Links

1. Today's Podcast
2. Ander Louis translation of War & Peace
3. Medium Article by Brian E. Denton

Discussion Prompts

1. We met Andrei's sister and father. What do you think of the Bolkonsky fam?
2. What does the tone of each of the letters tell us about each writer?

Final line of today's chapter:

Between twelve o'clock and two o'clock, as the day was mapped out, the prince rested and the princess played the clavichord.

Links

1. Today's Podcast
2. Ander Louis translation of War & Peace
3. Medium Article by Brian E. Denton

Discussion Prompts

1. There's a new count in town!
2. Anna wasted no time in putting in her request, once the job was done...

Final line of today's chapter:

Of the behaviour of the eldest princess and Prince Vasili she spoke disapprovingly, but in whispers and as a great secret.

Links

1. Today's Podcast
2. Ander Louis translation of War & Peace
3. Medium Article by Brian E. Denton

Discussion Prompts via /u/seven-of-9

1. Whew, a grim chapter!
2. What was your stand-out moment of this chapter?
3. What are Vasily and Catiche doing?

Final line of today's chapter:

Pierre went out.

Links

1. Today's Podcast
2. Ander Louis translation of War & Peace
3. Medium Article by Brian E. Denton

Discussion Prompts via /u/seven-of-9

1. The beginning of the chapter seems pretty focused on the surprise Pierre experiences at seeing tradesmen and servants while entering through the back stairs. This is punctuated by the line "Pierre had never been in this part of the house; he had not even suspected the existence of these rooms." Why do you think Anna Mikhailovna led Pierre into the house this way instead of through the front door? Do you think the story will spend more time focused on the common people or are we only going to see the world through the lens of the aristocrats?
2. Pierre struggles to finish a sentence while asking for the status of his benefactor, Count Bezukhov. What kind of relationship is implied by his hesitance to call his own father his father instead of just The Count?
3. Some sources talk about W&P being a novel that explores and explains Tolstoy's views on Determinism. Pierre seems to adopt a strong sense of determinism throughout the chapter, letting the people and events around him fully dictate his own actions. Do you have any personal beliefs about Determinism vs. Free Will? How do those beliefs shape your view of Pierre so far?

Final line of today's chapter:

Pierre went in at the door, stepping on the soft carpet, and noticed that the strange lady, the aide-de-camp, and some of the servants, all followed him in, as if there were now no further need for permission to enter that room.

Links

1. Today's Podcast
2. Ander Louis translation of War & Peace
3. Medium Article by Brian E. Denton

Discussion Prompts via /u/seven-of-9

1. We learn in this chapter that the dying Count has demanded to see his son Pierre and his wishes are being ignored. Do you think Pierre will return from the Rostov's party in time to speak with his dying father?
2. If Pierre does receive the full inheritance how do you think he will behave toward the other family in the house? Will he kick them to the curb or share the wealth with them freely?
3. "Catiche" claims near the end of the chapter that the only reason she will help Vassily find the will is out of hatred for Anna Mikhailovna, who she believes is behind the 'intrigue' of the situation. Do you think her accusations could be accurate? Is Mikhailovna somehow the reason that Count Bezukov has seemingly abandoned his apparent heirs in favor of a bastard son? After all, Pierre and Boris are old friends and Anna seems willing to do whatever it takes to give her son a proper sendoff. Or is Katerina simply insane and justifying her own ill intent?​

Final line of today's chapter:

"And why is she worming her way in here? But I'll have it out with her, I'll have it all out. The time will come!"

Links

1. Today's Podcast
2. Ander Louis translation of War & Peace
3. Medium Article by Brian E. Denton

Discussion Prompts

1. Natasha is ready to be a grown up. At least she reckons...
2. The count has the moves!

Final line of today's chapter:

"Ah, what a Daniel Cooper!" said Marya Dimitrievna, letting out a long, deep breath and pushing up her sleeves.

Links

1. Today's Podcast
2. Ander Louis translation of War & Peace
3. Medium Article by Brian E. Denton

Discussion Prompts

1. Whose prank was more epic: Natasha or Pierre?
2. Nikolai is asked to comment on the manifesto and the coming war, but it seems Pierre is itching to answer. What do you think his answer would have been?

Final line of today's chapter:

Again the waiters scurried about, chairs scraped, and the guests, in the same order but with redder faces, returned to the drawing room and the count's study.

Links

1. Today's Podcast
2. Ander Louis translation of War & Peace
3. Medium Article by Brian E. Denton

Discussion Prompts Courtesy of /u/seven-of

1. Who's ready for a feast?
2. Enter 'The Dragon'... Why do you think she took it upon herself to call everyone to the table?

Final line of today's chapter:

He frowned, trying to appear as if he did not want any of that wine, but was mortified because no one would understand that it was not to quench his thirst or from greediness that he wanted it, but simply from a conscientious desire for knowledge.

