war and peace by leo Tolstoy audiobook summary  

War and Peace" is a famous novel by Leo Tolstoy, originally published as "Voyna i mir" from 1865 to 1869. It's celebrated for its detailed portrayal of Russian society in the early 1800s and its deep exploration of characters' emotions and thoughts.Summary: The story begins in St. Petersburg, Russia, in 1805, with people worried about Napoleon's wars. At a party, we meet the main characters: Pierre Bezukhov, Andrey Bolkonsky, and the Kuragin and Rostov families. The novel follows their lives and relationships.Andrey Bolkonsky and Nikolay Rostov join General Kutuzov's army to fight Napoleon's troops. Andrey gets injured in the Battle of Austerlitz and is believed dead, but he returns home to find his wife, Lise, dying after childbirth.Pierre marries Helene Kuragina, who cheats on him. Pierre fights a duel over her infidelity and later leaves her. He joins the Freemasons, which changes his life significantly. Meanwhile, Nikolay's gambling debts lead to financial ruin for his family. Despite being in love with his cousin Sonya, Nikolay is pressured into marrying a wealthy woman. He witnesses the peace treaty between Tsar Alexander I and Napoleon in 1807.Andrey falls in love with Natasha Rostov, but his father insists they wait to marry. During this time, Andrey discovers Natasha's infidelity, so he breaks off their engagement. Pierre comforts Natasha and eventually falls in love with her.In 1812, Napoleon invades Russia, and Andrey returns to battle. Pierre becomes obsessed with the idea of assassinating Napoleon. As the French advance, Andrey's sister Mary is displaced, and Nikolay finds her. Pierre is captured by the French and witnesses many executions, which deeply affect him. He befriends a wise peasant named Platon Karatev. After being released, Pierre falls ill but later marries Natasha. They have four children. Nikolay also marries and finds happiness with Mary.Historical Context: Tolstoy's realistic portrayal in "War and Peace" came from thorough research, including visits to battlefields and study of historical texts. Initially, Tolstoy planned to write about the Decembrists' revolt in 1825 against the Russian tsar, but he shifted the novel's focus to the Napoleonic Wars of 1812.Many character names in the novel are adapted from real-life names Tolstoy knew, making the story resonate with Russian readers. Tolstoy's personal experiences in war, such as his time in the Crimean War, influenced his writing.Writing Process: Tolstoy spent six years writing "War and Peace." Initially serialized, it received a lukewarm response, prompting Tolstoy to revise it extensively before publishing it in volumes. The novel gained popularity and sold well upon its complete release.