I'm off to a new year of reading, and I've decided this year to tackle another Russian classic: Tolstoy's "War and Peace." I'm fully aware that I may fall flat on my face in this endevour; the book is over 1200 pages after all. I asked for this book for Christmas and Santa delivered, his sleigh certainly weighed down by the hefty novel. You see, I read Tolstoy's "Anna Karenina" a few years ago, enjoyed it more than I expected, and decided I was ready to tackle another Russian classic. I am reading the new translation by Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky, two award-winning translators (it was their "Anna Karenina" I read as well) who have received tremendous reviews for this new translation of Tolstoy's masterpiece.
When I received the book on Christmas, I asked Joy if she thought I would ever finish it. Shockingly, and probably more honest than most, she said "no," that it would become one of the many books I have that I want to read, even start to read, but never actually complete. Well, Joy's honesty has spurred me on--I simply must prove her wrong, right?
So last night I began my reading. Book one, chapter one, page one. It was actually easier to get into than I expected, and it read with a freshness and simplicity I hadn't anticipated. I read all the way through page 63. I figure if I read 100 pages a week, I'll finish sometime in April. I'll be sure to let you know.
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4 comments:
I have started two Russian classics and have unfortunately failed to finish both. I still have ambitions to finish The Brothers Karamazov. I figure if I read it by the time I return from Nepal I'll be good...that gives me three years. my brother really enjoyed war and peace. i have faith in you. good luck
I bet you 10 Rubles that you won't finish.
I believe in you Stephen. Don't let the man get you down!
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