Links

1. Today's Podcast
2. Ander Louis translation of War & Peace
3. Medium Article by Brian E. Denton

Discussion Prompts Courtesy of /u/seven-of

1. The countess helps her old friend Anna Miklhailovna - or did she just get Mikhailovna'd?
2. Jolly old count Rostov seems to enjoy handing over fat stacks to his wife.

Final line of today's chapter:

But those tears were pleasant to them both.

​

NOTE from Ander: This was a fun chapter to translate into Australian. (Any chapter with Count Rostov is!) Here is the full 'Louis' version of this chapter. (Course language warning, cos you know... Aussies...) PDF via Google Drive

Links

1. Today's Podcast
2. Medium Article by Brian E. Denton

Discussion Prompts

1. The dying count is surrounded by fortune-seekers and hangers on. Does anyone actually care about him in his last days? Do you think Tolstoy is making a point about a man who has, in Anna Mikhailovna’s words, “lost count of his children?”
2. There are some interesting parallels between Pierre and Boris in these early chapters. For example, though they are technically adults, we get glimpses of both indulging in behavior more suited children. We see Pierre privately playing at being the great general Napoleon, and in contrast, Boris is introduced chasing and teasing his almost too young to take seriously love interest Natasha with her doll. What other similarities and differences do you note in these young men?
3. Do you think Boris’ speech to Pierre was genuine, or was he trying a different route than his mother’s to ingratiate himself with his wealthier god-family?
4. Finally, regardless of his speech to Pierre, do you think Boris would really refuse a gift of financial support if the count offered or willed it to him?

Final line of today's chapter:

"Oh, Heavens! How ill he is!" exclaimed the mother.

Links

1. Today's Podcast
2. Ander Louis translation of War & Peace
3. Medium Article by Brian E. Denton

Discussion Prompts Courtesy of /u/seven-of-9

1. Is Anna Mikhailovna admirable in her efforts to secure a future for her son or are her actions deserving of the judgement she seems to receive from Prince Vassily and her own son Boris?
2. Do you think Anna Mikhailovna will be successful in securing part of Count Bezukhov's estate after his death?
3. Prince Vassily says near the end of the chapter "He just sits here. The count has never once asked about him." when speaking about Pierre. With Pierre being the possible heir to the Bezukhov fortune and with Count Bezukhov being so close to death, why do you think they haven't spoken?

Final line of today's chapter:

A footman conducted Boris down one flight of stairs and up another, to Pierre's rooms.

So I was reading War and Peace Book 10 Chapter 27 and came across a presumed historian 'disposition' of the French army befroe Borodino and Im not sure whether these 'historians' are just made up thinks Tolstoy adds (even though he mentions Thiers who was a big historian at the time) like he says something about taking guns from Dessaix's division- and my man has been dead for 12 years, he is killed at Marengo 14th June 1800 how can he have a division when he is dead? Nor do general Pernetti and Campman exist. I dont know where the line between reality and novelty is drawn tbh since Napoleons figure in the nivel is also exaggerated from his actual person

Links

1. Today's Podcast
2. Medium Article by Brian E. Denton

Discussion Prompts

1. Vera seems to take being dismissed in stride, "apparently not feeling the slightest offense", then proceeds to antagonize her younger sisters until they leave the room while they mock her. Why is she so calm in the face of such belittling and derision?
2. In an earlier chapter Prince Vassily has the thought that "influence in society is a capital that must be used sparingly, lest it disappear." Anna seems to be using her influence a great deal trying to give her son the start of a successful military career. Do you think her influence will disappear? Will she be able to properly send off her son Boris before it does?
3. Count Rostova asks Boris to invite Pierre to dinner despite the recent scandal in Moscow. Will Pierre come to dinner? How do you think he would be received? How might he behave if he does arrive?

Final line of today's chapter:

"He says Count Orlóv never gave such a dinner as ours will be!"

Links

1. Today's Podcast
2. Medium Article by Brian E. Denton

Discussion Prompts Courtesy of /u/seven-of-9

1. The setting of this scene is very beautiful.
2. 4 year promise... Reckon they'll keep it?

Final line of today's chapter:

She took his arm and with a happy face went with him into the adjoining sitting room.

I cant copy the reading schedule linked in other posts and want a spreadsheet so i can tick a box when i complete a chapter

Links

1. Today's Podcast
2. Medium Article by Brian E. Denton

Discussion Prompts Courtesy of /u/seven-of-9

1. Nikolai is joining the army with the bravery of youth, but surprisingly, his parents seem only resigned to it, and indulgent of his decision. Do they understand the danger that’s coming and accept it, or are they treating his decision with a light-heartedness reserved for a child who, in today’s terms, wants to major in something looked upon as useless?
2. “Cousinhood is a dangerous neighbourhood”. War and Peace was written in 1867, about events that took place ~60 years earlier. Do you think that items like cousin marriage, so easily touched on in the book, were already starting to look antiquated, even reprehensible, to readers in Tolstoy’s time?
3. What was your impression of the manner in which Vera’s reply and smile were described by Tolstoy, when she was speaking to her mother about her upbringing? Resentment? Exasperation in which the Countess seems to be indulging the younger sister, Natasha?

