I agree with all about the party scene being useful to introduce the major characters. Tolstoy’s descriptions of each of the characters are well-executed – I feel like I am getting to know (and dislike some of) them well. I also agreed with the comments regarding the Count Bezukhov death scene – it could easily translate into a dark comedy sketch. It was surprising to me that Pierre so easily became the heir at the expense of others, inheriting his father’s fortune and title and demonstrating how aristocracy comes from being born (legitimately or not). The naiveite of the Russian nobility is a theme I have seen in other Russian books (Gogol, Dostoevsky, etc.), and the general (I think) disregard among these individuals for the dangers of war seems to be lost except for those with personal stakes (Lisa). The nobility parties on – gossiping, matchmaking, etc. – while others are fighting the war, foreshadowing the upcoming upheaval. Reading this Part makes me anxious to keep reading, so I’m ready for the next topic.
I’m about 3/4 of the way through the first section and loving it. I didn’t remember how funny the book is in parts (e.g.,“Each visitor performed the ceremony of greeting this old aunt whom not one of them knew, not one of them wanted to know, and not one of them cared about…”).
His style reminds me a little of Dickens, and I’m finding the book very readable (I’m using the Garnett version, the one with the blue cover).
I’m also really appreciating using the electronic version. I couldn’t remember who one of the characters was. I highlighted his name and my Kindle’s “X-Ray” feature gave me a complete rundown. It’s also translating the French for me with just a tap.
I’ve finished Book 1/Part 1 and am actually starting to remember characters without having to consult a list. I found one on Wikipedia that is fairly in depth on each character which I really like. I don’t have any favorite characters yet, but I definitely have one that I don’t care for at all. So far, so good!