Please join us for a side read of Leo Tolstoy’s classic, War and Peace.
I’d be willing to set up a side read of War and Peace, if anyone’s interested. We could do x chapters or x pages per week or per month?
BTW, I’ve heard that the translation one uses can make a big difference in your enjoyment of this one. I’m pretty sure the version I read (probably 20 years ago) was the Constance Garnett one. Here’s a comparison (courtesy of Google):
Anthony Briggs (2005): This version is widely considered the best for a first-time reader due to its high readability and smooth, conversational flow, though some feel it is a little too modern or “British”. It translates all French passages, creating a seamless experience.
Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky (2007): Known as “P&V,” this translation is lauded for its accuracy and for maintaining Tolstoy’s unique, sometimes awkward style rather than over-polishing it. However, some readers find it clumsy or overly literal compared to others. It retains the French dialogue with English footnotes.
Aylmer and Louise Maude (1922–23): Historically considered the definitive translation because Tolstoy knew the couple and approved of their work. It is often described as balanced, easy to read, and authentic, though some find it slightly archaic. Oxford World Classics produces a popular revised edition.
Constance Garnett (1904): While one of the oldest, it remains very readable and is praised for its clarity. It can feel somewhat Victorian, but it is popular for its high readability.
Ann Dunnigan (1968): Often praised for maintaining high fidelity to the text while being artful and sensitive to the characters’ emotions. It is a strong contender for a well-balanced version, often considered superior to some of the more popular alternatives.
Rosemary Edmonds (1957, rev. 1978): A very popular, well-regarded version that is considered close to Tolstoy’s original prose and brings out the characterization exceptionally well.
I could be interested in War and Peace depending on the timing. It seems like a book I SHOULD read. I too trust @kim.kovacs as her opinions have been very similar to my own.
I would like to read War and Peace too, @kim.kovacs and @Anne_Glasgow. I have enjoyed Russian lit in the past but have never read this one.
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I just ordered the Penguin Classics version which is translated by Anthony Briggs. According to your summary it is perhaps the most readable. I am quite certain I won’t miss the French phrases. I feel like I may need the extra measure of accessibility. @kim.kovacs are you actually planning to reread this?
Let’s start with a discussion of logistics. There are a number of things to consider:
- When do you want to start?
- When do you want to finish?
- Do you want to chunk it up and read it over a longer period of time (my preference)?
- If we chunk it, what kind of division - pages/chapters/books per day/week/month?
- Should we all try to use the same translation, or different ones?
Anything else we should consider?
Most of the copies on Amazon are the Maude translation, but I’ve also seen the Garnett, Dunningan, and P&V versions. They’re so inexpensive on Kindle - under $1 - that I might just get several, read a few pages of each, then decide which is working better for me.
Yes! I loved it when I read it many years ago, and I’ve always wanted to reread it.
Can you send me a link to the Penguin Classics version?
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My biggest problem with reading is that I’ve got so many books I’ve got to read (for discussions, interviews, reviews) that I seldom make time for optional books. A group read is all the incentive I need to get a book on the list. It’s worked really well with the 1000 Books group.
Who knows? If this works, maybe there are other “big books” we can read together after we finish this one (Les Miz, anyone???)
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I would be very happy moving through it at any agreed upon pace. I usually find 10-25 pages per day doable.
It can sometimes be interesting to have different translations. I was just concerned about getting something I can get through. I’ve read Anna Karenina but somehow always felt intimidated by W&P.
Here’s the cover of the copy I ordered.
Thanks, Anne! I’m having trouble finding that translation in a Kindle version. I went ahead and bought the P&V, Garnett, Maude, and Dunnigan versions to try.
The bad news is that not all versions have a table of contents. I might end up with the book that has the best navigation!
I went ahead & ordered a physical copy (!). If nothing else, it’ll make planning easier.
What would you think about maybe 100 pp per week, starting June 1?
I’m open to alternate ideas for sure; that’s just kind of random.
What I thought I’d do is open a thread for each week, something like:
Week 1, Chapters I - IV
Week 2, Chapters V - IX
etc… and then people could post anything they’d like about those chapters. With that format, people could always opt to tackle the novel on their own, as it suits them. Breaking it down into chunks makes it a lot more approachable.
Thoughts?
@Anne_Glasgow, my copy of W&P showed up today. MAN, that’s intimidating, LOL. Looks like a flippin’ Bible!
So what’s your feeling about 100 pp per week? That would put it around 13 weeks, give or take. Too much? Too little? Let me know your thoughts!
Edit: I took a look at my copy, and with a few exceptions, the “parts” are right around 100 pp each. What would you think about doing a Part a week? The schedule would look like this:
Week 1: Book 1, Part 1, pp 1-115 (115 pp)
Week 2: Book 1, Part 2, pp 116-212 (96 pp)
Week 3: Book 1, Part 3, pp 212-313 (101 pp)
Week 4: Book 2, Part 1, pp 317-373 (56 pp)
Week 5: Book 2, Part 2, pp 347-452 (105 pp)
Week 6: Book 2, Part 3, pp 453-532 (79 pp)
Week 7: Book 2, Part 4, pp 533-587 (54 pp)
Week 8: Book 2, Part 5, pp 588-663 (75 pp)
Week 9: Book 3, Part 1, pp 668-755 (87 pp)
Week 10, Book 3, Part 2, pp 755-910 (155 pp)
Week 11, Book 3, Part 3, pp 911-1033 (122 pp)
Week 12, Book 4, Part 1 and Part 2, pp 1039-1145 (106 pp)
Week 13, Book 4, Part 3 and Part 4, pp 1146-1256 (109 pp)
Week 14, Epilogues 1 & 2, pp 1259-1358 (98 pp)
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I know, it’s over 1000 pages. I just did that with Tom’s Crossing. 
I should be able to manage 100 per week. Thanks for working up a schedule.
I ordered my book from a local Indie and I’m not sure I’ll have it in hand by June 1. Are you flexible?
Absolutely flexible, @Anne_Glasgow. Let me know when you’re ready to start & I’ll join you. Quite the summer beach read, huh?!? 
It would be a pretty typical beach read for me actually. I always take the big difficult book knowing that if it’s the only reading available I will spend time on it. Huh, another self-own reading quirk?
I must admit @kim.kovacs that I am a little intimidated by this I e and I’m trusting you that it is readable. You may have to drag me along.
Trust me, if you enjoy historical fiction, you’ll like this one. 
I’m bummed that I can’t find the Briggs translation in ebook format, though. I’m glad I bought a physical copy so I could see how it’s laid out, but I don’t think I’m going to be able to use it given the arthritis in my hands.
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Oh I’m trusting you. 
Weird about the Briggs translation. I wonder if that has something to do with it being in the Penguin Classics family? I hear you on managing cumbersome books. I recently read The Power Broker and my reading buddies complained about holding it but I used a lap pillow and found it worked ok.
Thanks for taking a look at the location of the thread. I have no idea about the back end but it seemed weird that it wasn’t showing up.
@Anne_Glasgow @kim.kovacs I would love to join. I may not be able to keep up - lots of time on the road, but I will commit to contributing and following your comments. I just ordered the clunker (Briggs version) and will try to find a digital version to travel with on the road.
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Hi, so glad I saw this! I am interested in joining in.
I’ve read your posts ahead and I think the 100 pages per week sounds good. I’ll order a copy today.