This guy just rambled on for pages debating if lifting your arm exhibits free will or not without resolving the storylines for the majority of his characters and wonders why he had a mental breakdown and existential crisis.

The plot follows the napoleonic wars, especially Napoleon’s disastrous invasion of Russia and 5 aristocratic families and the drama that ensues.

In conclusion - The great man theory is false. According to Tolstoy Napoleon Buonaparte(emphasis on the u) is a Corsican fraud. I’m even more on the pre-determinism train now.

First 75% was incredible. Think he had too many characters(600 supposedly) in the end and should have focused on a smaller set.

Kind of a broken record at points with repeating himself but in different ways.

Still a hell of a ride. So much interesting history and philosophy. That second epilogue part was ridiculous though.

Also insane that Russians have to read this in high-school, no way I would have been able to do that.