War and Peace
(Leo Tolstoy)
War and Peace really is a monster of a novel, written in 15 separate books and 2 epilogues. Let's look at each book individually to see what it's about.
BOOK I
This book basically introduces the main characters. We first see a party at Anna Pavlovna's house and meet some important people. Then we jump over to a celebration at the Rostov's home. Finally, we go to Old Count Bezuhov's home, where he dies, leaving all his wealth and title to his illegitimate son, Pierre.
BOOK II
Both Nikolai Rostov and Prince Andrei get their first taste of war against the French. While they had ideas of grandeur and glory in battle, those dreams were quickly crushed by the reality of war. Nikolai accepts that he is nothing by a cog in the machine, and not a war hero. Andrei decides not to work as an administrator, choosing instead to fight as a common soldier.
BOOK III
Back home, Pierre marries Helene, even though he doesn't want to at first. Anatole courts Marya, but she turns him down. Andrei is nearly wounded in battle, and he is even treated by the French. He sees Napoleon before being let go. Everyone at home thinks he's dead and is surprised when he shows up in one piece.
BOOK IV
Nikolai is home on leave, and he ignores his one-time sweetheart Sonya. Pierre nearly kills a man in a duel. Liza, Andrei's wife, dies giving birth to their son, which leaves him feeling profound guilt. Nikolai gambles his way into a great debt to Anatole, which his family struggles to pay back.
BOOK V
Separating from his wife, Pierre joins the Masons to find what is good and right. He finds hope in their teachings. He and Nikolai have a conversation about some of those teachings, and Andrei seems to take to them, as well. Nikolai's friend, Denisov, faces court martial for stealing food form his starving men. Nikolai goes directly to the Emperor to request a pardon, but Alexander refuses.
BOOK VI
Andrei works to reform life and government, but then he falls in love with Natasha and suddenly reforming has lost its charm. Pierre begins to lose faith in the beliefs of the Freemasons. Marya is being constantly frustrated by her increasingly senile father. The Rostovs' financial situations gets worse as they go deeper into debt.
BOOK VII
This book is all about saying goodbye to youth and facing adult life. The Rostovs spend time as a happy family together, in a wolf hunt and sleigh ride. Natasha misses Andrei, who has promised to marry her. But the family seems close and happy, even though they are nearly bankrupt.
BOOK VIII
Natasha sees city life for the first time, and because she is growing into a beautiful young woman, many from the city take notice of her. Anatole especially forms a plot to trick her into giving her innocence to him, and she is nearly abducted by him. Afterward, she has a complete breakdown, and Pierre is there to comfort her.
BOOK IX
The full-on war between France and Russia begins as Napoleon invades. Andrei, having left Natasha behind, give himself over to serving in his regiment. Nikolai takes a French prisoner and is given a decoration. Petya joins the army, and even Pierre is caught up in a patriotic spirit. Natasha begins to recover from her traumatic experience with Anatole.
BOOK X
The French march on, deeper into Russian territory. After Marya and Andrei's father dies, she moves the household into Moscow, but the French are still getting closer to that city. Nikolai rides in and saves Marya from a dangerous situation, allowing her to flee Moscow just before the French arrive. They seem to fall in love at first sight. The bloody battle of Borodino takes many live, but it's a turning point, because afterward Russia begins to win the war.
BOOK XI
Massive events, according to Tolstoy, are the result of endless smaller events, many of which cannot be predicted. He outlines the demise of Moscow, the abandoning of the city, the arrival of Napoleon and the French Army, the looting and burning of the city, even the last stand by a drunk militia, started by the well-intentioned governor of the city.
BOOK XII
After the taking of Moscow, Nikolai and Marya meet again. Andrei has been injured and is expected to die, so Marya travels to where the Rostovs are. There, Natasha is taking care of her beloved. Meanwhile, Pierre has been captured in Moscow and is nearly executed by the French.
BOOK XIII
The French retreat, the Russians following after, capturing or slaughtering as many enemy soldiers as possible. Pierre, still a prisoner of the French, finds freedom and happiness, despite his plight.
BOOK XIV
Denisov and Dolokhov are leading guerilla attacks against the Russians. Petya, now a young officer in the army, wants to fight with them. Petya is killed right away, shot in the head. In the attack, however, Pierre is released from captivity.
BOOK XV
Andrei has died and the war is over. Natasha must stop her mourning to comfort her mother, who has now learned that her son, Petya, has died. Marya must help in household responsibilities, now that both her father and brother are dead. There is lover between Pierre and Natasha, just as there is love between Nikolai and Marya. Kutuzov, meanwhile, retires from military life.
FIRST EPILOGUE
Tolstoy tells what happens to some of the characters. Marya and Nikolai marry and have children, as do Pierre and Natasha. They are happy together, living good live, although they still have each their faults. Andrei's son is growing up, and he wants to be like Pierre (his personal hero) and his father.
SECOND EPILOGUE
Tolstoy ends the novel with a long philosophical essay on the meaning of truth in history and free will.