I Like “War and Peace”
This week’s edition of Things I Like is a big one—quite literally, because I just finished reading War and Peace. After spending about three years dropping in and out of it, I finally turned the last page, and I’m still processing the experience. If you’ve ever tackled Tolstoy’s epic, you know it’s as much a journey through history and philosophy as it is through the lives of its characters. Despite its daunting reputation, it’s a book that has so much to say about humanity, relationships, and what it means to live with purpose.
A Marathon, Not a Sprint
When I first started War and Peace, I was struck by its sheer size and scope. It’s a novel that doesn’t just tell a story; it immerses you in the chaos of war and the intricacies of human relationships. But, as with many big projects in life, my momentum came and went. I’d read a few chapters, put it down for months, and then pick it back up again. This rhythm mirrored a lot of the themes in the book: life isn’t linear, and our focus shifts, but meaning unfolds when we commit to seeing things through.
Tolstoy’s Insights on Humanity
One of the things I found most compelling about War and Peace was its exploration of human nature. Tolstoy captures the complexity of people—our contradictions, our desires, our fears—and shows how even small, personal choices ripple outward into history. Characters like Pierre, Andrei, and Natasha feel so vivid because they’re deeply flawed yet profoundly human. Reading about their triumphs and struggles reminded me of the universal truths we all face: the longing for purpose, the pain of loss, the search for connection.
The Dance Between War and Peace
The title itself feels like a question: Is life about conflict, or is it about harmony? For Tolstoy, the answer seems to be both. The novel shows us how war shapes nations and individuals, but it also celebrates the quiet, beautiful moments of peace—family dinners, falling in love, conversations under the stars. These moments, however fleeting, are what make life worth living. I found myself reflecting on how much this tension still resonates today. We live in a world that often feels at odds with itself, yet the search for peace—in our relationships, our communities, and ourselves—remains timeless.
Finishing the Book (Finally!)
Closing the book after years of picking it up and putting it down felt like an accomplishment, yes, but also like a quiet moment of gratitude. War and Peace is a novel that asks you to sit with big questions and invites you to grow alongside its characters. It doesn’t offer tidy answers, but it challenges you to consider what really matters. For me, it was a reminder to slow down, appreciate the complexity of life, and embrace the journey, no matter how long it takes.
Conclusion
So, would I recommend War and Peace? Absolutely—though not without a bit of patience. It’s a book that rewards commitment and curiosity, much like the work I do as a therapist. It teaches us to see life in its fullness: the conflicts, the joys, the small victories, and the larger truths. Thanks for joining me this week in Things I Like. Until next time, remember: know yourself, love yourself, and don’t be afraid to take on the big books (or the big questions).