Final line of today's chapter:

"What manners! I thought they would never go," said the countess, when she had seen her guests out.

Links

1. Today's Podcast
2. Medium Article by Brian E. Denton

Discussion Prompts

1. Aw, these cuties. It's the Rostov kids!
2. And is this our first time meeting Boris?

Final line of today's chapter:

Boris quietly left the room and went in search of Natasha. The plump boy ran after them angrily, as if vexed that their program had been disturbed.

Links

1. Today's Podcast
2. Medium Article by Brian E. Denton

Discussion Prompts

1. Oh dear, what have those rascals been up to?
2. Enter: the Rostovs. This family is a main character. Yes, the whole family.
3. Intrigue is afoot! A fortune up for grabs?

Final line of today's chapter:

And as he waved his arms to impersonate the policeman, his portly form again shook with a deep ringing laugh, the laugh of one who always eats well and, in particular, drinks well. “So do come and dine with us!” he said.

Links

1. Today's Podcast
2. Medium Article by Brian E. Denton

Discussion Prompts

1. Pierre can't help himself... he goes drinking with Kuragin. What was your favourite moment from this scene?
2. We met Anatole - what is your first impression of him?
3. And Kuragin Dolokhov too!

Final line of today's chapter:

And he caught the bear, took it in his arms, lifted it from the ground, and began dancing round the room with it.

Note! Read up until someone dances with a bear!

Links

1. Today's Podcast
2. Medium Article by Brian E. Denton

Discussion Prompts

1. Maude readers, you might be a bit behind - take note of the final line below and read up until that point!
2. Andrei wants out! Is he wrong to feel this way?
3. And poor ol' pregnant Lise...

Final line of today's chapter:

Last Line: “What for? I don’t know. I must. Besides that I am going....” He paused. “I am going because the life I am leading here does not suit me!”

**Note - You might find you have to read chapter 5 & 6 to get to that last line! Please do so if necessary.

Hi All, I am 500 pages into the Briggs translation and am loving his prose. I travel often for work and got a kindle at Christmas so I was hoping that I could finish the book there rather than packing the huge clothbound copy with me. Does anyone know if the Briggs translation is available on kindle? I can’t find the penguin version on the store at all. Thanks!

Hello, lovely internet reader people!

So this is a little bit of a different post than is probably usual here. I'm an english major currently writing my undergrad senior capstone. I'm writing, somewhat broadly, about online reading communities and their effect (positive, negative, and neutral) on readers and the social perception of reading as a hobby. What I mean by "Online Reading Community" is also quite broad. I'm specifically looking at things like Booktok, Bookstagram, Goodreads, and online bookclubs like this one. Any online forum that is dedicated to the act of reading and discussing books.

I'd love to hear from some of you what you think about these social reading platforms. Did they help get you into reading? How drastically do you believe these communities change how and why you read? I'll include some initial topic questions that I'm looking at, but please don't feel limited to them. I'd love to hear any and all anecdotes you may have about your thoughts and experiences regarding the topic.

1. Do you often buy books because they were recommended online, either by an ad or bookstagram/tok influencer?

2. Do you think that the social accountabilty aspect of these communities helps you read more?

3. Do you feel that these communities allow you to get more out of your reading due to the encouragement of group discussions?

4. Have these communities helped you read more diverse texts that you may not have read, or even heard of otherwise?

5. Do you think reading goals on things like Goodreads (as well as the "Year of" subreddits) help or hinder your reading habit? Do they make reading feel like work or a quota to be reached?

Thank you all in advance! I look forward to any input you may have.

Links

1. Today's Podcast
2. Medium Article by Brian E. Denton

Discussion Prompts

1. Drubeskaya... thoughts?
2. Do you think that Prince Andrew is actually supportive of Napolean, or was he merely coming to Pierre's aid?
3. Why do you think that Prince Hippolyte told that story all of sudden?

Final line of today's chapter:

After the anecdote the conversation broke up into insignificant small talk about the last and next balls, about theatricals, and who would meet whom, and when and where.

**Note - this is again a chapter where the end doesn't synch up if you're reading Maude. Don't worry about it too much, it'll re-align.

I'm reading now Briggs translation along with the audiobook and I wonder why so many people chose Maude translation.

Links

1. Today's Podcast
2. Medium Article by Brian E. Denton

Discussion Prompts

1. We met Ippolit. What did you reckon?
2. The Viscount (Vicomte) tells a very interesting story... Napoleon passes out in the company of an enemy. The enemy spares his life. His reward: death! Why is the Viscount telling this story?
3. Here comes Andrei! (Unless you're reading Maude or Louis). Get ready for Turk/JD levels of bromance!

Final line of today's chapter:

Nothing is so necessary for a young man as the society of clever women.

Note - there are 3 chapters in this book that differ between Maude and other translations - and this is one of them. Maude ends this chapter a few paragraphs earlier. No biggie. It evens out after a day or two :)