the most significant themes in "War and Peace" is the idea of historical determinism. Tolstoy
argues that history is not shaped by the actions of great individuals, but by the collective will of the
people.
• He shows how even the most powerful rulers, like Napoleon, are ultimately subject to the forces of
history and cannot control the course of events.
 War and Peace
• Another important theme in the novel is the struggle between the individual and society.
• Tolstoy shows how individuals are often trapped by the expectations and norms of their social class
and cannot fully express their true selves.
• He also portrays the tension between personal desire and duty to the state, as characters struggle to
reconcile their own happiness with the needs of their country.
• One of the most memorable characters in "War and Peace" is Natasha Rostova, a young woman who
embodies the vitality and passion of youth.
• She falls in love with several men over the course of the novel, including the dashing Count
Bezukhov and the wounded soldier Andrei Bolkonsky. Her journey from impetuous youth to mature
womanhood is one of the most poignant and powerful arcs in the novel.
 War and Peace
• Another memorable character is Pierre Bezukhov, the illegitimate son of a wealthy count who struggles to
find his place in the world.
• He becomes involved in the Freemason movement and is drawn to the teachings of the philosopher Jean-
Jacques Rousseau. His journey is one of self-discovery, as he tries to find meaning and purpose in his life.
• Overall, "War and Peace" is a monumental work of literature that explores the complexities of the
human condition with incredible depth and nuance.
• Tolstoy's use of realism, philosophy, and character development make this novel a timeless masterpiece
that continues to captivate readers today.
• Despite its length, "War and Peace" is a highly engaging and rewarding read that is sure to leave a lasting
impression on anyone who reads it.
 Pros
 Epic storytelling: "War and Peace" is a massive novel that spans over a decade and covers the
lives of multiple characters. Tolstoy's storytelling is both ambitious and masterful, keeping the
reader engaged throughout the novel.
 Rich character development: The characters in "War and Peace" are complex, multi-dimensional,
and highly memorable. Tolstoy's ability to create realistic and relatable characters is one of the
novel's greatest strengths.
 Philosophical depth: The novel is highly philosophical, exploring themes of free will, historical
determinism, and the meaning of life. Tolstoy's insights into the human condition are both
profound and thought-provoking.
 Historical accuracy: Tolstoy's portrayal of nineteenth-century Russia is highly accurate and
provides a vivid picture of life during that time period.
 Pros
 Continued relevance: "War and Peace" remains relevant today, as it explores universal themes that
are still relevant today. Its insights into the human condition and the nature of war and society are
timeless.
 New readership: The popularity of historical fiction and epic storytelling may attract new readers
to "War and Peace." Its relevance and timeless themes make it appealing to a wider audience even
today
 Adaptations: "War and Peace" has been adapted into numerous films, TV shows, and stage
productions. These adaptations introduce new readers to the novel and generate renewed interest
in it.
 Cons
 Length: "War and Peace" is a massive novel that can be daunting for some readers. Its length and
complexity may deter some people from reading it.
 Slow pace: The novel is slow-paced, with long passages of description and philosophical
reflection. Some readers may find the pacing too slow or tedious.
 Complexity: The novel covers a wide range of topics, from love and war to politics and
philosophy. Its complexity may be overwhelming for some readers.
 Cons
 Intimidation: The novel's length and complexity may intimidate some
readers and deter them from reading it.
• Historical accuracy: While "War and Peace" is highly accurate, some
readers may take issue with Tolstoy's portrayal of certain historical events
or characters.