War and Peace

by Leo Tolstoy
War and Peace cover
Good Books rating 4.56
Historical Fiction
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £3.99–£15.99 Hardback • £18.99–£60.00 CD-Audio • £14.99
Bookshop
Format • £3.79–£18.04
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 33
  • Added: 2025-08-10
  • Updated: 2026-01-06
  • ISBN: 9781784871949
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2017-01-05
  • Formats: 413
  • Reviews: 4

War and Peace is a monumental novel that weaves together the personal lives of its characters with the grand historical events of early 19th-century Russia. Through the lens of Pierre Bezukhov, Prince Andrei, and Natasha Rostov, Tolstoy explores themes of love, war, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world. The novel is renowned for its intricate character development and vivid depictions of society, making it a timeless classic./n/nPublished as part of the Vintage Classic Russians Series to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the 1917 Russian Revolution, this edition features a celebrated translation by Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky. The translation has been praised for its ability to immerse readers in the lives of the characters, making the novel feel immediate and relevant. This edition is a must-have for both new and returning readers of Tolstoy's epic work.

Reviews
The Bibliofilles · 2025-09-02
monumental 4.80

The novel is regarded as a monumental classic and one of the most important works of literature, elevating Tolstoy to literary greatness.

The reviewer views War and Peace as the ultimate classic, praising its monumental scale and cultural importance. They highlight how Tolstoy's work stands as a pinnacle in literature, capturing the reader with its epic nature and profound thematic depth, making it a defining read for anyone interested in literary masterpieces.

Quick quotes

    The classic to end all classics

    an epic of monumental scale regarded as one of the most important works of literature

    hurtling Tolstoy to literary greatness

pushingthewave.co.uk · 2025-09-02
breathtaking 4.70

The novel is praised for its breathtaking scope and the complex transformation of Pierre, who embodies the anti-hero archetype in a way that is simultaneously amusing, touching, and tragic.

This perspective highlights the emotional and narrative depth of the story, particularly through Pierre's character arc. The reviewer finds the novel’s scale and the detailed psychological portrayal of its characters to be profoundly moving, emphasizing the human complexities Tolstoy explores rather than just the historical events.

Quick quotes

    War and Peace is breathtaking

    the transformation of Pierre, surely the archetype of the anti-hero in every sense, is amusing, ridiculous, touching, tragic

    a profound exploration of human complexity

Reddit - Recommended Books · 2021-12-22
enjoyable 4.75

Every part of the book is enjoyable, with characters, events, and philosophy seamlessly integrated.

The reviewer on Reddit praises War and Peace for its engaging characters, compelling events, and deep philosophical insights. They find that Tolstoy's writing style makes every part of the book enjoyable, with nothing feeling dull or excessive. The reviewer appreciates the way Tolstoy weaves together personal stories with broader historical events, creating a rich and immersive reading experience.

Quick quotes

    Characters, events, ideas, philosophy, the way Tolstoy writes. Every part was enjoyable, nothing was dull or too much.

    The book is big and intimidating but it's often the crown jewel for readers.

    It covers more time, more philosophy and commentary, more than the average novel.

Geneva Durand · 2021-01-13
captivating 4.00

War and Peace is shorter than Les Miserables but longer than other classic novels. It offers a unique blend of historical events and personal narratives that make it a compelling read.

This reader found War and Peace to be a unique blend of historical events and personal narratives. While it is shorter than Les Miserables, it is still a substantial read that offers a rich and engaging experience. The novel's ability to intertwine the grandeur of the Napoleonic Wars with the intimate stories of its characters is truly captivating. The historical context adds a layer of depth, making the personal journeys of the characters even more compelling. The novel's length is justified by the intricate storytelling and the detailed exploration of its themes.

Quick quotes

    War and Peace is definitely shorter than Les Miserables, and I think a little longer than The Count of Monte Cristo or Little Dorrit.

    The novel's ability to intertwine the grandeur of the Napoleonic Wars with the intimate stories of its characters is truly captivating.

    The historical context adds a layer of depth, making the personal journeys of the characters even more compelling.

Appears in Lists